How do I get a driver's license when I have a disability?

Verified 07 March 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You have a handicap and you want to issue a driving license ? It is possible if you are recognized as fit by a certified medical practitioner during a medical examination. The tests of the examination of the permit are fitted out according to your disability: physical (reduced mobility), hearing (deaf or hard of hearing), dys disorder...

You must complete the 2 conditions to register for the driver's license exam:

Contact the local department responsible for driving license examinations : departmental interministerial directorate (road education office) or prefecture.

This service shows you the adjustments that you need to learn how to drive and driving schools that give lessons with these amenities.

You can also ask for dates of the specialized sessions to present you to the license tests.

Who shall I contact

The design of the tests concerns the permits B, B1, BE, C1, C1E, C, EC, D1, D1E and D and FROM.

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If you are deaf or hard of hearing

Of specialized sessions are provided for at least twice a year to pass the general theoretical test (code) of the driving license.

One sign language interpreter can assist you.

You can also benefit from a adapted communication device of your choice.

The theoretical test (code) hard 1h30.

Additional time may be granted during the practical test in case of difficulties in communicating.

If you have a physical disability (reduced mobility)

One extra time may be granted on the practical test in case of mobility difficulties.

For the practical test of license B or B1, the inspector may suggest that you begin the examination with questions and technical checks on the exterior of the vehicle. You may be assisted by an expert or an accompanying person.

A dual-control category B vehicle suitable for disabled persons shall meet the following conditions:

  • To have been put into circulation for a maximum of 10 years, except in exceptional cases
  • Have specific equipment: double brake control, additional mirrors outside and inside if the vehicle allows, double steering control (steering wheel)

If you are dysphasic, dyslexic or dyspraxic

You can pass the code in specific sessions provided you provide one of the 3 vouchers following:

  • Quality recognition of disabled workers (RQTH) or recognition of disability obtained from the departmental home for disabled people (MDPH) and a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or dysphasia and/or dyspraxia
  • Recognition of accommodations in national examinations of national education for written language, oral and/or written language learning disorders and/or the acquisition of coordination
  • Medical certificate issued for less than 6 months attesting to a specific disorder of language and/or reading and/or acquisition of coordination and requiring adjustment of the conditions for passing the general theoretical test

One extra time may be granted on the practical test in case of communication difficulties.

If you are in another situation

Inquire with the local department responsible for driving license examinations : departmental interministerial directorate (road education office) or prefecture.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

If you have a poor command of French, you can call on a translator-interpreter certified by a court of appeal, at your expense. Indicate in your application for a driving license that you have a poor command of French.

Theoretical test (code)

Passage of the code is free if you complete the 2 conditions following:

  • You have a medical opinion on your fitness to drive considering your disability
  • You have an obligation to make periodic medical examinations after obtaining the license

In other cases, you have to pay €30.

The driving school may charge an accompanying fee for the theoretical test of the code.

Practical test

The rates are free and vary by driving school.

The Disability Compensation Benefit (DCP) can partially fund driving lessons.

If a driving license is required for your professional project, you can apply for financial assistance from the following organizations Agefiph: titleContent, Public Service Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (FIPHFP) or CDAPH: titleContent from your department.

You can also check with your departmental home for people with disabilities (MDPH).

Who shall I contact

The permit is issued on favorable medical opinion.

The doctor prescribes a period of validity according to disability.

  • If the disability is not stabilized pitch, the period of validity of the permit shall be limited.
    You have to go through a medical examination at the end of that period.
  • If the disability is stabilized, the period of validity of the license depends on the category of permit. It can be permanent for a B-permit.

Please note

Any facilities that allow you to drive are shown as codes on your driver's license.

People with disabilities: finding a suitable driving school

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • To find out about the facilities needed to learn how to drive, adapted driving schools, and the dates of the specialized sessions to take the driving license tests. 

    Departmental management in charge of territories (DDT or DDTM)

  • To find out about the facilities needed to learn how to drive, adapted driving schools, and the dates of the specialized sessions to take the driving license tests. 

    Prefecture

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