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Become a VTC driver

Verified 08 August 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

Want to become a driver of VTC (chauffeur-driven transport car)? To do this, you must meet conditions (license for 3 years, clean criminal record), pass an examination, have the professional card VTC, sign up for the VTC register. You must choose your status Entrepreneur (micro-entrepreneur, IS: titleContent, business). We provide you with the necessary information.

Step-by-step approach

If you have been a professional driver of people, the conditions to be a VTC are different from those if you have never been a driver.

You've never been a professional driver

Before you start, you need to fill out all the following conditions:

  • Have a driving license (category B for VTCs, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) for 3 years minimum (or 2 years if you have been driving with a driver)
  • Have a criminal record exempt from certain convictions on the bulletin 2 
  • Have undergone a medical examination which has given rise to a positive medical opinion approving that you can practice this profession (cerfa no. 14880). Only a licensed medical practitioner may carry out this check. He's not your primary care doctor. You can find the list of accredited doctors on the website of your prefecture.

Please note

The first aid certificate is no longer mandatory but it remains useful and advisable.

You've been a driver

You have experience in professional passenger transport driver of a minimum duration of 1 year over the last 10 years.

Example :

You are a taxi driver and you want to become a taxi driver VTC: titleContent or VMDTR: titleContent.

To become a VTC driver, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have experience as a professional driver for at least 1 year in the last 10 years
  • Have a driving license (category B for VTCs, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) from Minimum 3 years
  • Have undergone a medical examination which has given rise to a positive medical opinion approving that you can practice this occupation (cerfa no. 14880). Only a licensed medical practitioner may carry out this check. He's not your primary care doctor. You can find the list of accredited doctors on the website of your prefecture.

How to anticipate difficulties?

These courses are optional, but recommended for your success.

  • Plan for difficulties
    • Make a financial reserve to deal with unforeseen events
    • Get ready for steady rate of work

Please note

Find out more about the job. For example, on the differences in exercise between taxi driver and driver of VTC.

Make a business plan

It is advisable to make a business plan of your future company.

It's a essential file for convince the banks to support you.

He's also a management tool over the first 3 years.

We'll explain how to develop it.

Who can help you?

FYI  

Before you get started, we offer tips and tools to prepare you to become head of company.

You can also request different accompanying solutions.

Get closer to the  CCI: titleContent from your region.

Each KIC offers a training (3-5 days) to succeed your company creation project.

The KICs also each offer a personalized follow-up on your project.

Who shall I contact

What training?

Training to become a driver of VTC: titleContent or VMDTR: titleContent is highly recommended to have a chance of pass the exam. But it's not mandatory.

Training lasts between 50 and 300 hours about.

The duration varies depending on the training center and where you do it.

The content of the training is intended to prepare for the VTC exam.

It trains you in theoretical written tests (regulations) and practical tests (driving, behavior, etc.).

Where to find VTC training?

You find the list of approved training centers on the website of the CMA: titleContent of your department.

Who shall I contact
How much does the training cost?

It costs between €400 and €1,500 about.

It is payable either online at the training center site or on site.

Its price varies depending on the center.

You can use your personal training account.

You can get aid for its financing by seeking advice from Pôle emploi.

Who shall I contact
  • Pôle emploi for jobseekers - 3949

    By telephone 

    39,49

    • To update your situation, report a change of situation, inform you of a payment: automated service 7 days a week, 24 hours a day - Free service + call price
    • To be put in contact with an advisor to register, to inform you, to modify an appointment: service accessible at the times set by each Pôle emploi agency - Free service + call price

    From the foreigner: + 33 1 77 86 39 49

    By E-mail

    Access via the contact form

Please note

Most training centers offer distance learning, so that you can prepare yourself (even in the event of a health crisis, for example).

How do I register for the exam?

You must register on the website of the CMA: titleContent from your region.

The cost of registration is €200 about. You can pay online.

Who shall I contact
What are the trials?

The test takes place in 2 parts :

  1. Knowledge tests
    • Management company and accounting
    • Trade Negotiation and Loyalty
    • Regulation on the activity of VTC
    • Rules of road safety
    • Mastering the French and theEnglish
  2. Practical test :
    • 20-minute course of driving as a driver of a VTC or VMDTR: titleContent. You must prepare the route, secure it (anticipate difficulties, work, facilitate the journey) and carry it out.
    • The examiner then checks:
      • Your knowledge on the territory covered (geographical, cultural, tourism)
      • Your ability to welcome a customer

When you succeed the exam, you receive a certificate on behalf of CMA: titleContent.

You have the choice between several types of connections with your customers.

Here are the 2 main possibilities:

  • Register on one or more VTC booking platforms (e.g. Uber, Heetch, Bolt, Free Now, Marcel, Allocab, LeCab, etc). They will be able to send you regular shopping requests from customers using their apps. In return, you will have to pay a commission to the platform collected on each race. This fee may vary depending on the platform. Similarly, the fare conditions of a race vary from one platform to another.
  • Develop your own customer portfolio in total independence. This autonomous option does not prevent you from being a partner of hotels, airports, tourist agencies, etc.

Please note

Platforms also sometimes offer "turnkey" pathways with exam registration, training, etc.

Once you have passed the VTC exam, you must choose the status of your future company.

A VTC driver reports to the craft sector.

Characteristics of the craftsman VTC

As a VTC driver, you report to the craft sector.

As such, your company will need to be registered at National company Directory (NSR) in the craft trades sector, regardless of the legal status of your company.

The business register (RM) is deleted.

Choosing your legal status

You have to choose your company's legal status.

You have the choice between 2 statuses:

Advantages and disadvantages of the micro-company

Turnover not to be exceeded

As a micro-entrepreneur, you have a turnover not to be exceeded.

In 2023, it stands at €77,700 for the provision of services and the liberal professions and to €188,700 for trade and accommodation activities. In 2022, it was €72,600 and €176,200.

If you exceed it for 2 consecutive years, you are out of the micro-company status.

This status is therefore appropriate for the beginner.

It's a good idea to get out of it as soon as your business develops.

Strengths

The status of the micro-company allows you to pay very little or no social security contributions.

Your administrative procedures are shorter, faster.

Weaknesses

In micro-company, you cannot deduct business expenses from your taxes, nor can you recover VAT.

You have little social protection (sickness, retirement, unemployment, etc.).

You cannot combine multiple different activities (i.e. with 2 different Siren unique ID numbers).

You can do 2 different activities but in the same micro-company, so these 2 activities must be linked (e.g. a bicycle salesman and repairman).

Advantages and disadvantages of the business

Strengths

With the business status, you can deduct your business expenses from your taxes.

You have maximum social protection.

You can partner.

You can hire one or more employees.

Weaknesses

Administrative procedures in the form of business are longer.

You must write and save your business statuses.

If you have a partner, you have to make the decisions together.

After choosing your status, you must complete theregistration of your company (or micro-company)) or your business to RNE: titleContent.

Warning  

Since 1er january 2023, it is no longer possible to carry out your procedures in a company Formalities Center (CFE). You must make them on the website of the company formalities office.

Company Formalities Window

You must create personal account. Then you need to click on the column “ Company ” and then click on “File a company”. One interactive online form 8 pages is offered; you must fill it out step by step. A user manual is available on this Single Window website.

You must scan and then upload to the site the supporting documents following:

The companies Formalities Window will send you a acknowledgement of your file. If a document is missing, you will be informed and you will have a 15-day period renewable once to transmit the missing voucher.

The company Formalities Window keeps your data for a maximum of 3 years (the information in your return and the supporting documents provided).

As a craftsman, your interlocutor is here chamber of trades and crafts from your region. The advisers of the CMA: titleContent are here for you accompany and you advisor in your efforts.

You can call or contact them by mail :

Who shall I contact

As soon as you have received the certificate of passing the exam, you must apply for your card.

It is indispensable.

Please note

If you have validated the exam, the CMA: titleContent sends you the attestation of success.

What is the VTC card?

You must have the VTC professional card to be entitled to carry out your activity.

It is valid for 5 years.

After that, you will have to apply for renewal every 5 years.

It must be placed prominently on the windshield of your vehicle and visible from the outside.

You can remove it when you're not doing your business.

Where to ask for your card?

You must ask for your card to the prefecture of the department of your home.

General case
Who shall I contact
In Paris
Who shall I contact
Documents to be provided for your card request

You must send to the prefecture the following documents:

  • ID Card (CNI: titleContent) front/back or passport
  • Valid driving license
  • Certificate of passing the VTC exam
  • Positive medical opinion (cerfa no. 14880)
  • 2 recent photos

The VTC business card is paying.

Its cost is about €60. You can pay online on the prefecture's website.

Please note

The fine for holding an invalid business card is €1,500.

In the event of loss or theft, you must reapply for a card using the same procedure and pay the same fee.

Subscribe to VTC Card Control Service

You must be registered on the VTC Card Control online service, called "Cerbere Authentication Portal".

This service allows customers to verify the validity of your card.

It must be available on the customer and driver connection platform.

VTC Card Control

Registration for the VTC register is mandatory to carry out the activity.

She must be done online.

It has to be renewed every 5 years.

Its cost is €170, payable online on the Registry website.

It is used to give you a personal account where you must register all events of your professional life.

Any change in your situation, including shutdown, must be reported within 3 months.

Application for entry in the register of operators of transport cars with driver (REVTC)

Warning  

L'lack of registration in the VTC register is considered as an exercise illegal of this activity. She is punished with 1 year imprisonment and €15,000 of fine.

For your 1re registration, you must provide the following documents:

  • Attestation ofprofessional civil insurance
  • Proof of registration of your company: Siren number, proof of registration with the NNE or Kbis extract
  • Copy of Certificate of Registration (carte grise)
  • Copy of the VTC business card
  • Justification for the financial security of €1,500 for each vehicle used on a regular basis. This guarantee is not necessary if you own the vehicle or rent it (rental longer than 6 months). In this case, you must provide any proof of ownership or rental.

Quality labels

As a VTC driver, you must offer customers a high quality service.

You can provide proof and publicize it through a quality label.

You can obtain the quality label "France VTC Limousine".

You must meet criteria relating in particular to:

  • Quality of reception of customers
  • Services offered in the vehicle (water bottle, tablets, etc.)
  • Proficiency in foreign languages
  • Vehicle comfort and cleanliness

You have to do the online application to the DGE: titleContent within the framework of the "Tourism Quality" label via the following service:

"Quality Tourism" label and "France VTC Limousine" label

VTC car (4 wheels)

Your car must meet the following requirements:

  • To have entered 4 and 9 placesincluding driver
  • Age of 6 years maximum (unless it is a collector's car)
  • Minimum 4 doors
  • Minimum dimensions: 4,50 m x 1,70 m
  • Engine power (net): not less than 84 kW

Please note

These limitations do not apply to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Professional insurance

You must take out insurance for your company, called professional civil liability.

You can ask for it from any insurer.

Please note

If you don't have insurance, you risk a fine of up to €3,750.

Thumbnail

You must display signage Transport car with driver (VTC).

This is a red sticker sticker required.

You must request your thumbnail.

The request is made using your personal space on the VTC register:

Application for entry in the register of operators of transport cars with driver (REVTC)

Its cost is €35 approximately, payable online on the registry site.

While waiting for the final tile, you can receive a temporary tile.

It has a maximum duration of 30 days. After this period, the final sticker must be placed.

The temporary sticker shall be placed in front of the vehicle, in the corner of the front windshield, at the bottom left, on the driver's seat side.

It shall contain the following information:

  • Company registration number in the VTC register (in 1er white square)
  • Vehicle registration number (in 2nd white square)

It must be glued to the 2 places following:

  • At the front of the vehicle: in the corner of the front windshield, at the bottom left, on the driver's seat side
  • At the rear of the vehicle: in the corner of the rear windshield, at the bottom right, opposite the driver's seat

Warning  

He is prohibits the use of an external luminous device, to avoid any confusion with taxi activity.

VMDTR (2 or 3 wheels)
Vehicle Characteristics
  • Engine with a net power of 40 kW or more
  • Age of 5 years maximum

Please note

These limitations do not apply to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Professional insurance

You must take out insurance for your company, called professional civil liability.

You can ask for it from any insurer.

Please note

If you don't have insurance, you risk a fine of up to €3,750.

Thumbnail

You must display signage Transport car with driver (VTC).

This is a blue sticker sticker required.

It is square and measures 8 x 8 cm.

You must request your thumbnail.

The request is made online using your personal space on the VTC register :

Application for entry in the register of operators of transport cars with driver (REVTC)

Its cost is €35 approximately, payable online on the registry site.

While waiting for the final tile, you can receive a temporary tile.

It has a maximum duration of 30 days. After this period, the final sticker must be placed.

Reservation required

The customer must book in advance.

You don't have the right to pick up a customer if they haven't booked in advance.

Parking and marauding prohibited

You must not no parking on public roads.

The marauding is prohibited.

You're not allowed tobe hailed by a client on the street. This practice is reserved for taxis.

At the end of the race, you must return to a parking lot or a garage, unless you have a reservation with another customer.

FYI  

Around a station or airport (or inside), you can park to wait for a customer who has booked. This parking shall not exceed Maximum 1 hour.

Reservation Ticket

You must be able to prove each booking in case of a check.

This proof is made by a booking ticket paper or electronic.

The ticket must contain the following information:

  • Name or corporate name and contact details of your company or business
  • Customer name and phone number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Date, time and place of customer care

FYI  

The marauding electronic is allowed. This is a search for customers via a digital application.

Penalties for unlawful exercise

In case of absence of prior reservation and in case of search of customers in the street, you risk the following penalties:

  • 1 year imprisonment 
  • €15,000
  • Immobilization of the vehicle for 1 year or final confiscation
  • 5-year suspension of driving license
Rates for shopping

You must be paid at the race.

The fare may be:

  • Be fixed and determined racing upon reservation,
  • Be calculated after the journey as a function of travel time and distance traveled.

The prices are free and are not regulated, unlike taxi.

Renew your business license

Every 5 years, you must renew your business license.

To obtain the renewal, you must complete a continuing training course.

This internship lasts 2 days (14 hours).

If you validate the internship, you will receive a certificate.

This must be done 3 months before the end of validity.

You find the list of approved training centers on the website of the CMA: titleContent of your department.

Who shall I contact
Renew your business card

Every 5 years, you need to renew your business card.

As soon as you receive the certificate of your continuing training course, you can apply for your new card.

Renewal costs extra.

Its cost is about €60.

Renew your VTC registration

Every 5 years, once you get your new card, you must re-register in the VTC: titleContent.

Application for entry in the register of operators of transport cars with driver (REVTC)

Do the roadworthiness test of the vehicle

You must perform the roadworthiness test of your vehicle 1 time per year.

This process is made up of your own initiative.

Please note

you do not receive a reminder or summons to do so.

Change vehicle
VTC (car)

If you are a driver of VTC: titleContent, you must use a vehicle nine maximum every 6 years.

Please note

if your car is hybrid or electric, this limit does not apply.

2 or 3 wheels (VMDTR)

If you are a driver of VMDTR: titleContent, you must use a new vehicle maximum every 5 years.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

FAQ