Passing the driving license with a disability

Verified 26 September 2025 - 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 group 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 medically fit to drive by one licensed physician at a medical check-up. One brochure identifies medical conditions that are consistent with driving, and those that are temporarily or permanently incompatible with driving.

Besides 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 driving license, you can contact the disability correspondent of 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 driving 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.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

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. In most departments, the road education office offers a translation of the code review into RSL: titleContent. Otherwise, a sign language interpreter can assist you. You can also use a suitable communication device of your choice.

The theoretical test (code) lasts 1h30.

Passage of the practical test

The practical test 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 an approved 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 begin the examination with questions and technical checks on the exterior of the vehicle. You can be assisted by an expert or a guide.

The driving school provides the dual-control category B vehicle adapted to your disability (you can also provide it if you wish).

This vehicle must meet the following conditions:

  • Have been put into circulation for a maximum of 16 years, with some exceptions
  • Have specific equipment depending on 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 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 coordination acquisition and requiring a change in the conditions for passing the general theoretical examination.
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. State in your driver's license application that you have a poor command of French.

An online service allows you to find a driving school suitable for learning to drive with a disability:

Disabled person: find a suitable driving school

The driving license is issued on favorable medical advice.

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 this period.

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.

Disabled person: find a suitable driving school

On the same subject

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

FAQ