Supervised driving: the alternative to AAC explained

Supervised driving is the lesser-known sibling of anticipated accompanied driving (AAC). It targets candidates 18+ wishing to benefit from a real-conditions learning phase before retaking the exam, especially after a first failure. This guide details how it works, conditions and benefits of supervised driving in 2026, compared to AAC.

What is supervised driving?

Instituted by decree of 2 March 2010, supervised driving allows a B-licence candidate having passed the theory exam, completed at least 20h of driving-school training and received a favourable opinion (prior assessment), to drive a private vehicle under an accompanist's supervision, for several months before taking or retaking the exam. Unlike AAC, supervised driving is for adults.

Two main use cases

Case 1: adult candidate in initial training. After starting in classic school, they can switch to supervised driving before first exam attempt, to consolidate skills and boost success chances. Case 2: candidate who failed the practical exam. Supervised driving offers a practice phase between two attempts, without retaking full-price school lessons.

Conditions to respect

To switch to supervised driving, the candidate must meet several cumulative conditions: be 18, hold a valid theory certificate (code), have completed at least 20h of driving-school instruction, have received a favourable prior assessment (initial training completion certificate), have insurer's agreement, have an accompanist meeting the same criteria as AAC (5 years licence, insurer's agreement, no serious conviction).

The prior meeting

A mandatory 1-hour pedagogical meeting between student, accompanist and instructor before the supervised phase starts. Average rate: €60-90. It presents rules (signage, speed, insurance), best practices and validates the three-party contract.

Minimum duration and mileage

No minimum mileage imposed by law, unlike AAC (3,000 km). However, most schools recommend at least 500-1,000 km over 2-3 months for real benefit. The candidate can retake the practical exam when they feel ready, with no minimum delay (unlike AAC which imposes one year).

Obligations during supervised driving

Rules similar to AAC. Vehicle must display " Conduite Supervisée " (or " Conduite Accompagnée " default) disc at rear. Accompanist sits front right, fit to drive (zero blood alcohol, no drugs, no incompatible medication). Reduced speeds: 80 km/h vs 90 non-urban, 100 vs 110 express, 110 vs 130 motorway.

Insurance: the steps

Insurer must be notified in writing. A guarantee extension is issued (often free with Matmut, MAAF, MACIF, AXA; sometimes chargeable elsewhere), covering the candidate and naming the accompanist. In case of responsible claim during supervised phase, the malus is attributed to the accompanist (not the candidate, not yet licensed). On obtaining the licence, the young driver benefits from the same surcharge reduction as AAC (50% instead of 100%).

Key differences from AAC

AAC targets 15-17 year olds, requires 3,000 km over at least one year and two mandatory pedagogical meetings. Supervised driving targets 18+, requires no minimum mileage or duration, and only a prior meeting (intermediate meetings not mandatory but recommended). Both share the same rules (disc, speeds, accompanist, insurance).

Statistics: is supervised driving effective?

Per Road Safety's 2024 review, candidates having done a supervised phase show 67% first-attempt success, vs 52% for classic training and 72% for AAC. Difference explained by extra real-condition practice, especially for adult candidates who couldn't benefit from AAC.

When to choose supervised driving?

Supervised driving is especially recommended in several cases. 1) You are adult and fearful: it lets you gain confidence safely. 2) You failed once: instead of buying hours at €45-55/h, you can practice with family for free. 3) You will be a long period without driving after initial training: supervised driving maintains skills. 4) Tight budget: most economical way to multiply practice hours.

B-licence quote with supervised driving

DevisPermis.fr identifies schools offering the " code + 20h + supervised-driving meeting " package at competitive rates. Average 2026 French package: €1,200-1,450, vs €1,450-1,950 for AAC. Fill our form for 3 personalised quotes within 48h.