From age 15, the fast track to a license
Accompanied Driving (AAC)
Accompanied Driving (AAC) allows young people from age 15 to start training at a driving school, then practise with a licensed adult supervisor (B license held for at least 5 years). This scheme lets candidates build experience in varied conditions (motorway, night, rain, snow) before sitting the exam at age 17½. According to the French Road Safety, the AAC pass rate reaches 73% vs 58% for the standard route. Additional benefit: the probationary period is reduced from 3 to 2 years, and car insurance premiums are discounted. Highway code must be passed via the ETG at an approved operator (La Poste, Objectif Code SGS, Pointcode).
The essentials
Accompanied driving (AAC) is the French early-learning route to the Class B licence, available from age 15. Candidates complete a minimum 20 driving hours with an instructor, then 3,000 km over at least 1 year with an accompanying driver (parent, relative). Pass rate exceeds 70% (vs 58% national average). Practical exam at 17 and a half, full Class B at 18.
Pricing and rates for Accompanied Driving (AAC)
The price of accompanied driving (AAC) ranges from €1,800 to €2,200, that is €200 to €400 more than the standard route. The extra cost is offset by the higher pass rate (73% vs 58%) which avoids paid retake presentations, and by car insurance discounts (10 to 30% depending on insurer). Allow 20 hours of initial driving school training + 1,000 km accompanied + 3 mandatory educational check-ins. Combinable aids: State Permis 1€/jour (up to €1,200), CPF for highway code, regional grants (Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, €200 to €500), €500 apprentice aid.
Intensive training
Intensive AAC training is unusual because accompanied driving requires a minimum of 1,000 km spread over at least 3 months (12 months recommended). However, the initial driving school phase (20 hours minimum) can be condensed over 2 to 3 weeks to quickly reach the practice license and start the apprenticeship period. This works well for 15-year-olds on school holidays who want to maximise experience time before the exam at age 17½. The highway code can also be done intensively (1 to 2 weeks) at La Poste, Objectif Code SGS or Pointcode.
How it works
01
Driving school phase
At least 20 hours with an approved instructor to acquire the basics.
02
AAC authorisation
The driving school issues the accompanied driving authorisation. Your supervisor is validated.
03
Accompanied driving
Minimum 1,000 km with your supervisor on varied routes. Logged in a journey logbook.
04
Practical exam
Sit the exam from age 17½. Statistics show a higher pass rate for AAC candidates.
What's included
- Initial phase at driving school (minimum 20 hours)
- Journey logbook for supervised driving
- 3 mandatory educational check-ins
- Practical exam from age 17½
Prerequisites
- Be at least 15 years old
- Pass the highway code theory test (ETG)
- Have a supervisor who has held a license for at least 5 years
- Complete a minimum of 1,000 km of accompanied driving
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of accompanied driving?
The pass rate is higher than the standard route (around 73% vs 60%). Additionally, if you have had no accident, you obtain your license with greater seniority, which can reduce insurance premiums.
Can the supervisor have penalty points?
The supervisor must have held a license for at least 5 years and must not be subject to a suspension. They are not required to have all their points, but must be legally allowed to drive.
What if I have not reached 1,000 km?
The practical exam can only be sat with a validated logbook showing at least 1,000 km. If the journeys are insufficient, the exam will be postponed.
Is AAC more expensive than a standard license?
AAC training costs between €2230 and €2700, slightly higher than the standard route. However, the higher pass rate and insurance discounts generally offset this extra cost over time.
Does AAC allow you to get your license earlier?
Yes. With AAC you can sit the practical exam from age 17½ (vs 18 via the standard route). If you pass, you get your full license at 18 with several months of driving experience already logged. The exam slot is allocated via the RdvPermis platform or by your driving school.
What kind of journeys count towards the 1,000 km AAC?
The logbook must include varied journeys: motorway, country road, city, night, difficult weather (rain, fog). No minimum percentage per category is enforced, but variety is assessed during the 3 mandatory educational check-ins. The 1,000 km is a floor: the national average for AAC candidates is rather between 1,500 and 3,000 km.
Are several supervisors possible?
Yes, you can have up to 3 supervisors (parents, uncle, aunt, family friend) provided each meets the criteria: B license held for 5 years minimum, no recent cancellation/suspension, authorised by the vehicle’s insurance (free amendment with most insurers). Only one supervisor must be present in the vehicle during each journey.
Reduced probationary period after AAC?
Yes: the probationary period drops from 3 years (standard route) to 2 years for AAC graduates. You therefore reach your full 12 points more quickly on Mes Points Permis. Combined with the higher pass rate, this is a major advantage of the AAC route.
What financial aid exists for AAC?
The State Permis 1€/jour is compatible with AAC (up to €1,200). The CPF via Mon Compte Formation can fund highway code and some hours. Apprentices receive a flat-rate aid of €500. Many regions (Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) add €200 to €500. France Travail tops up if you are a jobseeker.
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