B license: car or van
Verified 01 March 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Which vehicles can be driven with the B license? What's the minimum age? How to register, take exams (code and conduct) and apply for a permit? We tell you the steps to follow to pass the B license.
Step-by-step approach
Car or van
License B permits a vehicle to be driven which has the following 3 characteristics:
- It is used for the transport of persons or goods
- Sound PTAC is less than or equal to 3,5 tons
- It has a maximum of 9 seats (driver included)
This vehicle may be coupled to:
- a trailer with a PTAC of 750 kg or less
- or a trailer with a PTAC greater than 750 kg if the sum of the PTACs (car+trailer) does not exceed 3 500 kg.
License B also allows you to drive agricultural or forestry vehicle or apparatus with a speed not exceeding 40 km/h, whatever the weight of its trailer.
The additional entry 96 permit B is required in the following situation:
- PTAC: titleContent Trailer exceeding 750 kg
- Sum of PTAC (vehicle + trailer): more than 3 500 kg not exceeding 4 250 kg
To obtain additional endorsement 96, you must follow a 7-hour training.
The formation comprises an out-of-circulation (HC) sequence and a circulating (CIR) sequence.
Contact a driving school or an approved social or vocational integration or reintegration association.
Driving license: find a certified school near you
At the end of this training, you will receive a certificate.
This certificate does not authorize driving.
Only the addition of the additional entry 96 on category B of the driving license which authorizes vehicles of that category to be driven.
It is the driving school or the approved association that requests this addition.
2 or 3 wheels (motorbike, scooter...)
Category B of the driving license authorizes the driving of 2 motor wheels or a 3-wheel scooter subject to completion several conditions (training, duration of license B, age).
Motorhome
Motorhome up to 3,5 tons
License B permits the driving of a camper vans whose PTAC is 3,5 tons maximum.
License B permits a vehicle to be driven which has the following 3 characteristics:
- It is used for the transport of persons or goods
- Sound PTAC is less than or equal to 3,5 tons
- It has a maximum of 9 seats (driver included)
This vehicle may be coupled to:
- a trailer with a PTAC of 750 kg or less
- or a trailer with a PTAC greater than 750 kg if the sum of the PTACs (car+trailer) does not exceed 3 500 kg.
Motorhome of more than 3.5 tons
Characteristics of permit B | Driving with a B license? |
|---|---|
B license issued on or after January 20, 1975 | No, no, no. You have to pass the C1 permit. |
B permit issued before January 20, 1975, invalidated or canceled after that date | No, no, no. You have to pass the C1 permit. |
B permit issued before 20 January 1975 obtained by exchange of a permit issued by another State (European (or not) where the exchange took place after January 20, 1975 | No, no, no. You have to pass the C1 permit. |
B license issued before January 20, 1975 obtained following the validation of a professional diploma when this validation took place after January 20, 1975 | No, no, no. You have to pass the C1 permit. |
B license issued before January 20, 1975 obtained following the conversion of a military driving license where the conversion took place after January 20, 1975 | No, no, no. You have to pass the C1 permit. |
B license issued before January 20, 1975 | Yes |
Age
You must have 18 years or older to obtain the B license.
However, you can register for the exam from the age of 16 (or 15 if you are preparing the license as part of early learning of driving).
Own the ASR or ASR
If you are under 21 and it is 1era category of license you pass, you must hold the 2nd level road safety school certificate (ASSR2) or the Road Safety Certificate (RSC).
In case of loss or theft of these certificates, you can make a declaration of honor.
Citizenship - Nationality
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You're French
If you are under 25 years of age, you must be in compliance with the obligations of the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC).
You're European
If you are a Swiss, Andorran, Monegasque or national of the European Economic Area (EEA), you must have had your personal and/or professional ties for at least 6 months in France.
You're a foreigner
You must have lived in France for at least 6 months and have a valid residence permit.
Health status
If you have a health problem, you need to take a medical examination before applying for a driving license.
If you take courses in a driving school to prepare for the license examination, the fees vary depending on the institution and the preparation chosen.
Registration for the code cost €30.
If the code fails, you must repay this amount.
Through a driving school
At your request, your driving school will take care of your registration for the examination of the license.
However, you must activate yourself the account created in your name on the websiteANTS: titleContent.
You receive an email to activate the account.
One harmonized prefectural registration number (NEPH) is assigned to you when you register for the exam.
To register, the driving school needs the following documents, in photographic or digitized version :
- Proof of identity
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months
- 1 digital photo-signature
- If necessary, medical advice (form cerfa no. 14880)
- For a minor or under legal guardianship, 1 copy of the proof of identity of his legal representative
- If you are French, aged from 17 years to 25 years, individual certificate of participation in the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC) or individual exemption certificate, or national service status certificate, or provisional national service status certificate
- If you are a foreigner, proof of regularity of the stay or, if you are exempt from a residence permit, proof of your presence in France for at least 6 months (payroll, rent receipt...)
By yourself
You can choose to register yourself for the license.
One harmonized prefectural registration number (NEPH) is assigned to you when you register for the exam.
The online service can be accessed through FranceConnect or with your identifiers ANTS: titleContent.
If you do not have ANTS credentials, it is proposed to create an account to have a personal space on the ANTS website.
Prepare the following documents, in photographic or digitized version :
- Proof of identity
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months
- 1 digital photo-signature
- If necessary, medical advice (form cerfa no. 14880)
- For a minor or under legal guardianship, 1 copy of the proof of identity of his legal representative
- If you are French, aged from 17 years to 25 years, individual certificate of participation in the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC) or individual exemption certificate, or national service status certificate, or provisional national service status certificate
- If you are a foreigner, proof of regularity of the stay or, if you are exempt from a residence permit, proof of your presence in France for at least 6 months (payroll, rent receipt...)
Driver's license: register online for the exam (NEPH number assignment)
You can pass the code (ETG) via a driving school or as a free candidate.
To be exempt from passing the code, you must complete at least one of the following conditions :
- Have obtained a favorable result for the theoretical test (code) for a maximum of 5 years
- Have had a license category for 5 years or less, except AM category
- Have a French driving license obtained by exchange (code 70) for 5 years or less
The following letters shall follow code 70: DE (Germany), AT (Austria), BE (Belgium), BG (Bulgaria), CY (Cyprus, Greek), HR (Croatia), DK (Denmark), ES (Spain), EE (Estonia), FI (Finland), GR (Greece), HU (Hungary), IE (Ireland), IT (Italy), LV (Latvia), LT (Lithuania), LU (Luxembourg), MT (Malta), NL (Netherlands), PL (Poland), PT (Portugal), CZ (Czech Republic), RO (Romania), SK (Slovakia), SI (Slovenia) SE (Sweden), IS (Iceland), LI (Liechtenstein), NO (Norway).
The code waiver may be granted if you submit one of the following documents:
- Valid driving license
- Certificate of temporary examination of the driving license, paper or dematerialized, valid (maximum 4 months)
Warning
Since 2021, categories A1 or A2 no longer allow for a code exemption (general theoretical test or ETG).
Driving school
You are passing the license for the first time
The duration of the training is 20 hours minimum, including 15 hours on lanes open to traffic, or at least 10 hours when using a driving simulator.
You have an AM or B1 license
The duration of the training is 20 hours minimum, including 15 hours on lanes open to traffic, or at least 10 hours when using a driving simulator.
You have an A, A1 or A2 license
The duration of the training depends on your progress in learning.
You pass the automatic gearbox license
The duration of the training is 13 hours minimum, including 10 hours on lanes open to traffic, or at least 7 hours when using a driving simulator.
FYI
if you pass the license automatic gearbox (restrictive code 78), you will need to follow a training to be able to drive a car at manual gearbox. You must wait at least 3 months after the permit has been obtained. Training lasts 7 hours. Contact a certified driving school.
As a free candidate
You can prepare for the exam with a relative in free candidate.
PermitApr is a platform for the nominal reservation of seats for the practical test driver's license.
You choose the examination center, date and time slot, according to your trainer and your training schedule.
Once logged in with the credentials provided by your driving school, you can follow the steps made by the school (appointment booking...).
Online reservation of a place to take the practical test of the driving license (RdvPermit)
If you have followed the early learning of driving formula, your certificate of completion of initial training shall be verified.
One sight test can be realized.
In the event of an inconclusive test, the examiner shall inform the local department responsible for driving license examinations of: DDT: titleContent, DDTM: titleContent (road education office) or prefecture.
You then have to make an appointment to make a medical examination by an approved doctor.
The practical test shall evaluate the following points: :
- Compliance with the provisions of the highway code
- Vehicle knowledge and ability to detect major technical defects
- Control and vehicle handling
- Ability to ensure its own safety and that of other road users on any type of road
- Ability to perceive and anticipate traffic hazards and act appropriately
- Knowledge of basic first aid
- Degree of autonomy in carrying out a journey
- Ability to drive while respecting the environment and engaging in courteous and considerate behavior towards other users
The practical test lasts 32 minutes.
The practical test shall consist of the following: :
- Driving phase of at least 25 minutes
- Performing 2 different maneuvers (braking to stop with precision and one maneuver in reverse)
- Verification of a technical component inside or outside the vehicle
- Road safety issue
- Question on basic first aid
To be received, you must obtain 20 or more points and do not make a eliminatory error.
For example, crossing a continuous line, left-hand traffic, failure to comply with a stop signal.
After the practical test, the inspector does not give you the result orally.
You must view results online on the Road Safety website 48 hours after examination.
If the result is favorable, you can download your Driver's License Examination Certificate (CRC).
This certificate, accompanied by an identity document, serves as a driving license during 4 months from the day of the examination.
In case of control of law enforcement, you can present the CPTC in hard copy or directly on a smartphone or tablet.
The CRC does not allow driving abroad.
To know and download the results of the driving license examination
FYI
if you fail a driving test, you cannot take the next test before a period of 2 days (date to date).
To obtain your B license, the approach is different depending on whether it is your 1era obtaining a driving license or adding a category.
1st permit
Ask your driving school if it is taking care of asking for your driving license or if it is up to you to ask for it.
If you apply yourself, the application is made online on the website of theANTS: titleContent.
The online service can be accessed through FranceConnect or with your IDS ID, in French only.
If you do not have ANTS credentials, it is proposed to create an account to have a personal space on the ANTS website.
You need the following documents in photographic or digitized version:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of domicile
- 1 digital photo-signature
If you do not have access to a photo and digital signature service, you are invited to fill in and mail a photo-signature form (FPS) during the teleprocedure. - If you are under 21 years of age, a copy of theASSR: titleContent of 2nd level orASR: titleContent, or failing this (e.g. in case of loss) declaration of honor
- If necessary, medical advice (form cerfa no. 14880)
- If you are French, aged from 17 years to 25 years, individual certificate of participation in the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC) or individual exemption certificate, or national service status certificate, or provisional national service status certificate
- If you are a foreigner, proof of regularity of the stay or, if you are exempt from a residence permit, proof of your presence in France for at least 6 months (payroll, rent receipt...)
Steps to follow :
1/ Sign in or create an account ANTS: titleContent
2/ Click on "New request"
3/ Choose the reason for your request "I request the production of a driving license"
3/ Complete the entries and add the required supporting documents
4/ Confirm the approach
Online application for a driving license following the passing of an examination
Please note
if it's your 1er driver's license, this is a probationary permit. You must put the sign "A" on the back of your vehicle.
Adding category B to your license
If you already have a driving license (motorcycle license A, A1 or A2), you must have category B added on your license.
You can follow online the manufacture and sending of your driving license.
The online service is accessible via FranceConnect or with your credentials ANTS: titleContent , in French only.
If you do not have ANTS credentials, it is proposed to create an account to have a personal space on the ANTS website.
Once connected to your space ANTS: titleContent, you view your request in the dashboard.
Track the progress of your driving license application
The period of validity of a driving license (driving license) in format credit card is 15 years.
At the end of this period, renewal is a simple administrative process: there is no driving test or medical examination to be taken.
However, the period of validity of the certificate may be reduced for health reasons.
The effective end date of the title is indicated in front, at the line 4b.
The date of validity of the certificate should not be confused with the validity of your license categories.
Thus, even if your license is valid for only 15 years, your license category remains valid for life (unless individually restricted).
The dates on which the categories of permits are set out in back the permit, columns 10 and 11.
In image
Decrypt driving license
Driver's license: register online for the exam (NEPH number assignment)
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Licensed driving school (driving school, association)
- National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS) - Driving license
By E-mail
Access to contact form
By telephone
34,00
Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Cost of a local call
09 70 83 07 07 from the Overseas foreigner
- Digital Welcome Point
- Highway Code: Articles R221-4 to R221-8Issuance and categories
- Decree n°2020-142 of 20 February 2020 defining the model driving education contract
- Order of 27 April 2021 on the progressive generalization of a system of nominal reservation of places for the practical test of the examination of the driving license A1, A2, B1 and B
- Order of 29 May 2020 laying down the model driving education contract for category B of the driving license
- Order of 13 February 2020 on the testing of the nominative allocation of driving license practical test places
- Order of 23 December 2016 on the justification of identity, domicile, normal residence and regularity of residence for obtaining a driving license
- Order of 29 July 2013 concerning the learning booklet of category B of the driving license
- Order of 26 April 2013 on the notification of the results of driving license examinations
- Order of 20 April 2012 laying down the conditions for the issue, issue and validity of driving licenses
- Order of 17 December 2010 concerning the driving requirements of light motorcycles and vehicles of category L5e by holders of category B of driving licenses
- Order of 19 February 2010 on the practical test of driving license B and B1
- Order of 22 December 2009 on the teaching of the driving of category B motor vehicles in an approved educational establishment
- Circular of 27 May 2013 on the notification of the results of driving license examinations (PDF - 1.9 MB)
- Ministerial Response of 6 October 2020 on Qualifying Training for Driving a Manual Gearbox Car
- Ministerial reply of 22 December 2020 on driving education
- Driving license: find a certified school near you
Search tools
- Driver's license: register online for the exam (NEPH number assignment)
Online service
- Online reservation of a place to take the practical test of the driving license (RdvPermit)
Online service
- To know and download the results of the driving license examination
Online service
- Online application for a driving license following the passing of an examination
Online service
- Driver's license - Medical opinion
Form
- Track the progress of your driving license application
Online service
FAQ
- How do I get a driver's license when I have a disability?
- Which vehicles can be driven with the B license?
- Driving license: how to pass the code (common theoretical test or ETG)?
- What do the codes added to the B permit mean?
- Which license for which category of vehicles?
- Which vehicles can be driven without a driving license?
- What is the period of validity of a driving license?
- Traffic offensesService-Public.fr
- Driving in France with a foreigners driving licenseService-Public.fr
- Driving abroadService-Public.fr
- Driving licenses: early learning (AAC) from 15 years of ageService-Public.fr
- Driving license: supervised driving from 18 years of ageService-Public.fr
- Driving license: supervised driving (road trades)Service-Public.fr
- Category B driver’s license as a free applicantService-Public.fr
- Driving license BE: car with trailer (car + trailer > 4250 kg)Service-Public.fr
- Statement on Honor to Obtain a 1st Title of Conduct (PDF - 78.2 KB)National Securities Agency (NSA)
- Make an online appointment for the driving license testMinistry of the Interior
- Model Driving Education ContractLegifrance
- Model driving education contract for license BLegifrance
