Driving License Available Starting at Age 17

Starting January 1, 2024, it will be possible to obtain a driving license at the age of 17 in France, compared to the current age of 18.

Published in the Official Journal on December 20, 2023, the Decree No. 2023-1214 grants all young people from the age of 17 the possibility to obtain their driving license starting January 1, 2024. The minimum age required to obtain a category B license (car or van) is thus lowered from 18 to 17 years. The aim of this measure is to encourage independence among young people living in areas where mobility is difficult, such as rural departments. The idea is to help them enter the workforce more easily.

Until now, only learner drivers who had completed accompanied driving could take their test at 17, but they could only drive on the road after reaching the age of majority. From January 1, all 17-year-old adolescents will be able to pass their category B license and drive alone. This means that the early driving training process can begin as early as 15 years old, or at 16 years old under the usual procedure. Accompanied driving with an adult for at least one year will still be required.

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