Can I drive alone at 17?
Yes, since 2024. Since 1 January 2024, you can drive alone from age 17 after passing the category B test, whether or not you did accompanied driving. You can take the theory test from 16 and the practical test at 17. The licence is probationary: 6 points at first (instead of 12), reduced speed (110 km/h on motorways), maximum alcohol 0.2 g/L and an "A" disc. Note: a 17-year-old driver can only drive outside France from age 18.
📋 The rules
- Drive alone from 17 with the B licence (since 1 January 2024)
- Theory from 16, practical test at 17
- Accompanied driving not mandatory
- Probationary licence: 6 points, 110 km/h on motorways, 0.2 g/L
- Abroad: only from 18
🔓 Exceptions
- Accompanied driving possible from 15, under supervision
- Probationary period cut to 2 years with accompanied driving (3 years otherwise)
- The young driver must display the "A" disc
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving without a licence remains an offence (up to 1 year in prison and a €15,000 fine). During the probationary period the point capital is limited to 6: the smallest offence weighs heavily, and losing all points means cancellation of the licence. The permitted alcohol level is lowered to 0.2 g/L (effectively zero drinks); exceeding it is severely punished for a young driver.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Getting your driving licence →
- Road safety · Category B licence from 17 →
- Service-Public.fr · Probationary licence →
❓ Frequently asked
Can you really drive alone at 17?
Yes. Since 1 January 2024, you can drive alone from age 17 after passing the B licence, even without accompanied driving. The measure remains in force in 2026.
Is accompanied driving required?
No, it's no longer required to drive at 17. It's still possible from age 15 and has advantages: probationary period cut to 2 years instead of 3, and better driving experience.
Can you drive abroad at 17?
No. A driver who got the licence at 17 can only drive outside France from age 18. Abroad, the minimum age of 18 remains the rule.
How many points does a young driver have?
6 points at first, instead of 12. The capital reaches 12 at the end of the probationary period (2 years with accompanied driving, 3 years otherwise), if no offence has cost points.
What alcohol level for a young driver?
0.2 g/L of blood, effectively zero drinks. This limit applies throughout the probationary period. Exceeding it is heavily punished and can lead to cancellation of the still-fragile licence.
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