getting a driving license in france
Whether you’re a new driver, a tourist, or someone relocating to France, understanding the French driving license system is essential for legal driving in the country. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining, exchanging, and maintaining a French driving license.
1. Overview of the French Driving License System
Understanding the Permis de Conduire
The French driver’s license, known as the permis de conduire or permis B, is an official document that allows you to drive in France and all EU/EFTA member states. Beyond its primary function, it also serves as an official form of identification in most places throughout France, making it a valuable document for residents.
The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion (METTC) oversees French driving licenses, which are issued by the National Agency for Secured Titles (ANTS). This centralized system ensures standardization and security across all French driving permits.
License Categories and Vehicle Types
French driving licenses are categorized based on the type of vehicle you’re authorized to drive. The main categories include:
- AM: Mopeds and light quadricycles, typically for younger drivers or those who don’t need a full car license.
- A1, A2, A: Motorcycle categories covering different engine sizes and power outputs, from light motorcycles to powerful bikes.
- B: The most common category for personal cars and heavy quadricycles. This includes standard cars, vans, and some 3-wheel scooters or 125cc motorcycles with additional training.
- B1: Specifically for heavy motor quadricycles, a less common category.
- BE: Allows you to drive a car with a trailer over 750 kg, essential for those who need to tow heavy loads.
- C, C1, C1E: Commercial categories for transporting goods in vehicles over 3.5 tons, between 3.5 and 7.5 tons, with or without trailers.
- D, D1, D1E: Professional categories for transporting passengers, covering vehicles that carry more than 8 passengers or up to 16 passengers, with or without trailers.
French License Format and Validity
The French driving license is a pink plastic card, credit card-sized for convenience. The front displays your full name, date and place of birth, license start and expiry dates, municipality of issue, license number, signature, and permit category. The back contains a detailed table with information about different driving categories and any restrictions or endorsements.
French licenses are generally valid for up to 15 years, though this can vary depending on your age, the vehicle category, and your medical record. The validity period ensures that drivers periodically update their information and maintain current standards.
2. How to Get a French Driving License (For New Drivers)
Eligibility and Age Requirements
To obtain an independent driving license in France, you must be at least 18 years old. However, the French system does allow for accompanied driving from age 15, with the practical test possible at 17, though restrictions apply until you reach 18.
The age requirement ensures that new drivers have sufficient maturity and judgment to handle the responsibilities of independent driving on French roads.
Driving Lessons and Costs
French law mandates a minimum number of professional driving lessons: 20 hours for manual transmission vehicles or 13 hours for automatic transmission. However, the reality is quite different from the minimum requirement. In 2020, students needed an average of about 35 lessons before being ready for their practical test.
The cost of driving lessons in France is substantial, ranging from €40 to €60 per hour. Total costs for obtaining a license typically fall between €1,234 and €2,000 as of 2023. This significant investment reflects the comprehensive nature of French driver training. Apprentices may be eligible for a €500 benefit to help offset these costs.
Theory and Practical Driving Tests
The French licensing system requires passing both theoretical and practical examinations. The theory test, called épreuve théorique générale commune (ETG) or simply Code, consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws and road safety. You must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass. The test costs €30, and results are available within 48 hours.
If you fail the theory test, you can retake it after a two-day waiting period, with no limit on the number of attempts. This allows persistent candidates to eventually master the material.
The practical test, known as épreuve pratique or la conduite, takes approximately 30 minutes. It includes following driving instructions, performing specific maneuvers like emergency braking and reversing, and answering questions about car parts, road safety, and first aid. The passing rate for the practical exam is about 59.2% on the first attempt, indicating its challenging nature. Results are typically available online within two to four days.
Required Documents and Application Process
After passing both tests, you or your driving school can apply for the license online using a Harmonized Prefectural Registration Number (NEPH). The required documents include proof of identity, recent proof of residence (under six months old), a recent photo (digital or paper format), and the Driving License Examination Certificate (CEPC).
Additional documents may be required depending on your situation: non-EU/EFTA nationals need a residence card, and those under 21 must provide a School Road Safety Certificate (ASSR2/ASR). The application for a first driving permit is free and typically processed within about five working days.
Accompanied Driving for Minors (AAC)
France offers an accompanied driving program (AAC) that allows learning to begin as early as age 15, with the practical test possible at 17. However, drivers under 18 can only drive when accompanied by a supervisor who has held a permit for at least five years and has additional car insurance coverage.
This system allows young people to gain extensive driving experience under supervision before becoming independent drivers, potentially improving their skills and safety awareness.
The Probationary License System
New drivers in France receive a probationary permit for their first three years of driving. This system starts drivers with six points instead of the full twelve, with two additional points added annually until reaching the full twelve points after three years of violation-free driving.
During the probationary period, drivers must display a visible ‘A’ sign on the rear of their vehicle to alert other drivers. If three or more points are lost simultaneously during this period, a mandatory Road Safety Awareness Course is required. This system encourages careful driving habits during the crucial early years of driving experience.
3. Driving in France with a Foreign License
Tourists Using Foreign Licenses
Tourists can drive in France using their foreign driving permits without additional requirements in most cases. However, if your license is from outside the EU/EEA and is not written in French, you must obtain an official translation. Interestingly, UK drivers visiting France no longer require an International Driving Permit (IDP) for tourism, though obtaining one can be useful for travel to other European countries.
The tourist provisions allow for convenient travel while maintaining safety standards through translation requirements for non-French licenses.
EU/EEA License Holders Living in France
If you relocate to France with a driving license issued within the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re generally not required to exchange it for a French permis de conduire. You can continue using your EEA license as long as it remains valid. However, an exchange may be required after 6 months and must be completed before 18 months of residency.
This flexibility reflects the harmonized driving standards across EU/EEA countries while ensuring long-term residents eventually integrate into the French system.
Non-EU/EEA License Holders Living in France
If you move to France with a non-EU/EEA license, you must exchange it for a French license within one year of becoming legally resident. This period begins from the date of your carte de séjour (residence permit). If this deadline passes, you’ll generally be required to take the full French driving test to obtain a license.
This requirement ensures that long-term residents from countries with potentially different driving standards are properly integrated into the French system.
Special Exceptions for Students and Protected Persons
Foreign students with student visas represent a special category and do not need to exchange their non-European driving permits. They can use their original licenses for the duration of their studies, recognizing the temporary nature of their stay.
International protected persons, including those recognized as refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, or stateless persons, can exchange their licenses as soon as they file for recognition. Their permits don’t even need to be valid, provided they expired after their arrival in France. This humanitarian provision ensures that vulnerable populations maintain mobility during their transition period.
UK Driving Licenses and Post-Brexit Rules
Brexit created specific rules for UK license holders that depend on when the license was issued. For licenses issued before January 1, 2021, the UK license remains recognized in France for as long as it stays valid. You only need to exchange it if it expires, has less than 6 months validity remaining, is lost, stolen, or badly damaged, or if you commit a driving offense in France that leads to points deduction or license restrictions.
For licenses issued on or after January 1, 2021, recognition is limited to one year from the issue date of your French residency permit. If you plan to stay longer, you must exchange it during this first year. Importantly, the “issue date” refers to when you originally passed your driving test, not any renewal dates.
Most UK nationals aren’t required to change their licenses unless they meet specific criteria. Renewing a UK license while resident in France is generally not permitted, and applying for renewal while claiming UK residence is illegal. When your exchange application is approved, you’ll receive an attestation de dépôt sécurisée (ADS) that allows continued driving until your new French license arrives.
4. Exchanging a Foreign Driving License
Conditions and Eligibility for Exchange
Several conditions must be met for a foreign license exchange. The foreign license must be issued by a country with a reciprocal agreement with France, and a simulator is available online to check this eligibility. The license must have been issued by the country where you had “normal residence” before moving to France, ensuring authenticity and proper licensing authority.
The license must be valid at the time of exchange – if expired, you may need to take the full French driving exam. Additionally, it must be written in French or accompanied by an official, certified translation. Translations done abroad require legalization or apostille certification, while those done in France must be completed by an authorized translator or the issuing country’s embassy.
How to Apply for a License Exchange
Applications must be submitted online through the ANTS website, now also referred to as ‘France Titres’. The site can experience technical problems and may not accept registrations without a French social security or tax number, which can create challenges for new residents.
The application is processed by CERT (Centre d’expertise et de ressources des titres) in Nantes, which centralizes the review process for consistency and efficiency.
Documents Needed for License Exchange
The required documents vary by nationality and situation but typically include a color copy of the original driving license (front and back), copy of your main passport page or other proof of identity, and recent proof of address less than six months old, such as a utility bill.
Additional requirements include proof of residence in France for at least six months (visa, tax return, social security certificate, employment contract, or business registration certificate), a photo code with digital signature from an accredited photo booth, and a certificate of entitlement from the issuing country’s license authority. This certificate, which must be less than three or six months old, confirms your right to drive and that your license hasn’t been suspended, withdrawn, or cancelled.
Other potentially required documents include a copy of your marriage certificate for female applicants if name changes are involved, copies of any penalty decisions concerning your license, and for non-nationals of the issuing country, proof of “normal residence” in that country when the foreign license was issued. Heavy vehicle category applicants need medical fitness opinions or declarations renouncing those categories.
Processing Time, Costs, and Temporary Permits (ADS)
The license exchange process is free of charge, which is one of its significant advantages. However, processing times can be substantial, with reported delays of six months or more becoming increasingly common. During this waiting period, you’re generally allowed to continue driving on your original license while the application is under review.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be asked to send your original foreign license by recorded delivery before the French license is issued. After receiving your original license, you can download an ADS (Attestation de Dépôt Sécurisée), which is valid for four months and allows you to continue driving while awaiting your French license.
You can track your application’s progress online through the ANTS website, and you’ll receive SMS and email notifications about developments. The new French license is sent by tracked letter and typically arrives about 15 days after final validation.
5. Lost, Stolen, or Damaged French Licenses
What to Do in Case of Theft
If your French driving license is stolen, immediate action is required. Report the theft to local police right away – you’ll receive a temporary driving permit valid for two months, but exclusively for driving within France. Following the police report, request a new license online through the ANTS website, providing proof of identity, proof of address, a photo ID, and the official police report.
The swift reporting system ensures that stolen licenses are quickly invalidated while providing temporary authorization to maintain mobility.
What to Do If Your License is Lost
For lost licenses, the process is more straightforward since no criminal activity is involved. Report the loss directly on the ANTS website without needing to visit the police. You’ll receive a certificate via email or text message that serves as a temporary permit for two months while your replacement is processed.
This streamlined approach recognizes that license loss is often accidental and doesn’t require the same security measures as theft cases.
Replacing a Damaged License
Damaged licenses can be replaced by requesting a new one through the ANTS website. You’ll need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, a photo ID, and your old damaged license. The system accommodates various types of damage while ensuring proper identification throughout the replacement process.
A fee of €25 applies for stolen or lost permits, with potential additional regional taxes varying by location. However, renewal for damaged or expired licenses is free, encouraging proper maintenance of these important documents.
6. Medical Examinations and Health Requirements
Medical Rules for Heavy Vehicle Licenses
Medical examinations may be required for various reasons, including health concerns, professional licenses for heavy vehicles, or specific conditions noted on your license such as mandatory corrective lenses. For heavy vehicle categories (C and D), medical examinations may be obligatory if your previous license covers these categories.
These examinations must be conducted by a doctor accredited by the prefecture, not your regular GP. The exam is typically routine, including an eye test and blood pressure check, and costs €37, which is not reimbursed by health insurance. You can sometimes avoid this requirement by declaring that you will not drive heavy goods vehicles, effectively renouncing those categories.
Health Exams for Disabilities or Medical Restrictions
Aspiring drivers with disabilities or certain health conditions may need medical examinations to ensure safe driving capability. These exams are valid for two years and assess whether accommodations or restrictions are necessary for safe vehicle operation.
The medical assessment system balances road safety with accessibility, ensuring that people with health conditions can drive safely when appropriate accommodations are made.
7. Point System and Driving Offenses
How the Demerit Point System Works
France operates a demerit point system for traffic offenses that affects all drivers. Regular drivers start with 12 points, which are lost for traffic violations or accidents causing bodily harm. The severity of the offense determines how many points are deducted, creating a graduated system of consequences.
This points-based approach allows for proportional responses to different types of violations while maintaining a clear threshold for serious intervention.
Recovering Points and License Suspensions
You can recover up to four points by voluntarily taking a Road Safety Awareness Course (Stage de Sensibilisation à la Sécurité Routière). Alternatively, you can regain all 12 points by avoiding any traffic violations for at least two or three years, depending on the specific circumstances.
If all 12 points are lost, your license will be suspended for up to six months in normal cases, or up to five years in extreme circumstances. Recovering your license may require a medical examination or retaking the driving exam, depending on the severity of the violations that led to the suspension.
Checking Your Points and License Status
Information about your point balance can be consulted online through official government portals. You can also download a certificate confirming your license status, which is particularly useful if your physical license is lost or damaged and you need to prove your driving eligibility.
Regular monitoring of your point balance helps drivers stay aware of their status and take corrective action before reaching critical thresholds.
8. Useful Resources and Contacts
Official Government Websites and Services
The official website for all licensing procedures is ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés), which is also accessible through Service-Public.fr. Service-Public.fr serves as the official website of the French administration, offering comprehensive information on various life events, including transportation and mobility sections specifically covering driving licenses and related procedures.
Online services available through these platforms include applying for new licenses due to exam completion, loss, theft, or expiry, converting military certificates, consulting license information including points and statements, and tracking application progress in real-time.
Contact Information and Help Lines
For specific inquiries or assistance with driving license matters, you can contact the Centre de Contact Citoyens – Permis de conduire through their online contact form or by phone. From within France, call 3400, or from overseas territories (Outre-Mer), call 09 70 83 07 07.
These contact options provide human assistance when online systems are insufficient or when complex situations require personalized guidance.
Insurance Requirements and Other Tips
Third-party liability car insurance is mandatory before driving in France, with additional coverage being optional but recommended. The driving license serves as official identification throughout France, making it valuable beyond just driving authorization.
Understanding these additional requirements and benefits helps new license holders integrate more effectively into French society and meet all legal obligations for vehicle operation.
- See also: Buying a Car in France