What are the advantages of a driver’s license, and how do I get one?
Getting a driver’s license isn’t just a matter of choice, it’s essential in many cases. It’s a certificate of your ability to drive on your own, and of your skill in doing so. Why get a driver’s license and how do I go about it? Read more in this article.
Driving without a license is a crime
In virtually all countries, it is a criminal offence to drive a car, and in some cases a motorcycle, without a license. This can result in fines ranging from a few hundred to thousands of euros, or even confiscation of the vehicle or machine, depending on the case. Obtaining a driver’s license, which is generally done at a driving school, is therefore important for driving legally.
Get a driver’s license for greater independence on the road
The first, and one of the most important, reasons why you might decide to get a license is to be able to travel independently. It’s a lot easier to drive your own car than to always be dependent on someone else. Having a driver’s license gives you the right to drive a car or ride a motorcycle whenever you like, with no restrictions.
It’s even more convenient for family trips. With an International Driving Permit, the limits are even higher. This gives you the right to travel alone or with your family, wherever you want, whenever you want, without being dependent on a driver or running the risk of being fined. You still need to respect the driving rules taught at driving school.
Obtaining a driver’s license reduces dependence on public transport
It’s often difficult to get to work or to different places on time when you’re dependent on public transport. If you own a car yourself, a driver’s license gives you the right to circulate with greater freedom. Reducing dependence on public transport undoubtedly means greater punctuality. No need to wait for a relative or friend, or queue at the bus stop if you have your own means of transport.
Get a driving license at a driving school to boost employability
A driver’s license can make it easier to find a job. Over 60% of the French population has a driving license, and 85% of applicants are between 16 and 25 years of age. In fact, it’s easier and more advisable to get your license at an early age. Because when you’re younger, you learn faster.
On the one hand, for young people, a driver’s license gives them greater independence when it comes to getting around to study. For a jobseeker, the presence of the words “driving license” associated with “vehicle” in the CV can increase the chances of landing the job. For the employer, it’s a guarantee that the employee won’t be dependent on public transport. This means good mobility and punctuality at work.
More than just a token of “knowing how to drive”, a driver’s license may even be required for certain positions, especially if the job involves having a company vehicle at one’s disposal. Having a driver’s license can therefore, to a certain extent, increase a person’s employability.
How do I get my driver’s license?
A driver’s license is obtained after learning to drive and passing the final test. You learn to drive at a driving school, in several stages. But first, it’s important to understand certain nuances. There are two main types of driving: motorcycling and car driving. There are several categories of license, depending on the type of vehicle to be driven.
The AM license is for cyclists and the A license is for motorcyclists. The B license is for drivers of ordinary cars, whether for transporting people or goods. Licenses C and D are for truck and bus drivers respectively. A G license is required to drive tractors or agricultural equipment. There’s also another special category, the E license, which is required for trailer transport. Obtaining a driver’s license, whether online or in person, generally involves a number of steps, as follows.
First step: first aid courses at the driving school
Also known as samaritan courses, the first aid course is the first step in obtaining a driver’s license. It is essential for passing the theory test. The aim at this stage is to teach the person concerned all the correct gestures and behavior to adopt in the event of an accident. At the Lémanique driving school, for example, Samaritan courses last over 10 hours and are open to students aged 14 and over.
The theoretical phase
The theoretical training phase is the second stage in obtaining a driving license. Theoretical driving lessons, whether for motorcycles or cars, can be taken remotely (online) or on-site at a driving school.
Awareness courses: the third stage in the licensing process
Also known as “road traffic theory”, this is the last stage before the final practical test. This course is designed to prepare you for the practical test. Awareness courses focus on good driving habits, analyzing and anticipating possible hazards in traffic, analyzing the environment and different situations, etc.
Practical driving lessons at a driving school
This step is optional, but strongly recommended. At L’auto-école Lémanique, for example, whether for motorcycle or car driving, practical lessons are given in several sessions. The learner, assisted by an instructor, puts into practice everything he or she has learned. This stage is often considered very important, because the best way to learn is to put it into practice.
The final practical exam
This is the final stage in obtaining your driver’s license. Once these essential phases have been completed, the license applicant can register for the practical test. Passing the various tests will entitle you to a driver’s license.
