French Driving License 2026 | How to Get Your Permis de Conduire

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

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

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

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"

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

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