If you are an expat it is an excellent idea to take lessons at a driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten your wait for the test.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It could take between a few weeks to a few months to receive.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare by studying a manual and licencefrancexpress.Com using mobile apps to help you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a free test online. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer the questions correctly to pass.
Like most countries as with most countries, a French driver's license can only be obtained after passing both the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to statistics from the last few years that only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on their first attempt. The passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8 percent for women. People with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving academy, which will arrange your lessons and test for you, or take it as an independent candidate. To do so you need to sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve an appointment for a test in theory.
Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes and online practice. These courses can be expensive however they also reduce time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English learners, but they can cost more than a typical French driving school.
If you have an official driving licence from a member country of the European Union and a residence permit, you can exchange your license for one in French one. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide a translation from an official translator.
If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using a translator. You can also take the test for as many times as you want, and there is no waiting period between attempts. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both tests via a driving school, which will organise the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you will be required to sign up for an NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam's theory is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering subjects like traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice apps online, or purchase a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can earn an A grade if you score at least 20 points, as long as you don't commit any elimination errors (such crossing an unmarked line or turning left, not observing the stop sign, or disregarding the priority rules).
In the practical test, a judge will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions in the car you choose. The test consists of 25 minutes driving time and takes about two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be taken up to five times in three years.
As an external candidate you are able to bring a tutor to the exam however they cannot charge more than the price of a lesson. However, if you're studying at a driving school, they are able to provide an instructor to accompany you on the practical test. If you fail the test, you are able to retake it in as many times as would like over the next five years.
Note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French and you'll need to have a good level of fluency in the French language. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning early, even before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you must aim to attain a decent level of proficiency before you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to get their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware of certain things. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they are able to drive on French roads. In addition, they need to have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution sticker (called"conduit accompagnee") "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the initial step. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the test in practice which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your understanding of road rules and what you should do if you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will receive the document known as the certificate d'examen du permis de conduire. This document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. This is the document you must to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license each 15 years. You can do this by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online or in person at your local prefecture. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system in addition the driving rules. You could lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You can also have your license revoked if you have unpaid fines or are involved in a serious accident.
It is also essential to be aware of the fact that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Additionally, you must keep in mind that the speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. On local roads and in cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
If you've recently completed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France and needing a licence in France can be a bit of a hassle. You need to know the rules and requirements for the license in order to avoid being stopped by the police or getting into an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper has to be carried when driving in foreign countries. It translates your driver's permit into several foreign languages. They're cheap ($20) and easy to obtain at your local AAA office and even car rental companies accept them.
Many expats are able to swap their licenses to one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll also require two passport photos recently taken, a medical certification, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving licence has expired, then you'll have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can get a full license. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to pass additional tests.
If you are the latter, an exam will be administered by an expert doctor who will evaluate your capability to drive. The test consists of a theoretical test, a driving test in a parking space, and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all time. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy covers driving in France, and that it is up to date.
The process of getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home may seem daunting however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving school, it will be easy. While you don't need a driving instructor to get your French license, they will make the process easier by handling all the paperwork and scheduling. 
