What is a probationary driver's license?
Verified 29 August 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You have a probationary driver's license when you get the permit for the 1re once or as part of a return to the license after a invalidation or a judicial annulment. Thus, if you have the B license and pass the A2 motorcycle license, the probationary license does not concern you.
The probationary permit shall be allocated an initial number of 6 points and is then periodically increased by several points if none infringement causing a loss of points is not committed.
The duration to acquire the 12 points of the license depends on the driving learning formula, of follow-up to further training, and traffic offenses committed.
Infographie - Probation permit: duration and periodic increase of points
Ouvrir l’image dans une nouvelle fenêtre
When a driver's license is obtained for the first time, or following a withdrawal of a license (invalidation or cancelation), a probationary license with a balance of 6 points is available. The infographic shows the duration of the probationary license and the periodic increase in points according to the driving training formula and the follow-up or not of additional training.
1. Advance Driving Learning (AAC)
1.1. Without further training
End of the 1st year: + 3 points => 9 points
End of the 2nd year: + 3 points => 12 points
1.2. With further training
End of the 1st year: + 3 points => 9 points
End of the next 6 months: + 3 points => 12 points
2. Alternative driving training
2.1. Without further training
End of the 1st year: + 2 points => 8 points
End of the 2nd year: + 2 points => 10 points
End of the 3rd year: + 2 points => 12 points
2.2. With further training
End of the 1st year: + 2 points => 8 points
End of the 2nd year: + 4 points => 12 points
Warning: if you commit a traffic offense resulting in a loss of points during the probationary period, the annual increase in points is interrupted. To learn how to recover lost points, visit service-public.fr https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1685
Namely: the aim of the additional training is to reinforce the skills acquired by the driver since the beginning of his driving training. It takes place between the 6th and the 12th month after obtaining the driving license and lasts 1 day (7 hours).
Advance Driving Learning (AAC)
Advance Driving Learning (AAC) reduces the duration of the probationary permit.
The duration of the probationary license varies depending on whether you follow a further training.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Without further training
Your probationary permit lasts 2 years.
You have 6 points.
Your license is increased by 3 points at the end of each probationary year. However, you must not commit offenses that result in a loss of points.
Date | In case of early learning |
|---|---|
Obtaining the permit | = 6 points |
End of 1re probationary year | + 3 points (= 9 points) |
End of the 2e probationary year | + 3 points (= 12 points) |
With additional training
Your probationary permit lasts 1 year and 6 months.
You have 6 points.
You must undergo further training between 6e and 12e months after obtaining the permit, in a school with the quality label. The aim of the training is to reinforce the skills acquired in initial training and during the first months of autonomous driving. The training lasts 1 day (7 hours). The program is detailed at annex 1 to the order of 2 may 2019.
Find a certified driving school near you (driving schools, community schools)
One certificate of training follow-up you are given as long as you have completed all the training.
Your license is increased by 3 points at the end of 1re probationary year and 3 points at the end of the 2e probationary period. However, you must not commit of infringements resulting in loss of points or restriction or suspension of the right to drive.
Date | Number of points |
|---|---|
Obtaining the permit | = 6 points |
End of 1re probationary year | + 3 points (= 9 points) |
End of the 2e probationary period of 6 months | + 3 points (= 12 points) |
Some specific point recovery rules apply to probationary permits.
The rules vary depending on your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You have obtained, after cancelation or invalidation, a new driving license without undergoing the practical test
If You have obtained, after a cancelation or a invalidation , a new driver's license without undergoing the practical test, you must comply with special rules concerning the permitted alcohol level during the probationary period.
Other situation
You must comply with special rules concerning the speed and the permitted alcohol level during the probationary period.
You must affix the sign "A" in the back of your vehicle.
You have no no steps to take. You reach a capital of 12 points if you have not lost points.
If you have lost points, you have remaining points on your license. You will be able to reach the capital of 12 points in 2 ways:
- Do not commit offenses for 2 years from the last point withdrawal (3 years if a point withdrawal is due to a offense or a contravention of 4th or 5th class).
- Voluntarily follow one every year road safety awareness course. The internship allows you to recover up to 4 points within the maximum 12 points of the license.
Other driving training formula
The duration of the probationary license varies depending on whether you follow a further training.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Without further training
Your probationary permit lasts 3 years.
You have 6 points.
Your license is increased by 2 points at the end of each probationary year. However, you must not commit of infringements resulting in a loss of points.
Date | Number of points |
|---|---|
Obtaining the permit | = 6 points |
End of 1re probationary year | + 2 points (= 8 points) |
End of the 2e probationary year | + 2 points (= 10 points) |
End of the 3e probationary year | + 2 points (= 12 points) |
With additional training
Your probationary permit lasts 2 years.
You have 6 points.
You must undergo further training between 6e and 12e months after obtaining the permit, in a school with the quality label. The aim of the training is to reinforce the skills acquired in initial training and during the first months of autonomous driving. The training lasts 1 day (7 hours). The program is detailed at annex 1 to the order of 2 may 2019.
Find a certified driving school near you (driving schools, community schools)
The training lasts 1 day (7 hours).
One certificate of training follow-up you are given as long as you have completed all the training.
Your license is increased by 2 dots at the end of 1re probationary year, and 4 points at the end of the 2of probationary year. However, you must not commit of infringements resulting in loss of points or restriction or suspension of the right to drive.
Date | Number of points |
|---|---|
Obtaining the permit | = 6 points |
End of 1re probationary year | + 2 points (= 8 points) |
End of the 2e probationary year | + 4 points (= 12 points) |
Some specific point recovery rules apply to probationary permits.
The rules vary depending on your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You have obtained, after cancelation or invalidation, a new driving license without undergoing the practical test
If You have obtained, after a cancelation or a invalidation , a new driver's license without undergoing the practical test, you must comply with special rules concerning the permitted alcohol level during the probationary period.
Other situation
You must comply with special rules concerning the speed and the permitted alcohol level during the probationary period.
You must affix the sign "A" in the back of your vehicle.
You have no no steps to take. You reach a capital of 12 points if you have not lost points.
If you have lost points, you have remaining points on your license. You will be able to reach the capital of 12 points in 2 ways:
- Do not commit offenses for 2 years from the last point withdrawal (3 years if a point withdrawal is due to a offense or a contravention of 4th or 5th class).
- Voluntarily follow one every year road safety awareness course. The internship allows you to recover up to 4 points within the maximum 12 points of the license.
On the same subject
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Points Permit
Points Permit
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Maximum authorized speeds during the probationary period (articles R413-5 and R413-6)
Online service
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Service-Public.fr
Ministry of the Interior