Unlike other major cities, central Paris no longer has a driving-test centre since Dupleix closed in the 2000s. Paris candidates are redirected to centres in the inner suburbs, managed by DRIEAT Île-de-France. The choice of centre - often imposed by the driving school - has a real impact on success rates: different routes, variable traffic, different examiners. Here is the 2026 comparative guide to the main Île-de-France test centres.
The 5 major centres examining Paris candidates
1. Nogent-sur-Marne (94): the closest to east Paris
Reference centre for eastern Paris arrondissements (11th, 12th, 19th, 20th). Located at the edge of the Vincennes woods, it combines dense urban routes (avenue de Joinville, route des Grands-Stades), quiet residential zones and access to dual-carriageway sections. Average pass rate: around 55%. Appreciated for its situational variety.
2. Rungis (94): excellent pass rate
Located 10 km south of Paris, the Rungis centre is often cited as one of the most favourable in the region. Mixed town-industrial zone with fluid traffic, routes including the Rungis International Market but also residential neighbourhoods of L'Haÿ-les-Roses or Fresnes. Pass rate: around 60%, one of the best in Île-de-France.
3. Versailles (78): royal route but dense traffic
Used by schools from west Paris arrondissements (7th, 15th, 16th) and La Défense. Often technical routes with many roundabouts (avenue de Paris, boulevard du Roi), some technical climbs and relative road density. Average pass rate: 53-55%.
4. Étampes (91): rural area, less pressure
Frequent choice for schools wanting to ease their candidates' stress. Mixed urban/rural routes with some secondary roads. Caution: the rural part includes traps (80/90 speed, reduced visibility) that urban candidates master less. Pass rate: 58%.
5. Nanterre / Melun / Torcy: the alternatives
Depending on your school and place allocation, you may also be sent to Nanterre (92, Prefecture area), Melun (77, 50 km from Paris) or Torcy (77, Marne-la-Vallée area). Each centre has its specificity: Nanterre is very urban with La Défense; Melun and Torcy offer calmer conditions.
How is the exam centre chosen in 2026?
The candidate does not choose directly
Centre allocation belongs to the school and the RdV Permis system put in place by the State since 2021. The school files a request on rdvpermis.ants.gouv.fr and is allocated a centre based on availability. The candidate is informed typically 2 to 3 weeks before the date.
The school has a strong preference
In practice, each school has " usual " centres it uses for 80-90% of passages. A school in the 20th arrondissement will mostly use Nogent. A 15th-arrondissement school, rather Rungis or Versailles.
Can you request a change?
Yes, but within available places and with potential additional delay. If you have an objective reason (difficult transport, accessibility), the school can request a reallocation. For a simple wish (" I prefer Rungis "), it is much rarer to succeed.
Strategies to maximise your chances per centre
At Nogent: beware of the Vincennes woods
The route often includes a section in the Vincennes woods with hairpin bends, pedestrian/cyclist signage and 30 km/h speed. Training there in preparatory lessons is a real asset.
At Rungis: manage the market roundabout
The famous Rungis International Market roundabout is a near-mandatory passage for examinations from the centre. Very dense in the morning, it requires calm priority management and fluid sign reading.
At Versailles: anticipate multiple roundabouts
A large part of the town is structured around roundabouts (avenue de Paris, rue de l'Indépendance Américaine). The exam almost always includes 3-4 consecutive roundabouts. Upstream training is crucial.
At Étampes: manage the rural passage
The route often exits the town towards secondary roads at 80 km/h. An urban candidate must train to speed up quickly, manage overtakes and stay attentive to entry-town signs.
Waiting times per centre in 2026
In Île-de-France, average 2026 delays for a first exam place after the code test vary by centre:
Actual observed delays
Nogent and Rungis show delays of 3 to 4 months in normal period, with peaks up to 5 months in May-June. Versailles around 3 months. Étampes and Torcy are often faster (2 to 3 months). After a fail, count 1 to 3 additional months for a new date.
Solutions to speed things up
Several specialised platforms sell candidates last-minute released places. Prices: €80 to €150 depending on scarcity. Caution: these places remain allocated via the official school - coordination is needed.
Get a quote from a school matched to your centre
DevisPermis.fr can direct you to Paris schools using the test centre closest to you. Fill in the form in 2 minutes: a school in your arrondissement will call you back within 48 hours with a proposal including its attached centre and recent pass rate.
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.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
Which exam centre should I pick between Nogent, Rungis and Versailles?
Nogent-sur-Marne shows the best pass rate of the three centres at around 62 percent, versus 54 percent at Rungis and 58 percent at Versailles in 2026. Nogent offers a mixed city and expressway route, Rungis tests the A86 and logistics zones, Versailles emphasises complex roundabouts. Choose based on the route worked on with your instructor.
What is the pass rate at Rungis for the B licence?
The Rungis centre shows a pass rate of around 54 percent for the B licence in 2026, 4 points below the French national average. The route includes the A86, motorway slip roads and the international wholesale market with its lorries. A student who has not practised expressway merging is heavily penalised.
Is the Versailles centre easier for the licence?
Versailles is not easier but requires different skills. Pass rate 58 percent in 2026, route dense with roundabouts (place d'Armes, Bel Air roundabout) and residential zones with right-of-way rules. Less ring road but more urban traps. A student trained in inner Paris can feel disoriented without 2 to 3 hours of local preparation.
Can you pick your exam centre in the Paris region?
Yes, via the RdvPermis platform since 2023 you can pick an exam centre from those open to independent candidates or through your driving school. Of the 25 Paris region centres, around 18 are accessible. Waiting time varies from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the centre. Nogent and Cergy are often faster than inner Paris.
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