Passing the driving license with a disability

Verified 17 April 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Do you have a disability and are wondering if you can get a driver's license? We present you the information to know and the steps to do.

This page is about light group non-professional licenses : B, BE, B1, A1, A2, A. Other rules apply to heavy-duty licenses (C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E).

Warning  

A person with a disability can start or resume driving. However, any driver of a vehicle shall to be constantly in a position and condition to carry out conveniently and without delay all the maneuvers which are incumbent upon him.

You must be recognized medically fit to drive by one doctor approved during a medical check-up. One brochure identifies medical conditions that are consistent with driving, and those that are temporarily or permanently incompatible with driving.

One interactive map locates medical rehabilitation services (MRS) that have Specialized technical platforms (PTS). A PTS allows you to assess your medical fitness to drive in case of motor disability, cognitive or neuromotor disorders, and to test vehicle arrangements.

Find a Specialized Technical Tray (STP) to assess your medical fitness to drive

In addition you must meet the requirements for the license category you wish to pass. For example, for the permit B, you can register for the exam from the age of 16 (or 15 if you choose early learning to drive). You must be 17 years old to obtain the B license.

Before preparing and passing the driver's license, you can contact the correspondent "driving and disability" the road education office (BER) of your department. According to the departments, the road education office (BER) is attached to the prefecture or the Departmental Directorate of Territory (DDT).

Who shall I contact

One rendezvous will be set for organize the theoretical (code) and practical (driving) tests according to your disability.

The BER will provide you with the following information:

  • If you can register for a driver's license with or without medical examination by a licensed physician
  • The list of driving schools that could be adapted according to your disability 
  • The steps to take to pass the theoretical test (code) and the practical test (driving).

FYI  

The assessment of driving ability is the same for all candidates. The arrangements for the driving license examination tests are only material (communication methods, fitted-out vehicle, etc.).

The design of the theoretical (code) and practical (conduct) tests of the license depends on the disability situation.

You are deaf or hard of hearing

Passage of the theoretical test. Specialized sessions are scheduled every year to pass the general theoretical examination (code) of the driving license. The Bureau of Road Education proposes a translation of the Code Review into RSL: titleContent. You can also use a suitable communication device of your choice. The theoretical test (code) lasts 1h30.

Passage of the practical test. It can be adapted according to your needs, for example with a specific communication device.

You have a motor disability (reduced mobility)

Passage of the theoretical test. If your motor disability makes it impossible to participate in a session at a recognized organization, specialized sessions are organized every year to pass the general theoretical examination (code) of the driving license.

Passage of the practical test. If you pass the license to drive a specially equipped vehicle taking into account your physical disability, the expert verifies that the vehicle's facilities are suitable. During the test, the expert shall verify that the vehicle fittings are used effectively. The inspector may suggest that you start the examination with questions and technical checks on the exterior of the vehicle. You can be assisted by an expert or an accompanying person. The driving school provides the dual-control category B vehicle adapted to your disability (you can also provide it if you wish). This vehicle shall meet the following conditions:

  • Have been put into circulation for a maximum of 16 years, with some exceptions
  • Have specific equipment according to your disability: double brake control, additional mirrors outside and inside if the vehicle allows, double steering control (steering wheel).
You have a language or learning disorder (dys disorder)

Passage of the theoretical test. In case of dys disorders, you can pass the code into specific sessions provided that one of the 3 supporting documents following:

  • Recognition of the status of disabled worker (RQTH) or recognition of disability obtained from the departmental house of disabled people (MDPH) and a diagnosis of dyslexia and / or dysphasia and / or dyspraxia
  • Recognition of accommodations in national national education tests for learning disabilities in written, oral and/or written language and/or coordination acquisition
  • Medical certificate issued for less than 6 months attesting to a specific language and/or reading disorder and/or the acquisition of coordination and requiring an adjustment of the conditions of passage of the general theoretical test.

Passage of the practical test. The practical test can be adapted according to your needs, for example with a specific communication device.

You're in a different situation

The road education office of each department organizes specialized sessions for the passage of the theoretical (code) and practical (driving) tests, taking into account the different situations of disability.

FYI  

If you have a poor command of French, you can a certified translator-interpreter with a court of appeal, at your expense. Indicate in your driver's license application that you have a poor command of French.

One online service find a certified driving school near you. After selecting the driver's license category and the location, the map that appears allows you to filter the driving schools by type of disability.

Find a certified driving school near you

Driving licenses are issued on the basis of a favorable medical opinion.

If the disability is not not stabilized, the period of validity of the permit is limited. You have to pass a medical check at the end of that period, then apply to renew your driving license on the France Titres - ANTS website.

If the disability is stabilized, the period of validity of the permit depends on the license category. It may be permanent for a non-professional license of the light group: B, BE, B1, A1, A2, A.

FYI  

Any amenities that allow driving are indicated on the permit in codified form.

Find a certified driving school near you

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