Paris B licence exam routes: how are they picked?

The question comes up in every driving school: « What are the B licence exam routes in Paris? » For a long time, some candidates tried to memorise a specific circuit. The driving licence reform changed that: routes are now drawn randomly from an approved database, with precise technical constraints. This guide explains how the system works in 2026 and how to prepare for it effectively.

Regulatory framework in 2026

According to the amended 19 February 2010 order, the B licence practical exam must last 32 minutes and mandatorily include: at least 25 minutes of autonomous driving, two manoeuvres among five (parallel parking, three-point turn, angled parking, bay parking, reverse parking), a stretch on a road with > 50 km/h speed limit if available, and initial technical checks. Île-de-France centres follow this framework with their local specificities.

The role of AURIGE software

Since 2013, the AURIGE software, developed by the Ministry of the Interior, automates exam slot allocation and selects the route type from a database. This removes manual allocations that could create imbalances between candidates. The examiner can then adapt the itinerary in real time based on traffic.

The 4 Paris-used exam centres

Depending on your postcode, your school enrols you in one of: Paris-Daumesnil (12th) for districts 1-4, 11-13; Paris-Maine (14th) for 5-7, 14-16; Saint-Ouen (93) for 17-18; Nanterre (92) for 16th South and Boulogne. Each centre has typical routes worth practising.

Typical Paris-Daumesnil route

Routes start avenue Daumesnil, often go up via boulevard Diderot, place de la Bastille, boulevard Voltaire, before returning via boulevard Soult or avenue du Trône. The 50+ km/h stretch generally occurs on quai de Bercy. The parallel park is often rue de Reuilly or rue Crozatier. Key difficulties: Bastille, many bike boxes, bus lanes.

Typical Paris-Maine route

The Maine-Vaugirard centre leads candidates to boulevard du Montparnasse, avenue du Général Leclerc, then a stretch on boulevard Raspail or boulevard Jourdan. The Porte d'Orléans ring road is frequently used for the fast portion. The three-point turn often falls on rue d'Alésia (light traffic, sufficient space).

Systematically evaluated zones

Examiners seek to test specific skills. Four situations come up almost always: a roundabout (Nation, Place d'Italie, Porte de Pantin depending on centre), an unsignalled junction with right-of-way, a pedestrian crossing with reduced visibility, a 70 km/h road. If your route does not naturally include one of these, the examiner steers you to create it.

Special case: the ring road

Contrary to popular belief, the périphérique is not mandatory. However, it is included in about 60% of exams from Maine and Daumesnil. In case of total gridlock (average speed < 40 km/h), the examiner may exclude it. Practise merging in and out: this is often the most stressful moment for a Parisian who does not drive it daily.

Can you anticipate the exact route?

No, and it is intentional. Centres use 8 to 12 different routes on weekly rotation. Memorising one route would be counterproductive: an examiner can always deviate due to works, events, etc. The goal remains being able to drive anywhere respecting the rules, not memorising a path.

« Exam route » lessons

All serious Paris driving schools include 3 to 5 hours on your centre's typical routes in their final package. Use them to redo key zones in real conditions: Bastille on a 6 pm weekday, parallel park on rue de Reuilly on Saturday noon, Porte d'Orléans ring road merging. This targeted practice significantly raises success rates.

Prepare with the right tools

Two free tools help: Google Street View to preview complex junctions, and the ONISR CARTES - Accidents statistics to understand risk areas. Your instructor knows your centre's routes: ask for the most common itineraries to target your prep.

Get a free quote for your Paris route prep

DevisPermis.fr selects Paris driving schools specialised in your centre's exam routes. Fill the form in 2 minutes, receive up to 3 quotes within 48 hours, with hour breakdown on typical routes. No commitment.