Taking the French highway code as an independent candidate

What is an independent candidate?

Being an independent candidate (“candidat libre”) means preparing and taking the exam without going through a driving school: you handle your own registration and revision. It’s legal, cheaper, and well suited if you’re self-reliant. The exam itself is exactly the same — 40 questions, 35 correct to pass — and takes place at an approved centre.

How do you register (the NEPH number)?

The first step is to get a NEPH number (your driving-licence preparation registration number). You apply online on the ANTS website (the national agency for secure documents) by opening a “register for the driving licence” file. This number stays with you throughout your preparation, for both the code and the driving test. Allow a few days for processing, and keep it safe.

Where do you take the exam and how much does it cost?

Once you have your NEPH, you book a slot directly with an approved operator — La Poste, SGS, Dekra or Bureau Veritas, among others. The code exam costs €30, paid to the operator when you book. You choose the date and centre that suit you. On the day, bring photo ID and your booking confirmation.

What documents do you need?

At a minimum, have a valid ID and your NEPH number ready. Depending on your situation (minor, first registration…), other documents may be requested, such as the ASSR2 certificate or proof of address. As the exact list changes, check the up-to-date official list on service-public.fr before booking.

How do you revise without a driving school?

This is where Koody comes in: you revise the whole programme at your own pace, in French, Arabic or English, with lessons, road signs and thousands of corrected official questions. Keep taking mock exams until you regularly clear 35 out of 40, then book your slot. After the code, the driving test remains — which you can also take as an independent candidate.