VTC 2026 exam: how to obtain your professional card

Everything you need to know about the VTC exam in 2026: theory and practical tests, rates, reforms and advice on how to obtain your card.

WAY-Partner - Illustration - Driving School - R - Green
Get started for free on WAY-Partner today

Register in just a few clicks to try the application for free and start developing your business.

Table of contents

Independence, flexible working hours and customer contact make private chauffeuring a very attractive career prospect. However, access to this profession is strictly regulated by the State. To obtain the famous professional card, you must pass an examination organised by the Chambres de Métiers et de l'Artisanat (CMA).

The year 2026 will see the consolidation of a number of reforms in the passenger transport sector, with the digitisation of procedures and more stringent ethical and ecological requirements. The aim of this guide is to give you a clear and comprehensive overview of what's in store for you this year, so that you can approach your challenges with maximum peace of mind.

In a nutshell

  • The registration platform : Gone are the days of the old site, everything is now on the single portal examT3P.fr.

  • The cost: The full course (theory and practice) costs €241.

  • Eligibility (Theory) : 7 subjects assessed on a digital tablet. A minimum average of 10/20 is required, with no eliminatory marks.

  • Admission (Practical) : A 45-minute driving test. You must score at least 12/20 and make no serious mistakes.

Theoretical test (Eligibility): the basics

This is the foundation of your knowledge. The theory test lasts a total of 3 hours and 50 minutes and takes the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Short Answer Questions (SAQs). The golden rule here is accuracy: in MCQs, no half marks are awarded if you forget a correct answer or tick the wrong one.

The programme is based on 7 modules:

  • Five modules common to the taxi profession (Regulations, Management, Road Safety, French and English).
  • Two VTC-specific modules (Business Development and National VTC Regulations).

To qualify, you must obtain an overall weighted average of 10/20 or more. Please note that each subject has an eliminatory threshold (generally below 6/20, except for English, which is set at 4/20). A single mark below this threshold means failure, whatever your overall average.

To find out everything you need to know about the subjects covered, the detailed mark scheme and revision methods, consult our Complete guide to the VTC theory test in France in 2026.

The practical test (Admission): the situational test

Once you have obtained your licence, it remains valid for one year. You then have 12 months (and a maximum of three attempts) to pass the driving test. This phase tests not only your driving skills, but also your ability to play the role of a professional driver.

The test lasts a maximum of 45 minutes and takes place in a dual-control vehicle that you have hired in advance. The jury is made up of a driving expert in the front and a CMA representative in the back, who plays the role of the customer.

The 20-point score is distributed as follows:

  1. Preparing the route (3 pts) : GPS input and quote in 6 minutes.
  2. Driving and safety (10 pts) : Strict observance of the highway code and flexibility. Any physical intervention by the examiner on the dual controls is immediately disqualifying.
  3. Customer relations (5 pts) : Courtesy, baggage handling, dress code and answering questions about local culture.
  4. Billing (2 pts) : We will issue a valid invoice and collect it at the end of the journey.

You will need to obtain at least 12/20 in this test to be awarded the precious sesame.

To maximise your chances on D-day, read our dedicated article: VTC 2026 practical test: timetable, scale and tips for success.

What has changed for the VTC exam in 2025 and 2026?

The public passenger transport sector has undergone significant modernisation. The years 2025 and 2026 have seen profound changes in the way people register, take the exam and envisage their future profession.

Digital centralisation Paperwork and interminable delays are giving way to a digitised process. Since the end of 2025, all exam administration has been centralised on the examT3P.fr. The majority of theory tests are now carried out on digital tablets (the Evalbox system). This format makes it possible to generate random questions to limit fraud and to mark papers automatically. As a result, marks are generally awarded within two to three weeks, compared with several months previously.

Integrating societal issues The regulator now expects drivers to be true guarantors of public safety. Module A of the theory test now includes specific questions on preventing discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence. For example, you will need to know the legal definition of harassment and the emergency numbers to call for victims.

The ecological emergency and the EPZs Although it is still possible to pass the test with a compliant combustion engine vehicle (engine of more than 84 kW, imposing dimensions), the reality on the ground in 2026 calls for some strategic thinking. With the tightening up of Low Emission Zones (ZFE), as in Lyon where fines for Crit'Air 3 vehicles will start to be imposed in summer 2026, electric vehicles (or hybrids if necessary) will become an almost unavoidable choice if you don't want to be denied access to the most profitable zones.

Procedures, rates and timetable for 2026

The authorities no longer leave any room for documentary imprecision. When you register on examT3P.fr, To apply for a driving licence, you will need to provide a number of impeccable supporting documents: a valid identity document (declarations of loss will not be accepted), a category B driving licence (no probationary period), and a medical certificate of fitness less than two years old (Cerfa no. 14880).

In financial terms, the cost of the examination is adjusted annually. In 2026, registration for the full course will cost €241. If you only have to retake the practical test after failing, the cost will be €118. Important note on financing: if you use your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to pay for your preparation at an approved centre, bear in mind that you are still directly responsible for the examination fees. In addition, a flat-rate contribution of €102.23 now applies to the CPF.

As far as the timetable is concerned, the machine is well-oiled. The theory tests are generally held on a Tuesday, with one national session per month. Beware of deadlines: registration closes around four to six weeks before the exam date. Once this deadline has passed, your application will automatically be postponed until the next session.

How do you prepare?

Legally, there is nothing to stop you taking the exam as an independent candidate. However, given the financial outlay, the lack of room for error (no half points, eliminatory marks) and the recent introduction of new legal regulations, going through an approved training centre is a strategic investment.

A good accredited course can also enable you to acquire the calculation reflexes for the management test, assimilate the subtleties of Module A, and above all practise mock exams. For the practical test, it's also an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the dual-control vehicle and correct any bad driving habits before they are penalised by the examiner.

Glossary

Here are some useful terms to know and understand:

  • CMA (Chambers of Trades and Crafts) : Public consular body responsible for organising and regulating examinations for admission to the profession.

  • T3P : Transport Public Particulier de Personnes. An administrative term covering private drivers, taxis and two- or three-wheeled motorised vehicles.

  • Evalbox : A tablet-based digital platform used by examination centres to administer and automatically mark theory tests.

  • QRC : Short Answer Question. An examination format requiring you to write a precise answer in a few words or sentences, with spelling as the main criterion.

  • ZFE (Low Emission Zone) : Urban area where traffic is restricted or banned for the most polluting vehicles (according to the Crit'Air sticker).

Sources and useful links

More blog posts

Try WAY-Partner free for 1 month!

Enjoy all the features of WAY-Partner free of charge for 1 month. Easily manage your assignments, invoice your customers and track your journeys.
Test the app for free and find out why independent drivers already put their trust in us.

Diary - reframing
WAY-Partner rates
WAY-Partner 12 months

39.00 / month

12-month commitment

Chosen by 80% of users!

WAY-Partner 6 months

44.00/month

6-month commitment

WAY-Partner 3 months

49.00/month

3-month commitment

WAY-Partner 1 month

55.00/month

1-month commitment