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Provisional licenceFrance

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France

93. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Driving-school vehicle on Rue Georges Girerd. (Belley, France)
Wikimedia.org • Benoît Prieur • CC0
What is a provisional driving licence?

A provisional driving licence allows a learner driver to practise driving under specified conditions before obtaining a full driving licence.

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

This depends on the type of provisional licence and local rules. Some licences require an approved supervisor, while others allow the learner to practise alone after completing specified training.

How long is a provisional licence valid?

The validity period varies between countries and licence types. If it expires before the learner passes the practical exam, additional conditions may apply before another provisional licence can be obtained.

Can you drive abroad with a provisional licence?

Often not. A provisional licence may be valid only in the country that issued it. Learners should check the applicable rules before attempting to drive abroad.

Are there restrictions on when a learner may drive?

Yes, in some countries. Provisional licences may include restrictions on night driving, passengers, trailers, vehicle types or certain roads.

Do you need to display a learner sign?

Many countries require a learner vehicle to display an L plate or another learner-driver sign. The design and conditions vary by country.

1 France 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Advisory speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Pedestrian warning 12 Tunnel 13 Bridge 14 Cycling street 15 Pedestrian zone 16 Speed bump 17 Toll road 18 Customs 19 One-way traffic 20 Quay 21 Slope 22 Bus lane 23 Bus stop 24 Dead end 25 Stop sign 26 Give way 27 Roundabout 28 Priority road 29 Road narrowing 30 Priority over oncoming traffic 31 Give way to oncoming traffic 32 Pedestrian crossing 33 Railway crossing 34 Mandatory direction 35 Turn prohibition 36 School area 37 Overtaking 38 Crossing animals 39 Slippery road 40 Rockfall 41 Aircraft 42 Curve 43 Chevron 44 Wrong-way driving 45 Roadworks 46 Crosswind 47 Height limit 48 Width limit 49 Length limit 50 Weight limit 51 Radar speed sign 52 Selective barriers 53 Low-emission zone 54 Priority at the next junction 55 Traffic lights 56 Traffic lights warning 57 Pedestrian lights 58 Road markings 59 Junction layout 60 Bike box 61 Speed feedback 62 Driving licence 63 Location marker 64 Road number 65 Countdown markers 66 Public toilet 67 Rest area 68 Traffic mirror 69 Emergency telephone 70 International border 71 Cycling route 72 End of restriction 73 Parking 74 No parking 75 No stopping 76 Parallel parking 77 Alternate-side parking 78 Parking meter 79 Parking disc 80 Disabled parking 81 Traffic management 82 Merging 83 Reversing 84 U-turn 85 Carpool 86 Traffic jam 87 Uncontrolled crossroad 88 Road surface 89 Ring road 90 Exit 91 Information point 92 Horse riding 93 Provisional licence 94 Hazardous cargo 95 Emergency exit 96 Runaway truck ramp 97 Radio service 98 Oversize load 99 Lane 100 Tyre inflation station ...