Selecting a language will automatically trigger the translation of the page content.

Accompanied driving: which formula to choose?

Verified 18 October 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You want to have a driving experience before you get the license, but you don't know which driving formula to choose? This page compares the 3 formulas to help you determine which best suits your situation.

In image

Accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised
Comparison of the 3 accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised - Accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie

Accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised

Download
Accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Crédits: Service Public (DILA)Infographie - Accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised

There are 3 accompanied driving formulas: early, supervised and supervised.

They can be compared according to the following criteria.

1) The age to be

- 15 years for early driving

- 18 years for supervised driving

- 16 years for supervised driving

2) The permit that can be prepared

- License B for early and supervised driving

- License B or heavy goods vehicle license for framed driving

3) The conditions of access

- For accompanied driving: have obtained the certificate of completion of initial training at the driving school (success of the code + 20 hours driving)

- For supervised driving: either before the examination of the license, have obtained the certificate of completion of initial training at the driving school (success of the code + driving hours); or after the examination of the license, in case of failure, have validated predefined competences during the examination

- For accompanied driving: to undergo vocational training including a driving license and to have obtained the certificate of the head of the establishment of such training

4) The conditions to be fulfilled by the accompanying person

For the 3 accompanied driving formulas, the driver must have the B license for 5 years or more without interruption and have the agreement of his car insurance for driving the vehicle(s) used during the accompanied driving.

5) The rules to be observed during accompanied driving

For the 3 accompanied driving formulas, you must drive only in France, respect specific speed limits and put on the vehicle a sticker "accompanied driving".

You must also take part in educational VRs: 3 for accompanied driving, 1 for supervised driving, 2 for supervised driving.

For early driving only, you must drive for at least 1 year and drive at least 3000 km.

6) How the accompanied driving ends

- for early driving: passing of the license from 17 years of age and issue from 18 years of age. The probationary license is reduced

(2 years instead of 3)

- for supervised driving: license as soon as you are ready. The probationary license lasts 3 years.

- for supervised driving: issue of the license at 18 years. The probationary license lasts 3 years.

Early Learning to Drive (AAFC) is possible from the age of 15 years.

Learning shall include:

  • one 1era initial training phase provided by the driving school (driving code + minimum 20 hours of driving)
  • and a 2nde driving phase of at least 1 year with an accompanying person.

At the end of this period, you can present yourself at the age of 17 years the practical test of the driving license.

If you choose AAFC, you cannot apply for the permit as a free applicant. AAFC requires enrollment in a driving school.

The duration of the probationary permit is 2 years in case of early learning to drive, instead of 3 years.

Please note

if you are under 21 years of age, the ASSR 2 is required to obtain a 1er driving license. If you can't get the ASSR2, you must get the Road Safety Certificate (RSC). For example, if you did not attend school in France.

Guarded driving for young people 16 to 18 years who are preparing a vocational diploma leading to the road trades.

The diploma must be validated by the Ministry of National Education or Labor.

For example, BEP or Road Driver CAP.

After passing the driving license tests as part of your professional diploma, supervised driving allows you to drive with an accompanying person until the license is issued at 18 years old.

Please note

if you are under 21 years of age, the ASSR 2 is required to obtain a 1er driving license. If you can't get the ASSR2, you must get the Road Safety Certificate (RSC). For example, if you did not attend school in France.

Supervised Driving Learning is possible from the age of 18 years.

Learning shall include:

  • one 1re initial training phase provided by the driving school (driving code + minimum 20 hours of driving)
  • and a 2nde supervised driving phase with an attendant.

You can choose the supervised driving phase after initial training or after failing the practical test of the license examination.

If you choose supervised driving, you cannot apply for a free license. Supervised driving requires enrollment in a driving school.

Please note

if you are under 21 years of age, the ASSR 2 is required to obtain a 1er driving license. If you can't get the ASSR2, you must get the Road Safety Certificate (RSC). For example, if you did not attend school in France.