# France Driving Test (ANTS / Code de la Route) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/france
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license in France, covering the Code de la Route theory test, requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

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## Quick Facts: France Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Securises) / France Titres |
| Questions | 40 multiple choice (video-based, 1-4 correct answers per question) |
| Time Limit | 30 minutes (20 seconds per question) |
| Pass Mark | 35 correct out of 40 (87.5%) |
| Test Fee | 30€ |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (17 with conduite accompagnee) |
| Test Language | French (interpreter available on request) |
| Theory Validity | 5 years after passing |
| License Validity | 15 years |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 51% |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get a French Driving License (Permis de Conduire)

### Step 1: Register and Obtain Your NEPH Number
- Create an account on the France Titres (formerly ANTS) website
- Apply for your NEPH (Numero d'Enregistrement Prefectoral Harmonise)
- Provide required documents: ID, proof of address, ASSR certificate (if applicable), and a digital photo
- The NEPH number is required before you can book any exams

### Step 2: Enroll in a Driving School (Auto-ecole) or Study Independently
- Register with an authorized auto-ecole for structured training
- Average enrollment cost: 1,200-2,000€ for a complete package
- Alternatively, study independently as a candidat libre (free candidate)
- Online driving schools (auto-ecoles en ligne) such as Ornikar or En Voiture Simone are also available

### Step 3: Pass the Theory Test (Epreuve Theorique Generale - ETG)
- 40 multiple-choice questions with video and image-based scenarios
- Each question may have 1 to 4 correct answers; partial answers score zero
- Must score at least 35/40 to pass
- Book at approved testing centers: La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue, or Bureau Veritas
- Fee: 30€ per attempt

### Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Lessons (Lecons de Conduite)
- Minimum 20 hours of in-car instruction required by law
- Most students need 25-35 hours in practice
- Must complete within 5 years of passing the theory test
- Lessons cost approximately 40-55€ per hour depending on region

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Exam (Epreuve Pratique)
- Approximately 32 minutes of driving in real traffic conditions
- Evaluated by a certified examiner (inspecteur du permis de conduire)
- Assessed on vehicle control, road awareness, and autonomous driving
- Results are available online within 48 hours

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## Code de la Route Theory Test Topics

### Traffic Signs (Signalisation Routiere)
1. **Warning signs (Panneaux de danger)** - Triangle shape, white background with red border
2. **Prohibitory signs (Panneaux d'interdiction)** - Circular, white with red border
3. **Mandatory signs (Panneaux d'obligation)** - Circular, blue background
4. **Information signs (Panneaux d'indication)** - Rectangular, blue or green
5. **Priority signs (Panneaux de priorite)** - Various shapes

### Priority Rules (Regles de Priorite)
- Priority to the right (priorite a droite) at unmarked intersections
- Roundabout traffic has priority (priority to vehicles already in the roundabout)
- Emergency vehicles (vehicules prioritaires) always have priority
- Pedestrians at crossings (passages pietons) have priority

### Speed Limits in France (Limitations de Vitesse)

| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) | New Drivers (Permis Probatoire) |
|-----------|------|-----------------|-------------------------------|
| Urban areas (Agglomeration) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Rural roads (Routes departementales) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Dual carriageways (Routes a chaussees separees) | 110 km/h | 90 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Motorways (Autoroutes) | 130 km/h | 90 km/h | 110 km/h |

**Note:** Speed limits are reduced by 20 km/h in wet weather on roads with limits above 50 km/h. In fog (visibility < 50m), the limit is 50 km/h on all roads.

### Alcohol Limits (Taux d'Alcoolemie)
- General drivers: 0.5 g/L blood (0.25 mg/L breath)
- New drivers with probationary license (permis probatoire, less than 3 years or 2 years with conduite accompagnee): 0.2 g/L blood (0.10 mg/L breath)
- The 0.2 g/L limit effectively means zero alcohol consumption before driving

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in France (Equipements Obligatoires)

1. **Reflective vest (gilet de securite)** - EN20471 compliant, must be within reach of the driver (not in the trunk)
2. **Warning triangle (triangle de presignalisation)** - Must be placed 30 meters behind the vehicle in case of breakdown
3. **Spare wheel or puncture repair kit** (roue de secours ou kit anti-crevaison)
4. **Vehicle registration document (carte grise)**
5. **Valid insurance certificate (attestation d'assurance)**
6. **Headlight beam deflectors** (if driving a right-hand drive vehicle)

**Note:** Breathalyzers (ethylotests) are no longer mandatory in France as of 2024. A first aid kit is recommended but not legally required.

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## French License Types (Categories du Permis de Conduire)

| License | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| AM (BSR) | Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h | 14 years |
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW | 16 years |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (unlimited power) | 20 years (or 2 years with A2) |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8 passengers | 18 years (17 with conduite accompagnee) |
| B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years |
| C1 | Medium trucks (3,500-7,500 kg) | 18 years |
| C | Heavy trucks (over 3,500 kg) | 21 years |
| D1 | Minibuses (max 16 passengers) | 21 years |
| D | Buses (more than 8 passengers) | 24 years |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Not correctly identifying priority rules at intersections (priorite a droite)
2. Choosing incorrect speed for road type or weather conditions
3. Failing to check mirrors (retroviseurs) before maneuvers
4. Misunderstanding questions with multiple correct answers (all must be selected)
5. Not knowing the specific stopping and parking regulations
6. Confusing warning signs with prohibitory signs
7. Incorrect understanding of alcohol limits and their consequences

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost Range |
|------|------------|
| Driving school enrollment (auto-ecole) | 800-2,000€ (package) |
| Theory test fee (ETG) | 30€ per attempt |
| Practical lessons (per hour) | 40-55€ |
| Practical exam fee | Included in school package or ~100€ |
| Medical certificate (if required) | 30-50€ |
| NEPH registration | Free |
| License issuance fee | 25€ |
| Total average cost | 1,200-2,000€ |

**Note:** Costs vary significantly by region. Paris and Ile-de-France are the most expensive (often exceeding 2,000€), while regions like Nord and Territoire de Belfort average around 1,480€.

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips (Conseils pour l'ETG)
1. Study the official Code de la Route manual (available from Codes Rousseau or ENPC)
2. Complete at least 40-50 full practice tests before booking your exam
3. Score consistently 38/40 or higher on practice tests before scheduling
4. Pay special attention to video-based questions showing real traffic scenarios
5. Remember that each question may have multiple correct answers - all must be selected
6. Focus on priority rules, speed limits, and alcohol regulations

### Practical Test Tips (Conseils pour l'Epreuve Pratique)
1. Complete at least 25-30 hours of driving lessons before the exam
2. Practice in the area where the exam will be held
3. Stay calm and maintain smooth, confident vehicle control
4. Always perform visual checks (controles visuels) before any maneuver
5. Respect speed limits and adapt speed to traffic conditions
6. Demonstrate eco-driving (eco-conduite) awareness

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## Converting a Foreign License to French (Echange de Permis Etranger)

### EU/EEA License Holders
- Can drive indefinitely in France with a valid EU/EEA license
- Optional exchange for a French license without exams
- Exchange becomes mandatory if license is lost, stolen, or when renewing
- Apply through France Titres (ANTS) website

### Non-EU License Holders
- Foreign license valid for 1 year after establishing residence in France
- Must request exchange within 1 year of residence
- Average processing time: 4-6 months
- Apply online through France Titres (ANTS)

### Countries with Exchange Agreements (Accords de Reciprocite)
Approximately 60 countries have reciprocal exchange agreements with France, including: Algeria, Argentina, Australia (some states), Brazil, Canada (most provinces), Japan, Lebanon, Monaco, Morocco, Senegal, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States (some states)

**Without an agreement:** Must pass both the theory (Code de la Route) and practical driving tests in full.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the French Code de la Route test?
The French Code de la Route theory test (ETG - Epreuve Theorique Generale) has 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question may have 1 to 4 correct answers, and all correct answers must be selected to score a point. You must score at least 35 out of 40 to pass, within 30 minutes.

### How much does the French driving test cost in total?
The total cost to get a French driving license (permis de conduire) typically ranges from 1,200€ to 2,000€, depending on the region and number of lessons needed. The theory test fee alone is 30€ per attempt. Practical lessons cost 40-55€ per hour, with a legal minimum of 20 hours required.

### Can I take the French driving test in English?
The official Code de la Route test is administered in French. However, a sworn interpreter (traducteur assermente) can be arranged to assist during the exam. Some approved testing centers in larger cities may offer the test with an interpreter. Practice materials in English are available at https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/france.

### What is the pass rate for the French Code de la Route?
The first-time pass rate for the French Code de la Route theory test is approximately 51% (2024 data). Following the September 2023 reform, pass rates initially dropped below 50% but have since stabilized around 55-60%. With proper preparation using official questions, your chances of passing improve significantly.

### How long is the French theory test valid?
After passing the Code de la Route theory test, you have 5 years to complete the practical test. If you do not pass the practical exam within this period, you must retake the theory test.

### What is the minimum driving age in France?
The minimum age for a standard car license (permis B) in France is 18 years old. However, with conduite accompagnee (accompanied driving), candidates can begin learning at 15 and take the test at 17. For mopeds (AM/BSR), the minimum age is 14.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - France Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/france
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check service-public.gouv.fr or permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr.