The driving licence
Licence categories, probationary period and accompanied driving: everything you need to know before and after the exam.
Updated 13 June 2026
One document, several categories
The driving licence is an authorisation to drive on public roads, issued by the prefecture. It certifies that its holder has mastered the rules and techniques required for safe and responsible driving. An essential point to remember: there is only one licence, but it can be extended to different categories depending on the vehicles one wishes to drive.
The licence is unique: you do not have a separate car licence and motorcycle licence, but a single document that combines all the categories obtained.
The main categories to know
The AM licence (formerly BSR) covers mopeds and small electric cars with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm3, power of 4 kW, and speed of 45 km/h. It is available from age 14 after 7 hours of training. The A1 licence allows riding motorcycles up to 125 cm3 from age 16. The A2 licence, available from age 18, permits motorcycles up to 35 kW. After two years with an A2 licence, one can move to the A licence (all engine sizes) from age 20.
The B licence, the most common, permits driving cars with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and a maximum of 9 seats. It also allows towing a trailer of up to 750 kg, or more if the total combined weight remains under 3.5 tonnes. For a combined weight between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes, a 7-hour B96 training course is required. Beyond that, a BE licence is needed.
With a B licence and two years of experience, you can ride a 125 cm3 motorcycle after an additional 7-hour training course, without retaking an exam.
The C licence covers heavy goods vehicles (gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes), available from age 21. The D licence permits passenger transport vehicles with more than 9 seats, available from age 24. Both categories require a prior B licence.
Prerequisites: ASSR and ASR
To register for the driving licence, you must have obtained the ASSR (School Road Safety Certificate). The first level ASSR is issued in Year 8, the second level in Year 10. The two levels are independent: you do not need the first to obtain the second. For those who have not obtained the ASSR and were born after 1 January 1988, the ASR (Road Safety Certificate) replaces it.
The probationary period
After obtaining the licence, every new driver enters a probationary period. They then have only 6 points on their licence, not 12. This period also applies to drivers who regain their licence after an invalidation or cancellation, as well as those who obtain a licence through conversion of a military certificate or a foreign licence less than 3 years old.
Duration of the probationary period: 3 years with standard training (gaining 2 points per year) or 2 years with accompanied driving AAC (gaining 3 points per year). In both cases, the driver reaches 12 points if no offence is committed.
Rules during the probationary period
The new driver must display an 'A' disc at the rear of their vehicle, clearly visible on the bodywork and not on the rear windscreen so as not to obstruct visibility. This requirement also applies to two-wheelers. The absence of the 'A' disc is punished by a fine of 35 euros.
Speed limits are reduced throughout the probationary period: 110 km/h on motorways instead of 130, 100 km/h on dual carriageways instead of 110, and 80 km/h on other roads like all road users. Note: the 80 km/h limit on two-way roads applies to everyone, probationary or not.
Exception: after an invalidation or cancellation, if the driver has only retaken the theory test and their licence was more than 3 years old, they are subject to neither the specific speed limits nor the requirement to display the 'A' disc.
The post-licence course
A one-day course, taken between 6 and 12 months after obtaining the licence, allows the probationary period to be shortened. After standard training, it goes from 3 to 2 years. After accompanied driving, it goes from 2 years to 1 year and a half. This course also aims to raise awareness of road risks and combat overconfidence.
Loss or theft of the licence
In the event of theft, a report must be filed at the police station or gendarmerie. In the event of loss, the renewal request is made online on the ANTS website. In both cases, a temporary receipt is issued, valid for 2 months, while waiting for the new document. This receipt only allows driving within France.
Recap
- The driving licence is a single document that can combine several categories (AM, A, B, C, D, etc.).
- The B licence permits vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes and 9 seats, including a trailer under certain conditions.
- The probationary period lasts 3 years (2 years with AAC) with an initial balance of 6 points.
- The 'A' disc must be visible at the rear of the vehicle throughout the probationary period.
- Speed limits are reduced during the probationary period: 110 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on dual carriageways.
- A post-licence course (between 6 and 12 months) allows the probationary period to be shortened.
- In the event of loss or theft, the temporary receipt is valid for 2 months.
- The ASSR or ASR is required to register for the licence if born after 1 January 1988.
Test yourself
How many points does a new driver have when they obtain their licence?
- ○12 points
- ✓6 points
- ○8 points
- ○4 points
Correct answer : 6 points
What is the duration of the probationary period for a driver who completed accompanied driving (AAC)?
- ✓2 years
- ○3 years
- ○1 year
- ○1 year and a half
Correct answer : 2 years
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.