The French B driving licence has seen major changes between 2023 and 2026. Shorter waiting times, minimum age dropped to 17 since January 2024, generalised RdvPermis platform, digital skill tracking: many changes transforming the candidate journey. This guide summarises the news in force in 2026 according to official Ministry of the Interior and Road Safety texts.
Lowering minimum age to 17
Since 1 January 2024, it has been possible to take the B practical exam from age 17, vs 18 previously, under decree no. 2023-1214 of 19 December 2023. Minimum age for supervised driving (AAC) remains 15. This measure aligned France with most European countries (Germany, UK, Netherlands). In 2024, around 45,000 17-year-olds obtained their licence according to Road Safety's annual review.
Adult supervision until age 18
17-year-old licence holders must drive accompanied by an adult licensed for at least 5 years, until their 18th birthday. This obligation, specified in amended article R.221-3 of the Highway Code, aims to consolidate practical experience before solo driving.
RdvPermis platform extended nationwide
Deployed progressively since 2021 and generalised in 2024, the RdvPermis platform (rdvpermis.ants.gouv.fr) centralises practical exam booking. Candidates no longer depend on their driving school to obtain a date: each can consult available slots across their department's centres. Result: national average wait between two attempts dropped from 63 days in 2022 to 38 days in 2025 (ONISR source).
The digital apprenticeship logbook
The historical paper logbook has coexisted since 2022 with a digital one accessible via the ANTS (National Agency for Secured Titles) app. Student and accompanist log hours completed, validated skills and instructor remarks. This digitisation eases school changes during training and hour traceability. In 2026, over 60% of schools have switched to all-digital.
Rethought initial assessment meeting
Since 2023, the initial assessment meeting (REI) is mandatorily held before contract signing. Lasting at least one hour, it assesses the candidate's prior skills and lets the school propose a realistic package (20 hours minimum, more if needed). Regulated rate: €30-60 by region. A 20h package offered without prior REI has been illegal since 2024.
New CEPC evaluation grid at the exam
The assessment grid (CEPC - Driving Licence Exam Certificate) was modernised in 2024. It now has 30 items across 9 skills, each scored 0-3 points. Total goes up to 31 points; pass threshold: 20 minimum with no eliminatory error. Assessed skills now explicitly include driving autonomy (5-minute free GPS route) and ecological awareness (eco-driving).
2024 novelty: the autonomy route
Since September 2024, the practical exam includes a 5-minute autonomy route where the candidate follows GPS or directional signs to reach an examiner-set destination. This test measures ability to simultaneously manage driving, navigation and rule respect, without outside help. About 12% of exam failures are now attributed to this phase per 2025 statistics.
Theory exam modernised 2023-2024
The theory test (highway code) has included since July 2023 questions on new mobility (e-scooters, autonomous vehicles, cycle lanes), LEZ and Crit'Air, pedestrian and cyclist safety, public-space sharing. The official question bank went from 1,000 to 1,250 questions in 2024. 40 questions per session, minimum 35 correct to pass.
Regulated rates and 2026 transparency
Since 2022, driving schools must display per-service rates (driving hour, package, theory, mock exam) on their website and physical front. Comparison sites like DevisPermis.fr centralise these rates to ease comparison. 2026 national median for a 20h package: €1,385 (Paris €1,650, Lyon €1,520, Bordeaux €1,290, rural regions €1,150).
Licence delivery times
After practical exam success, physical licence delivery time dropped from 60 days in 2022 to 15-25 days in 2026 thanks to dematerialisation. The provisional certificate (CEPC) issued immediately allows driving until final licence receipt. The tri-fold pink paper licence has been replaced since September 2013 by the credit-card-sized permit, renewable every 15 years without medical exam for category B.
Personalised 2026 B-licence quote
DevisPermis.fr integrates all 2025-2026 news into its comparison engine: packages with REI, digital logbook, regulated rates, exam delays by department. Fill our form to receive 3 local driving-school quotes within 48 hours.
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