In France, there exists a
graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for people between the ages of 15 and 17 and a half, for those holding a B category driving licence. Some restrictions exist, with one of the main conditions being that a driver with at least 5 years of uninterrupted licence holding must accompany the learner. This GDL is valid only within France, so it is not legal for a youth with a GDL to cross international borders in their car. At the age of 18, one holding a
learner's permit can apply for a normal driving licence. The pros to this are that the learner can pass more easily due to having had prior experience driving, and the probationary period for their new licence is reduced from three to two years. For people over 18 applying for a licence for the first time, a system similar to the GDL exists, but rules are slightly different. For instance, it does not provide the reduction from three to two years for the probation licence. Furthermore, any person who initially gets a driving licence for the first time has to mind following restrictions for two or three years known as
permis probatoire. The
permis probatoire include: • New drivers cannot drive as fast as seasoned drivers: 110 km/h instead of 130 on motorways, 100 km/h instead of 110, and 80 instead of 90 on rural roads. • The symbol A should appear on the rear of the car • The
permis probatoire has only six points, the driver will have access to 12 points when they pass a three-year term If points are docked, they can be recovered by attending traffic safety classes. == Gallery of historic images ==