What is the self-candidate route?
Taking the driving licence as a self-candidate (candidat libre) means sitting the exams (theory + driving) without going through a driving school for the administrative setup. You are your own manager: you handle paperwork, book slots and provide an exam-compliant car.
Key steps in 2026
1. Get your NEPH on ANTS
The NEPH (prefectural harmonised number) is obtained for free on ants.gouv.fr in 5 minutes. Documents: e-photo ID, proof of address, ID document. Average 2026 receipt time: 24 h.
2. Sit the theory exam
Book your slot via an approved provider (La Poste, Objectif Code, Pointcode, etc.). Price: €30. Present yourself with NEPH and ID. Immediate result (35/40 to pass).
3. Train for driving
Legal minimum: 20 hours with an approved instructor or a supervised-driving accompanist. Supervised driving is often chosen by self-candidates: it requires an accompanist holding the B licence for 5+ years with no recent serious offence.
4. Book the practical exam
Book your slot via your department prefecture website. In 2026, delays run from 2 to 6 months by department (up to 9 months in Île-de-France).
5. Provide a driving-school-compliant car
The main trap: the car must have dual controls, a compliant passenger mirror and a "voiture-école" sign. Many rent this car by the day (€90–150).
Real cost
Average 2026 budget: free NEPH, €30 theory, 20 h private lessons €600–900 (or free in family supervised), €150 exam-car rental, free practical (first attempt), €30 theory if failed. Total: €800–1,200 vs €1,600–2,500 at a classic driving school.
Advantages
Full flexibility (choose your instructors and dates), 30–50% budget saving, ability to combine several independent instructors, full control over progression.
Drawbacks
Often longer delays
Driving schools often benefit from "reserved" slots from the prefecture. A self-candidate may wait 2–3 extra months for an exam date.
Admin stress
You manage paperwork. An ANTS error, a delayed NEPH or the wrong form can push your exam back by weeks.
No structured guidance
Without an integrated platform, you track progress alone. Many self-candidates fail due to lack of pre-exam diagnosis.
When is it the best option?
Self-candidate works particularly well for those already experienced (retake after cancellation, foreigners with non-EU licence) or living with an experienced parent/partner who can be accompanist. Less suited to total beginners.
Prefer to delegate?
DevisPermis.fr also lets you find schools with "starter" packages at €900–1,100 (theory + 20 h + exam). Comparing both options is often relevant.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays