Steps to get your driving licence in France
Getting a driving licence in France follows a precise process with several mandatory steps. In 2025, the procedure is still overseen by the Ministry of the Interior, but new flexible options make training easier.
1. Register with an approved driving school
The first step is to choose and enrol in a driving school approved by the local prefecture. DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with certified driving schools across France. Registration includes creating your NEPH file (Numéro d'Enregistrement Préfectoral Harmonisé), which is required to sit the exams.
2. Pass the theory test
The highway code test, officially called the "Épreuve Théorique Générale" (ETG), is a multiple-choice test of 40 questions. You need at least 35 correct answers to pass. Preparation takes an average of 2 to 3 months depending on your revision pace. A pass is valid for 5 years.
3. Complete your driving hours
Practical training requires a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an approved instructor for a standard car licence. This number can vary depending on your initial level. If you opt for accompanied driving (AAC), you can start from age 15 with 3,000 km of supervised driving.
4. The practical driving test
The practical exam lasts approximately 35 minutes. The examiner assesses your vehicle control, compliance with traffic rules and behaviour in traffic situations. A national pass rate of around 55% on the first attempt means thorough preparation is essential.
What does a driving licence cost in 2025?
The total cost of a driving licence in France ranges from €1,200 to €2,500 depending on the package chosen and the number of driving hours needed. An automatic gearbox licence is generally cheaper (between €1,000 and €1,800) because the training is shorter.
Why use DevisPermis.fr?
Our service is 100% free and with no obligation. You fill in a form in 2 minutes, and a certified partner driving school will call you back within 48 hours to present a tailored package suited to your profile, budget and availability. You have nothing to manage: the school handles everything.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What are the steps to get the driving licence in 2025?
5 steps: 1) registration at a driving school or as an independent candidate, 2) NEPH obtained via ANTS within 24 to 48 hours, 3) theory exam passed (40 questions, 35 correct), 4) 20 hours minimum of driving, 5) practical exam. Count 4 to 9 months in total depending on region, including 2 to 6 months waiting for the practical exam slot.
What age to take the driving licence?
15 years old to start supervised driving (AAC), 17 to take the practical exam but drive alone only at 18, 18 for standard training. Theory can be taken from age 15 in AAC. In 2024, the minimum exam age dropped from 18 to 17 to reduce delays. The JDC certificate is mandatory before 25.
How long does it take to get your licence?
Count 4 to 6 months in the provinces and 6 to 9 months in the Paris region between registration and obtention. Theory takes 1 to 2 months (75 percent success), driving 3 to 5 months to reach 20 mandatory hours (35 on average), and exam slot wait adds 2 to 6 months. Intensive format cuts to 4 to 6 weeks.
What is the licence pass rate in France?
The B licence pass rate is 58 percent on first attempt and 75 percent across all attempts in 2025 according to Securite Routiere. Theory shows 75 percent success. Supervised driving reaches 75 percent versus 55 percent in standard track. Women pass at 56 percent and men at 60 percent.
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