How does the Process Work ?
Find out how the process of obtaining a French driving licence works !
Have a look at all the steps and the administration procedure.
The Theory Test - Code de la Route
The Theory Test - Code de la Route
The first step towards a French driving licence is learning the theory. You will need to take the theory exam, commonly known as the “Code de la route”.
The test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about French road rules and safe driving. You need at least 35 correct answers out of 40 to pass.
The exam is valid for 5 years and allows you to take different categories of driving licence.
Question topics
Question topics
The theory exam covers topics such as road signs and markings, right of way and intersections, speed limits, parking and stopping, overtaking, motorways and other types of roads, safety distances, alcohol and drugs, driver behaviour and risk awareness, vehicle safety and basic maintenance, and sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
How does Zipee help?
How does Zipee help?
We organise exam sessions specifically for non-French speakers, in agreement with the prefectures of Nanterre and Pau. The exam is conducted with an interpreter, and extra time is allowed so you have enough time to answer the questions.
Our theory training is designed to prepare you for this exam, from beginners’ lectures and teaching series to advanced sessions recreating the actual test.
In the meantime, we also take care of your administrative file to obtain your NEPH number, which is used to register you for the exams.
Preparing for the Practical Exam
Preparing for the Practical Exam
After passing the theory test, you can prepare for the practical examination with a driving school. The number of lessons you need depends on your experience and ability.
To determine this, driving schools carry out a driving assessment to evaluate your driving and estimate the number of hours needed.
Training topics
Training topics
During your training, you will learn how to control the vehicle safely, change direction and position correctly, use mirrors and indicators, perform manoeuvres, park, drive in urban areas and on faster roads, adapt your speed to traffic and road conditions, interact safely with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, and make independent decisions while driving.
Your instructor will also prepare you for the specific requirements of the French practical driving test.
How does it work with Zipee?
How does it work with Zipee?
After the driving assessment, we start your lessons as soon as possible, coordinating your schedule with ours. We aim to plan at least one lesson per week to ensure regular driving and steady progress.
Our instructors speak both English and French, and have been teaching and presenting candidates to the exam for years!
The Practical Driving Exam
The Practical Driving Exam
The practical examination is your final step. The test lasts approximately 32 minutes and takes place in a vehicle equipped with dual controls. An official examiner sits next to you and assesses your ability to drive safely and independently.
The examiner does not simply check whether you can operate the vehicle. They also evaluate your understanding of the road environment, your decision-making and your ability to anticipate potential hazards.
Exam requirements
Exam requirements
During the test, you may be asked to follow a route indicated by the examiner, drive through different types of roads and traffic situations, perform a manoeuvre such as parking, carry out an emergency braking exercise, answer questions about vehicle safety and road safety, and demonstrate that you can drive independently.
The examiner evaluates your driving throughout the entire test.
How is the test marked?
How is the test marked?
The practical test is based on a points system. The examiner evaluates several aspects of your driving, including vehicle control, observation, road positioning, speed management, communication with other road users, understanding of traffic situations, anticipation and decision-making, respect for road rules, and overall safety. The examiner will also ask you 2 questions about a feature of the car.
You need a minimum score of 20 to pass. Some serious or dangerous mistakes can result in failure even if your overall score would otherwise be sufficient. The priority is always to demonstrate safe behaviour.
What about the language?
What about the language?
The practical driving examination is conducted by an official French examiner, and instructions are given in French. However, your Zipee instructor will make sure you are fully familiar with all standard examiner instructions and their English equivalents well before your test date, so you arrive fully prepared and confident.
Administration
Administration
Before you can take your driving exams in France, you need to be officially registered with the French authorities. Once your file is approved, the ANTS (National Agency for Secure Documents) issues a certificate of registration for driving licence tests. This certificate contains your NEPH number, a unique registration number used to sign you up for both exams.
Depending on your situation, the administration may require a copy of your passport, your titre de séjour or visa and related documents, a proof of address (preferably an electricity, phone or gas bill) and an e-photo code. They may also request a certificate of accommodation signed by the landlord or parent, with their ID. The ASSR2 is also needed for young candidates aged 16–25.
What about Zipee?
What about Zipee?
Zipee takes care of the administrative registration for you. We send you a form to collect your information and documents, create the file on your behalf, keep you updated throughout the process, and send you the certificate as soon as it is issued.
Booking the exams
Booking the exams
Once your registration is complete and your NEPH number is active, you can register for the theory test and, when you are ready, book your practical driving test.
The theory test can be booked in French on the La Poste website. It is available in many La Poste centres almost every weekday and some Saturdays, every hour from about 9am to 5pm. For the practical test, RdvPermis is the official booking system: it involves choosing an examination centre, a date and a time, and is usually done by the driving school, which provides the car and instructor.
What about Zipee?
What about Zipee?
For the theory exam, we can book it for you with La Poste in French if you would like to give it a try. Otherwise, we organise dedicated sessions with an interpreter, in agreement with the prefectures of Nanterre and Pau. If this service is part of your package, just email us when you are ready and we will register you for the next available exam with your NEPH number.
For the practical test, like other driving schools, we handle the booking and suggest a slot as soon as your instructor believes you are ready. Once the exam is confirmed, you will receive the official convocation about 10 days before the exam.
Quick Resume in 4 steps
1
ANTS Registration
Obtaining your NEPH number to register you to the theory and driving exam.
2
Theory Exam
Validating your Code de la Route to move onto the driving phase.
3
Driving Lessons
Driving with the instructor's recommendations until you are ready for the driving exam.
4
Driving Exam
Passing the Driving Exam to obtain the French Driving Licence.
