What is the average car licence pass rate in France?
The national first-attempt pass rate for the practical car licence test is around 57%. This means roughly one candidate in two passes on the first try. However, this figure masks significant geographical disparities and differences by training type.
Regional differences
Rural and less densely populated regions generally show above-average pass rates. Large cities - Paris, Lyon, Marseille - record lower rates, partly because traffic is more complex and stressful during the exam. Candidates in Île-de-France average 8 to 12 percentage points lower than those in rural regions.
Why do these differences exist?
Complexity of urban traffic
Dense areas involve more complex situations during the exam: pedestrians, cyclists, buses, numerous signs and traffic lights. Psychological pressure is higher. Candidates must simultaneously manage more information than their counterparts in rural areas.
Quality of training
Paradoxically, driving schools in large cities train drivers in more demanding environments, which may make them better drivers in the long run - even if the first-attempt pass rate is lower.
Pass rate by training type
Candidates from accompanied driving (AAC) pass at around 68%, compared to 55% for the standard route. Intensive courses show variable rates (50 to 65%) depending on the centre. The pedagogical quality of the driving school remains the most decisive factor.
How to maximise your chances?
Choose a driving school with a good local pass rate, opt for accompanied driving if possible, and sit the exam in the area where you trained (you know the roads). Do not hesitate to ask your school for its official pass rate.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr selects partner driving schools recognised for the quality of their training. Get a free quote and compare the pass rates of schools available in your town.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is the average B licence pass rate in France?
The national B licence pass rate reaches 57 percent on first try in 2025, and 75 percent all presentations combined. But it varies strongly by region: from 48 percent in Ile-de-France to 68 percent in Brittany. This difference is explained by traffic density, exam complexity and pressure on exam slots, particularly tight in urban areas.
Which regions have the best pass rates?
Top 5 regions in 2025: Brittany (68 percent), Pays de la Loire (65 percent), Normandy (64 percent), Bourgogne-Franche-Comte (63 percent) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (62 percent). Main factor: less dense traffic and exams more focused on rural driving. Conversely, Ile-de-France (48 percent) and PACA (53 percent) are the most difficult regions.
Why do candidates pass less in Ile-de-France?
4 main reasons: 1) traffic 3 times denser than in the provinces, 2) exams often including ring road and large roundabouts, 3) 4 to 8-month wait times between presentations causing loss of automatisms, 4) average of 35 to 40 driving hours needed versus 28 hours nationally. Result: 48 percent pass rate versus 57 percent national average.
Can you choose your region to take the licence?
Yes, you can register at a driving school in any region in France, as long as you have a justifiable residence or accommodation address. Some Parisian candidates take the exam in the provinces (Eure, Yonne, Loiret) to benefit from better pass rates. Note: obtention delays are also shorter there (2 to 3 months versus 6 to 9 in Paris), a decisive asset.
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