Can a private sector employee take time off to prepare for and take an exam?

Verified 29 May 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Yes, the employer may grant, under the Work Transition Project (TPP), a training leave which may enable an examination to be taken.

This training leave allows the follow-up of a certifying training and may involve taking an exam for the validation of skills and knowledge related to this training.

This training leave can be taken care of by a regional commission called Transitions Pro association.

Practices related to this leave for review may vary from one commission to another. It is therefore advised to get closer of her to know the procedure to follow.

The situation varies depending on the type of license you are interested in:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Car or motorcycle

The use of the CPF is possible if the following conditions are met:

  • Obtaining a driver's license contributes to the realization of your professional project or to promote the security of your professional career
  • Preparation for the tests of the permit is co-financed by a third party (employer, skills operator, Cnam: titleContent, local authority…) at least €100. This condition does not apply if you are a jobseeker
  • You do not have a valid driving license. For example, if you have a valid B license, you cannot use your CPF to fund the A1 license.
  • You are not subject to a driving license suspension or a ban on applying for a driving license.

FYI  

You can also use your CPF to finance Advance Driving Apprenticeship (ABA) for Permit B in the presence of third-party financing.

Heavy-duty categories (road or public transport)

The following conditions must be met to use the CPF:

  • Obtaining a driver's license contributes to the realization of your professional project or to promote the security of your professional career
  • You are not subject to a driving license suspension or a ban on applying for a driving license.

FYI  

One page is dedicated to aid to finance driving licenses.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by telephone - Allô Service Public

    • accès

      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

      Please note: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

      He does not respond questions concerning unemployment compensation and the approach to the France Labor (formerly Pôle emploi), public servants or contract workers of the fCivil Service, the amount or payment of contributions social, wage or employer.

    • horaires
      • Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
      • Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15
      • Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15

    • Request a call

      coût Service Free
    • service

      The informants who answer you belong to the ministry responsible for labor.