French Driving License 2026 | How to Get Your Permis de Conduire
Complete guide to obtaining your French driving license (permis de conduire), from auto-école enrollment to passing the Code de la Route and practical driving tests.
Obtaining a French driving license (permis de conduire) is essential for anyone planning to drive in France long-term. Whether you're a French resident, expatriate, or student, the process involves a structured system of theory and practical tests. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the French licensing process in 2025.
Understand French License Categories & Eligibility
France uses the EU-standardized license category system. The most common categories are:
- Category B: Standard car license (vehicles up to 3,500 kg, 9 seats max) - Minimum age 18
- Category A: Full motorcycle license - Minimum age 24 (or 20 with 2 years A2)
- Category A2: Intermediate motorcycle (35 kW max) - Minimum age 18
- Category AM: Mopeds up to 50cc/45 km/h - Minimum age 14
- Accompanied driving (Conduite accompagnée): Start at 15, full license at 18
Register with an Auto-École (Driving School)
In France, all new drivers must train through an approved driving school:
- Choose an auto-école with good pass rates (check online reviews)
- Compare prices - packages typically €1,200-€2,000 for Category B
- Verify they offer online theory learning (Code de la Route)
- Check lesson scheduling flexibility
- Ask about their vehicle fleet and instructor availability
Pass the Code de la Route (Theory Test)
The French theory test covers traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices:
- 40 multiple-choice questions, maximum 5 errors allowed
- Tests taken at approved centers (La Poste, SGS, etc.) - €30 fee
- Valid for 5 years once passed
- Available in French (no official English version)
- Study using official apps and practice tests
- Topics: priority rules, signage, alcohol limits, speed regulations, eco-driving
Complete Your Driving Lessons (Heures de Conduite)
Practical training prepares you for real driving conditions:
- Minimum 20 hours required (manual transmission)
- Minimum 13 hours for automatic-only license
- Most students need 25-35 hours to be test-ready
- Includes highway driving, night driving, various traffic conditions
- Lessons typically 1-2 hours, scheduled with your instructor
- Progress tracked in your "livret d'apprentissage"
Pass the Practical Driving Test (Épreuve Pratique)
The final step is demonstrating your driving skills:
- 32-minute test with a certified examiner
- Assessed on: vehicle control, traffic integration, autonomy, awareness
- Must show independent decision-making ability
- Includes 2 special maneuvers (parking, reversing, etc.)
- Results: Favorable (pass), Insufficient, or Eliminatory fault
- Test conducted in French - learn essential commands beforehand
Receive Your License & Probationary Period
After passing, you receive your "permis probatoire":
- License delivered digitally via ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés)
- 3-year probationary period (2 years if conduite accompagnée)
- 6 initial points (vs. 12 for full license)
- Speed limits reduced: 110 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on expressways
- Advanced driving course can reduce probation by 1 year
- Full 12 points after probation with no infractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the French driving test in English?▼
No, both the theory (Code de la Route) and practical tests are only available in French. However, there are English-language study materials and some driving schools offer bilingual instructors.
How much does a French driving license cost?▼
Total costs typically range from €1,500-€2,500 including: auto-école package (€1,200-€2,000), Code de la Route exam (€30), practical test (€33), extra lessons if needed (€40-60 each). Paris and major cities tend to be more expensive.
Can I convert my foreign license to French?▼
EU/EEA licenses can be used indefinitely and exchanged freely. Non-EU licenses may be used for 1 year, then must be exchanged (if agreement exists) or you must pass French tests. Exchange agreements exist with about 100 countries.
What is "Conduite accompagnée"?▼
Accompanied driving (AAC) lets 15-17 year olds learn to drive with a supervising adult after auto-école training. Benefits: shorter probation, lower insurance costs, statistically safer drivers, can get full license at 18.
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