Driving License - Best Process

yanezez Member

Member since 25 September 2023

yanezezMember25 September 2023 12:07:48

Hello all,

For those that had to go through the process of getting a driving license in France, what tips would you give?

I have a Chilean driver license, but apparently Chile does not have any agreement with France on this matter so I will have to go through the process from scratch. It costs around $1,200-$1,700 (depending where). Apparently you have $500 annually for trainings and some schools allow you to use this to deduct. Apart from that,

Anything else you would recommend?

Thank you all

wadams92101 Member

Member since 15 June 2019

wadams92101Member25 September 2023 12:40:51

@yanezez My advice is to avoid online programs and use a traditional driving school. You get a lot more support from the traditional driving school, particularly during the exam process. Also, if you fail the first driving test (as I did), the traditional schools can get you a slot to retake the exam much more quickly than if you use an online school (which make you register as a "free" candidate, which essentially means you are representing yourself. That's not a good plan in Court nor in the driver's license process). Self-represented (online) license candidates can expect to wait 6 months or more to retake the exam, according to one source I read. The traditional schools have a lot of discretion in handing out their allotment of driving exam slots. So be very nice to them, bring them flowers, cookies, make yourself their favorite student. Then if you have to retake the practical exam, they may get you a new exam date in the minimum time (There is a minimum wait period of, I think 2 week or a month).