French Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in France — Code de la route test format, auto-école costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the permis à points system.
3,398
Road deaths in France (2023)
Down 2.9% from 2022 — ONISR / Sécurité Routière
4.8
Deaths per 100,000 population
~48 deaths per million — near EU average
54%
Theory test pass rate
Code de la route — épreuve théorique générale (ETG)
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
40 multiple-choice questions (Code de la route), 20 seconds per question, 35/40 to pass (87.5%), approximately 30 minutes. The épreuve théorique générale (ETG) costs €30 and is administered by authorized operators (La Poste, SGS, Pearson VUE, Bureau Veritas, Dekra).
Approximately €1,500–2,000 total: auto-école enrolment €150–300, theory preparation €20–300, ETG exam €30, minimum 20 hours of practical lessons €900–1,575, licence issuance via ANTS €25. Costs vary significantly by region, with Paris being the most expensive.
3,398 fatalities in 2023 (~4.8 per 100K), down 2.9% from 3,550 in 2022. The 2020 figure of 2,780 was anomalously low due to COVID-19 lockdowns. France records approximately 48 deaths per million inhabitants, near the EU average.
0.5 g/L (0.05% BAC) general limit. 0.2 g/L for novice drivers (permis probatoire, first 3 years) and professional drivers. Exceeding 0.5–0.8 g/L: €135 fine + 6 points. Above 0.8 g/L: criminal offence, up to €4,500 fine + 6 points + licence suspension.
France uses a 5-class fine system and a 12-point permis à points (you lose points for offences). Speeding under 5 km/h over: €68, 0 points. Red light: €135, 4 points. Phone use: €135, 3 points. Early payment within 15 days gives a 33% discount on most fines.
France has a road death rate of ~4.8/100K, compared to Germany (3.4), Spain (3.8), UK (2.5), and USA (12.2). Licence cost (€1,500–2,000) is moderate by European standards. The permis à points system and widespread speed cameras contribute to road safety.
France Road Safety: 6-Year Trend (2019–2024)
According to ONISR and Sécurité Routière, road fatalities dropped sharply in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns but rebounded in 2021–2022. The 2023 figure of 3,398 deaths represents a 2.9% improvement over 2022, while 2024 saw a slight increase to 3,432.
Year-over-year changes
2019→2020
-14.3%
2020→2021
+15.8%
2021→2022
+10.3%
2022→2023
-4.3%
2023→2024
+1.0%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: ONISR, WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
French Theory Test Format#
The computerized theory test (ETG) is administered by authorized operators at centres across France
The French driving theory test, known as the Code de la route or épreuve théorique générale (ETG), consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in approximately 30 minutes (20 seconds per question). To pass, you must answer at least 35 out of 40 questions correctly (87.5% pass mark). The test fee is €30, and it is administered by authorized operators including La Poste, SGS, Pearson VUE, Bureau Veritas, and Dekra. The ETG result is valid for 5 years or 5 attempts at the practical test. The overall pass rate is approximately 54%. Topics cover driver behaviour, interactions with other road users, traffic signs and signals, road conditions, vehicle mechanics, safety equipment, and environmental awareness.
Questions
40 MCQs
20 seconds per question
Duration
~30 Min
20 sec per question
Pass Mark
35/40
87.5% correct answers
Test Fee
€30
ETG exam fee
What the Theory Test Covers
- Driver behaviour & risk awareness
- Traffic signs (signalisation) & signals
- Speed limits & safe following distances
- Priorité à droite & right-of-way rules
- Road types (autoroute, nationale, départementale)
- Vehicle mechanics & dashboard indicators
- Tire condition & braking systems
- Contrôle technique requirements
- Safety equipment (gilet jaune, triangle)
- Environmental awareness & Crit'Air zones
- Sharing the road with cyclists & pedestrians
- Driving in adverse conditions (rain, fog, ice)
- BAC limits & drug-impaired driving
- Tunnel & railway crossing rules
- First aid basics (PAS: Protéger, Alerter, Secourir)
How to Get Your French Driving Licence#
From auto-école to permis de conduire — the complete 5-step process
Enrol at an Auto-école & Get NEPH Number
Register at a licensed driving school (auto-école) or online platform
Enrolment fee €150–300. You receive a NEPH (Numéro d'Enregistrement Préfectoral Harmonisé) via ANTS — required for all exams.
Study & Pass the Code de la route (ETG)
Prepare for and pass the theory exam — 40 questions, 35/40 to pass
Study via auto-école or online platforms. ETG exam costs €30 at authorized centres (La Poste, SGS, etc.). Result valid 5 years.
Take Practical Driving Lessons
Complete a minimum of 20 hours of in-car instruction
20 hours minimum (13h on road + 7h simulated for manual). Automatic licence (BEA) requires 13 hours minimum. Costs €45–75 per hour.
Pass the Practical Driving Test
Demonstrate safe driving for 32 minutes with an examiner
The practical test lasts 32 minutes. You need a favourable opinion (avis favorable) with a minimum of 20/31 points and no eliminatory errors.
Receive Your Licence via ANTS
Apply online and receive your permis de conduire
Apply through ANTS (ants.gouv.fr). Processing fee €25. Licence arrives by post. You enter a 3-year probationary period (permis probatoire) starting with 6 points.
French Driving Licence Fees#
Total cost typically €1,500–€2,000 — varies significantly by region and auto-école
Costs vary significantly by region. Paris and Île-de-France tend to be the most expensive. Some auto-écoles offer package deals. Additional costs apply if you fail and must retake tests. Conduite accompagnée (AAC) from age 15 can reduce overall costs through practice with a family member.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds, small scooters (≤45 km/h)
14
years
A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
16
years
B1 — Heavy quadricycles
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
18
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg
17 since January 2024 (was 18)
17
years
A — Motorcycles unlimited
24 direct, or 20 + 2 years with A2
24
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
21
years
D — Buses (8+ passengers)
24
years
Licence Validity Periods
EU card format; driving right is permanent, document must be renewed
Medical examination required for renewal
Medical examination required for renewal
Must be exchanged for EU card format by 2033
Permis Probatoire (Probationary Period)
- 3-year probationary period for all new licence holders (2 years with conduite accompagnée)
- Start with 6 points out of 12 — gain 2 points per year if no offence
- Full 12 points after 3 clean years (or 2 with AAC)
- Losing 3+ points in first year: mandatory stage de sensibilisation (€200–250, 2 days)
- Losing all 6 points: licence invalidated, must restart from scratch
Permis à Points System
- 12 points maximum — you start with 12 (6 for new drivers)
- Points are deducted for offences, not added
- Loss of all points = licence invalidated (must wait 6 months + retake tests)
- Voluntary awareness course: recover up to 4 points (once per year, €200–250)
- Points automatically restored after 2–3 years without offence (depending on severity)
- Maximum 8 points deducted for a single incident, regardless of number of offences
France has a comprehensive speed limit system that varies by road type and conditions. The autoroute limit is 130 km/h, reduced to 110 km/h in rain and for novice drivers (permis probatoire). Since July 2018, secondary roads (routes départementales and nationales) have been limited to 80 km/h, reduced from 90 km/h — though some départements have restored the 90 km/h limit on certain roads since 2019. Urban areas are 50 km/h by default, with widespread 30 km/h zones (Zone 30) and 20 km/h shared zones (Zone de rencontre). Novice drivers have lower limits on all road types during their probationary period.
| Road Type | Standard | Rain | Novice | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autoroute | 130 | 110 | 110 | Tolled motorways |
| Dual Carriageway (Voie express) | 110 | 100 | 100 | Separated carriageways |
| Secondary Road | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 km/h since 2018 (some 90 restored) |
| Urban Area (Agglomération) | 50 | 50 | 50 | Default in built-up areas |
| Zone 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | Residential areas, near schools |
| Zone de rencontre | 20 | 20 | 20 | Shared pedestrian/vehicle zones |
Autoroute
130
Std
110
Rain
110
Nov.
Tolled motorways
Dual Carriageway (Voie express)
110
Std
100
Rain
100
Nov.
Separated carriageways
Secondary Road
80
Std
80
Rain
80
Nov.
80 km/h since 2018 (some 90 restored)
Urban Area (Agglomération)
50
Std
50
Rain
50
Nov.
Default in built-up areas
Zone 30
30
Std
30
Rain
30
Nov.
Residential areas, near schools
Zone de rencontre
20
Std
20
Rain
20
Nov.
Shared pedestrian/vehicle zones
Novice limits apply during the 3-year permis probatoire (2 years with conduite accompagnée). In rain, limits are reduced by 10–20 km/h on open roads. In fog with visibility under 50m, all roads are limited to 50 km/h.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
France uses a 5-class fine system with early payment discounts — plus the permis à points deduction system
France operates a 5-class contravention system alongside the permis à points. Most traffic fines qualify for a 33% early payment discount if paid within 15 days (or 30 days for online payment). Speeding less than 5 km/h over the limit incurs a €68 fine with no point deduction. Running a red light costs €135 plus 4 points. Phone use while driving: €135 plus 3 points. DUI between 0.5–0.8 g/L: €135 plus 6 points. DUI above 0.8 g/L is a criminal offence carrying up to €4,500, 6 points, licence suspension, and potential imprisonment. Since December 2025, exceeding the speed limit by 50+ km/h is classified as a criminal offence (délit routier).
| Violation | Fine | Points Lost | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding under 5 km/h over | €68 | 0 | |
| Speeding 5–20 km/h over | €68–135 | 1 | |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over | €135 | 2 | |
| Speeding 30–40 km/h over | €135 | 3 | Licence suspension possible |
| Speeding 40–50 km/h over | €135 | 4 | Licence suspension, vehicle retention |
| Speeding 50+ km/h over | €1,500 | 6 | Criminal offence since Dec 2025 |
| Red light / stop sign | €135 | 4 | |
| Phone use while driving | €135 | 3 | Vehicle retention possible since 2022 |
| No seatbelt | €135 | 3 | |
| DUI 0.5–0.8 g/L (1st offence) | €135 | 6 | Licence suspension |
| DUI above 0.8 g/L | Up to €4,500 | 6 | Criminal offence, imprisonment possible |
| No Crit'Air vignette in ZFE | €68 | 0 |
Speeding under 5 km/h over
Speeding 5–20 km/h over
Speeding 20–30 km/h over
Speeding 30–40 km/h over
Speeding 40–50 km/h over
Speeding 50+ km/h over
Red light / stop sign
Phone use while driving
No seatbelt
DUI 0.5–0.8 g/L (1st offence)
DUI above 0.8 g/L
No Crit'Air vignette in ZFE
Standard (forfaitaire) fines shown. Early payment within 15 days gives a 33% discount (minorée). Late payment after 45 days increases the fine (majorée). Criminal offences (DUI >0.8 g/L, speeding 50+ km/h since Dec 2025) are prosecuted in court with higher penalties.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and BAC rules are heavily tested in the Code de la route exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in France
Right-Hand Traffic
France drives on the right. Overtake on the left only. On multi-lane roads, stay in the rightmost lane except when overtaking.
BAC Limits: 0.5 g/L / 0.2 g/L
General limit 0.5 g/L. Novice drivers (permis probatoire) and professional drivers: 0.2 g/L. Above 0.8 g/L is a criminal offence with imprisonment possible.
Mandatory Insurance
Third-party liability insurance (assurance au tiers) is compulsory. Driving without insurance is a criminal offence: €3,750 fine + vehicle confiscation possible. Insurance vignette must be displayed.
Contrôle Technique
Mandatory vehicle inspection every 2 years (first inspection at 4 years). Vehicles failing the inspection have 2 months for repairs. Since 2024, motorcycles also require a contrôle technique.
Crit'Air & ZFE Zones
Crit'Air vignettes classify vehicles by emissions. Required in all 43 ZFE (Zones à Faibles Émissions) cities. Driving without the correct vignette: €68 fine. Older, more polluting vehicles are progressively banned.
Phone Use Prohibited
Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited: €135 + 3 points. Since 2022, police can retain the vehicle. Bluetooth hands-free is permitted but earbuds/headphones are not.
Child Seats (Under 10)
Children under 10 must use an appropriate child restraint system in the rear. Children under 135 cm must use a booster seat. Violation: €135 + 3 points.
Gilet Jaune & Triangle
Every vehicle must carry a reflective vest (gilet jaune) and a warning triangle (triangle de signalisation). The vest must be accessible from inside the vehicle. Fine: €135 if missing.
Priorité à Droite
At unmarked intersections, vehicles coming from the right have priority. This is the default rule in France and catches many foreign drivers off guard. Does not apply at modern roundabouts (but does at old rond-points).
Common Road Hazards in France
3,398 road fatalities in 2023 — know these hazards to stay safe on French roads
Heavy Rain & Aquaplaning
Sudden downpours, especially in the south, cause aquaplaning and reduced visibility — speed limits drop by 10–20 km/h in rain
Mountain Fog & Ice
Alpine and Pyrenean passes experience sudden fog, black ice, and snow — winter tires or chains mandatory in mountain zones
Mistral Wind
Powerful northerly wind in the Rhône Valley and Provence — can gust over 100 km/h, affecting vehicle stability on exposed roads
Cyclists
France has a strong cycling culture especially in rural areas — maintain at least 1m in urban areas and 1.5m outside built-up areas when overtaking
Agricultural Machinery
Slow-moving tractors and farm equipment on secondary roads, especially in rural regions — limited visibility around bends
Tourist Congestion
Severe congestion during summer holidays (grands départs) on major routes, particularly the A6, A7, and A10 autoroutes
France's 18 Regions
13 metropolitan regions plus 5 overseas regions (régions d'outre-mer)
| Region | Capital | Population | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Lyon | 8.1M | Metropolitan |
| Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | Dijon | 2.8M | Metropolitan |
| Bretagne | Rennes | 3.4M | Metropolitan |
| Centre-Val de Loire | Orléans | 2.6M | Metropolitan |
| Corse | Ajaccio | 0.3M | Metropolitan |
| Grand Est | Strasbourg | 5.6M | Metropolitan |
| Hauts-de-France | Lille | 6.0M | Metropolitan |
| Île-de-France | Paris | 12.3M | Metropolitan |
| Normandie | Rouen | 3.3M | Metropolitan |
| Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Bordeaux | 6.0M | Metropolitan |
| Occitanie | Toulouse | 5.9M | Metropolitan |
| Pays de la Loire | Nantes | 3.8M | Metropolitan |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur | Marseille | 5.1M | Metropolitan |
| Guadeloupe | Basse-Terre | 0.4M | Overseas |
| Guyane | Cayenne | 0.3M | Overseas |
| La Réunion | Saint-Denis | 0.9M | Overseas |
| Martinique | Fort-de-France | 0.4M | Overseas |
| Mayotte | Mamoudzou | 0.3M | Overseas |
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Lyon · 8.1M
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Dijon · 2.8M
Bretagne
Rennes · 3.4M
Centre-Val de Loire
Orléans · 2.6M
Corse
Ajaccio · 0.3M
Grand Est
Strasbourg · 5.6M
Hauts-de-France
Lille · 6.0M
Île-de-France
Paris · 12.3M
Normandie
Rouen · 3.3M
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Bordeaux · 6.0M
Occitanie
Toulouse · 5.9M
Pays de la Loire
Nantes · 3.8M
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Marseille · 5.1M
Guadeloupe
Basse-Terre · 0.4M
Guyane
Cayenne · 0.3M
La Réunion
Saint-Denis · 0.9M
Martinique
Fort-de-France · 0.4M
Mayotte
Mamoudzou · 0.3M
While driving laws are national (Code de la route), some speed limit variations exist — certain départements have restored the 90 km/h limit on secondary roads since 2019. Licence issuance is handled centrally by ANTS.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the EU-wide emergency number.
15
SAMU (Medical Emergency)
17
Police
18
Pompiers (Fire & Rescue)
112
EU Emergency Number
114
Deaf & Hard of Hearing
115
Homeless Emergency (SAMU social)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in France#
Myth: Priorité à droite applies everywhere, including roundabouts
Fact: Priorité à droite only applies at unmarked junctions without signs or road markings. Modern roundabouts (ronds-points with 'Cédez le passage' signs) give priority to vehicles already in the roundabout. However, some old-style rond-points (notably Place de l'Étoile in Paris) still use priorité à droite — vehicles entering have priority.
Myth: French motorways are free to use
Fact: Nearly all French autoroutes are tolled (péage), operated by private companies (Vinci, Sanef, APRR). A Paris-to-Lyon journey costs approximately €35 in tolls. Only some urban motorways and a few sections in Brittany and parts of northern France are toll-free.
Myth: You must carry a breathalyzer (éthylotest) in your car
Fact: While a 2012 law technically requires carrying an unused breathalyzer, the penalty clause was never implemented. There is no fine for not having one. The law remains on the books but is universally considered unenforced and unenforceable.
Myth: Crit'Air vignettes are only needed in Paris
Fact: As of 2025, 43 French cities have established ZFE (Zones à Faibles Émissions) requiring Crit'Air vignettes. Major cities include Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Nice, and many others. The list continues to grow.
Myth: Turning right on a red light is allowed in France
Fact: Right on red is never permitted in France. Running a red light carries a €135 fine and 4 points. Some junctions have a flashing amber arrow allowing right turns, but this is a separate signal — not the same as turning on red.
Myth: Roundabouts always use priorité à droite
Fact: Modern roundabouts (ronds-points) give priority to vehicles already circulating — entering vehicles must yield ('Cédez le passage'). This is the standard for the vast majority of French roundabouts. Only a few old-style rond-points (carrefours à sens giratoire without yield signs) still use priorité à droite for entering traffic.
Speeding 50+ km/h becomes criminal offence
Since December 2025, exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more is classified as a délit routier (criminal road traffic offence), not just a contravention. 43 cities now have ZFE zones. AI-powered cameras being deployed for phone use and seatbelt detection.
Permis B age lowered to 17
Since January 2024, the minimum age for the permis B (car licence) was lowered from 18 to 17 years. Motorcycles now require a contrôle technique. Speeding under 5 km/h over no longer costs points.
Phone retention power for police
Police can now retain a driver's vehicle immediately when caught using a handheld phone while driving, in addition to the €135 fine and 3-point deduction.
Départements can restore 90 km/h
Following the controversial 2018 reduction to 80 km/h on secondary roads, départements were given the option to restore the 90 km/h limit on selected roads after conducting a safety study.
80 km/h on secondary roads
Speed limit on two-lane secondary roads (without a central reservation) was reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h nationwide. This controversial measure was credited with saving an estimated 349 lives in its first year.
How France Compares Globally#
France's driving regulations compared to other major countries — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | France | Germany | Spain | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.08% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Left | Right |
| Highway Speed | 130 km/h | No limit* | 120 km/h | 112 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Test Questions | 40 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 20–50 |
| Licence Cost | €1,500–2,000 | €2,000–3,500 | €700–1,200 | £1,000–1,500 | $30–90 |
| Road Deaths/yr | 3,398 | 2,770 | 1,790 | 1,695 | 40,990 |
| Deaths/100K | ~4.9 | ~3.4 | ~3.8 | ~2.5 | ~12.2 |
Same as Germany (0.05%) and Spain (0.05%). Stricter than USA/UK (0.08%). Novice drivers: 0.02%.
Lowered from 18 to 17 in January 2024. Same as UK (17). USA allows from 16, Germany from 18 (17 with BF17).
Standard autoroute limit. Reduced to 110 in rain and for novice drivers. Germany has no general Autobahn limit.
Moderate by European standards. Germany costs €2,000–3,500. USA costs $30–90. UK costs £1,000–1,500.
~4.9 per 100K. Higher than Germany (3.4) and UK (2.5), similar to Spain (3.8). USA is 2.5x worse at 12.2/100K.
Road deaths: France 3,398 (ONISR 2023), Germany 2,770 (Destatis 2024), Spain 1,790 (DGT 2023), UK 1,695 (DfT 2023), USA 40,990 (NHTSA 2023). BAC limits: France/Germany/Spain 0.05%, UK 0.08% (England/Wales; Scotland 0.05%), USA 0.08%.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- Code de la route — French Government (Légifrance)
- Sécurité Routière — Official road safety data and statistics — Délégation à la Sécurité Routière
- ONISR — Observatoire National road safety statistics — Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière
- ANTS — Licence issuance and administration — Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés
- ANTAI — Fine processing and enforcement data — Agence Nationale de Traitement Automatisé des Infractions
- Service-Public.fr — Official administrative guide — Direction de l'information légale et administrative
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from official French legislation (Légifrance) and government portals
- Cross-verified against ONISR publications, Sécurité Routière data, and ANTS regulations
- Regional variations noted where applicable (auto-école costs, 80/90 km/h variations by département)
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on {date}
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in France?
What is the Code de la route exam format?
What are the speed limits in France?
What is the BAC (blood alcohol) limit in France?
What is the permis probatoire?
How does the permis à points system work?
What is conduite accompagnée (AAC)?
Do I need a Crit'Air vignette?
Are French motorways tolled?
What equipment must I carry in my car in France?
Can I drive in France with a foreign licence?
What is the contrôle technique?
What happens if I lose all my points?
How do early payment discounts work for fines?
Is the minimum driving age really 17 now?
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Data sourced from Code de la route, ONISR, Sécurité Routière, ANTS, and official French government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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