We no longer have go through an auto-école?

[hulagirl]

Hi all interested in getting a French driver's license,

I came across this on the internet, and I cannot believe my eyes. Does it actually say that there is a new rule whereby we no longer have to go through an auto-école?

Permit de conduire en candidat libre
"Il est possible de ne pas faire appel à une auto-école pour passer le permis de conduire de la catégorie B (voiture).

Il convient néanmoins de respecter certaines conditions relatives à l'apprenti conducteur, à l'accompagnateur et au véhicule et de s'adresser à la préfecture du département dans lequel on souhaite passer le permis."

I found it on the Service-Public.fr site:

Permis de conduire en candidat libre - Service-public.fr

Bev, can you take a look, and see if I understood it correctly?
Or anyone else willing to take a stab at the new rule that rolled out Oct. 2011?

Thanks,
hulagirl

[Bevdeforges]

It has always been possible to go for your French license as a "candidat libre" - but it takes a while. It can take up to six months to get an appointment for your written test, and be sure that you read the stuff under the heading: Obligations relatives au véhicule d'apprentissage.

To do your necessary driving time before you can take the driving part of the test, you need a vehicle that has dual controls and a qualified person to accompany you when you're "practicing."

Although I know (all too well) how expensive driving school is over here, I can recommend that you take a few lessons anyhow. In Germany, I found a driving school that did roadwork with me, and the instructor said I could sit in on any of the theory classes I liked. I studied the book myself, but found that the roadwork instruction was invaluable for learning the "tricks" of passing the driving test. (The theory test is considerably harder than the multiple choice tests given in most US states.)

Driving here in France (actually in all of Europe) really is different. You need someone to teach you the subtleties of "priorité à droite" and some of the other weird regulations they have here, because it's all that bizarre stuff that is tested. Not to mention the fact that you need a dual control car to take the road test in.
Cheers,
Bev

[hulagirl]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

It has always been possible to go for your French license as a "candidat libre" - but it takes a while. It can take up to six months to get an appointment for your written test, and be sure that you read the stuff under the heading: Obligations relatives au véhicule d'apprentissage.

To do your necessary driving time before you can take the driving part of the test, you need a vehicle that has dual controls and a qualified person to accompany you when you're "practicing."

Although I know (all too well) how expensive driving school is over here, I can recommend that you take a few lessons anyhow. In Germany, I found a driving school that did roadwork with me, and the instructor said I could sit in on any of the theory classes I liked. I studied the book myself, but found that the roadwork instruction was invaluable for learning the "tricks" of passing the driving test. (The theory test is considerably harder than the multiple choice tests given in most US states.)

Driving here in France (actually in all of Europe) really is different. You need someone to teach you the subtleties of "priorité à droite" and some of the other weird regulations they have here, because it's all that bizarre stuff that is tested. Not to mention the fact that you need a dual control car to take the road test in.
Cheers,
Bev

aaaahhhh. I see. Is it possible to study the theory test on your own without going through a driving school? Where would I get the book or is there a website I can go to?

thanks,
hulagirl

[Bevdeforges]

There are a ton of websites that offer tutoring in the code de la route - and even some smart phone apps to drill you. The one question might be whether you are planning to take your theory test in French or in English. Apparently, they do the English version using a live translator rather than actually translating the test questions on the screen for you.

Check the Fehrenbach Driving School website: Welcome to Fehrenbach Driving School You can buy their publication online to study in English for the test. If you're thinking of trying it in French, check your local bookshop or Amazon.fr for "code de la route" - there are a variety of books and software programs you can use.
Cheers,
Bev

[hulagirl]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

There are a ton of websites that offer tutoring in the code de la route - and even some smart phone apps to drill you. The one question might be whether you are planning to take your theory test in French or in English. Apparently, they do the English version using a live translator rather than actually translating the test questions on the screen for you.

Check the Fehrenbach Driving School website: Welcome to Fehrenbach Driving School You can buy their publication online to study in English for the test. If you're thinking of trying it in French, check your local bookshop or Amazon.fr for "code de la route" - there are a variety of books and software programs you can use.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks Bev. That is a very helpful website. Would you know if I would have to pay more to take the theory test in English?

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by hulagirl

Thanks Bev. That is a very helpful website. Would you know if I would have to pay more to take the theory test in English?

You have to pay for the translator to be there with you for the test. I don't think they actually give the test in English - but if they do then there is very likely an additional charge for that.
Cheers,
Bev

[hulagirl]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

You have to pay for the translator to be there with you for the test. I don't think they actually give the test in English - but if they do then there is very likely an additional charge for that.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks. I'll save my money and take the exams in French.

[paris19th]

Originally Posted by hulagirl

Thanks. I'll save my money and take the exams in French.

I totally agree that in the long run it would be better for foreign candidates to take the code de la route all in French. As an American who has lived here for seven years, learning French has been extremely hard because I travel very often outside of the country for work. I never studied it in high school either, only a year at Alliance Francaise in NYC in 2003 prior to my move here, then periodic private lessons a few times a month like I do now.

I say this only to say that I passed both exams, theory( written) on first attempt and the driving exam after second try, both in french. After a repetitive study regiment, visiting the school 3-6 times a month for the pre video exams, and reading my study book often was I able to develop a pattern of subtle understanding according to the "french" logic or sensibility to driving. Mind you, I still do not agree with a lot of it, but I had to really put my "gut" or reasonable feelings aside. Jokingly, the french 'habitude' is "why make it easy, when it can be difficult"!

Keep a running list of words, phrases which you do not understand and review it often. Out on the street become conscientious of observing drivers and traffic conduct. Try to study from a few different sources, not just the school material. Observe online exams, go to the library or buy other study aids to start to feel a pattern of what's important. If you live in the city, try visiting in the campagne to get a wider set of experiences you would not find in your normal city driving, visa versa for someone who does not live in the city. Don't rely on family or friends because most times they have developed bad habits and and forgot their studies.

This all is a frustrating, time consuming, and costly experience which will humble you to your knees. But the freedom which awaits you, to drive "legitimately" on the open roads, to get away, will be your prize. Remember, if we live here and are not french, we have an obligation to adapt to their ways and requirements, rightly or wrongly! And I did profit from the experience to become a more observant driver.Good luck.

[hulagirl]

Originally Posted by paris19th

I totally agree that in the long run it would be better for foreign candidates to take the code de la route all in French. As an American who has lived here for seven years, learning French has been extremely hard because I travel very often outside of the country for work. I never studied it in high school either, only a year at Alliance Francaise in NYC in 2003 prior to my move here, then periodic private lessons a few times a month like I do now.

I say this only to say that I passed both exams, theory( written) on first attempt and the driving exam after second try, both in french. After a repetitive study regiment, visiting the school 3-6 times a month for the pre video exams, and reading my study book often was I able to develop a pattern of subtle understanding according to the "french" logic or sensibility to driving. Mind you, I still do not agree with a lot of it, but I had to really put my "gut" or reasonable feelings aside. Jokingly, the french 'habitude' is "why make it easy, when it can be difficult"!

Keep a running list of words, phrases which you do not understand and review it often. Out on the street become conscientious of observing drivers and traffic conduct. Try to study from a few different sources, not just the school material. Observe online exams, go to the library or buy other study aids to start to feel a pattern of what's important. If you live in the city, try visiting in the campagne to get a wider set of experiences you would not find in your normal city driving, visa versa for someone who does not live in the city. Don't rely on family or friends because most times they have developed bad habits and and forgot their studies.

This all is a frustrating, time consuming, and costly experience which will humble you to your knees. But the freedom which awaits you, to drive "legitimately" on the open roads, to get away, will be your prize. Remember, if we live here and are not french, we have an obligation to adapt to their ways and requirements, rightly or wrongly! And I did profit from the experience to become a more observant driver.Good luck.

Thanks again. I'll make a note of all this. hulagirl

[Bevdeforges]

I'll second paris19th's comments.

There are lots of inexpensive software programs you can get to study up for the theory test. And as far as the road test goes, it's well worth it to take a few driving lessons. Every country (and in the US every state) has "peculiarities" to their driving test that you need to know about. No one ever actually drives the way you are supposed to do for your test - but you need to do it that one time to get the flipping license and be done with it.

In Germany I remember that they had a very precise way for you to open the car door from the inside before you got out of the car. If you failed to check the side mirror before opening the door you flunked the test.

In Massachusetts, where I got my first license, there was something about doing a "3 point turn on a hill without rolling back at all." No problem in an automatic, but no one worries about not rolling back a bit when driving a manual transmission (at least not here in France!).

The main thing about taking the driving school training is finding out about all those little "tricks" ahead of time.
Cheers,
Bev