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Become a VTC driver

Verified 01 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Want to become a VTC driver? To do this, you must fulfil conditions (licence for 3 years, criminal record), pass exam, have business card VTC, register for VTC register. You must choose your status entrepreneur (micro-entrepreneur, ISIS: titleContentbusiness). We present you with the necessary information.

Step-by-step approach

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

You've never been a professional driver

Before you start, you have to fill in all the following conditions:

  • Have a driving licence (category B for ATVs, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) 3 years minimumor 2 years if you have done accompanied driving)
  • Have a criminal record exempt from certain convictions on ballot 2 
  • Having completed a medical check which resulted in a positive medical approving that you can perform this job (cerfa no. 14880). Only a licenced physician can do this check. This isn't your 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 already been a driver

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

Example :

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

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

  • Have a professional driver experience for a minimum of 1 year in the last 10 years
  • Have a driving licence (category B for ATVs, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) since 3 years minimum
  • Having completed a medical check which resulted in a positive medical approving that you can perform this job (cerfa 14880). Only a licenced physician can do this check. This isn't your 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 difficulties
    • Make a financial reserve to deal with unforeseen events
    • Prepare for steady pace of work

Please note

Learn more about the trade. For example, on differences in exercise between taxi driver and VTC driver.

Make a business plan

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

It's a necessary file for persuade banks to support you.

It's also a management tool over the first three years.

You're told how to build it.

Who can help you?

FYI  

Before you start, we offer you tips and tools to prepare you to become a company.

You can also request different support solutions.

Get closer to CCI: titleContent your region.

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

The KICs also provide personalised follow-up on your project.

Who shall I contact

What training?

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

Hard training between 50 and 300 hours about.

The duration varies depending on the training centre 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, behaviour, etc.).

Where to find VTC training?

You find list of approved training centres on web site of the CMA: titleContent 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 centre or on site.

Its price varies depending on the centre.

You can use your training staff account.

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

  • Pôle emploi for jobseekers - 3949

    By phone 

    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 contacted by an advisor to sign up, please inform yourself, change 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 Email

    Access via contact form

Please note

Most training centres offer distance course, so that you can prepare yourself (even in case of a health crisis, for example).

How do I enrol in the exam?

You must register on the CMA: titleContent in your area.

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

Who shall I contact
What are the trials?

The event takes place in 2 Parts ::

  1. Knowledge tests
    • Management company and accounting
    • Trade negotiation and retention
    • Regulation on VTC activity
    • Rules road safety
    • Master of French andEnglish
  2. Practice ::
    • 20-minute route of driving as 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 in the territory covered (geographical, cultural, tourist)
      • Your ability to host a customer

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

You can choose from several types of contacts 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 requests for races from customers using their applications. In return, you will have to pay a commission to the platform taken on each race. This fee may vary by platform. Likewise, the pricing conditions of a race vary from platform to platform.
  • Develop your own customer portfolio completely independent. This autonomous option does not prevent you from being a partner of hotels, airports, tourist agencies, etc.

Please note

Platforms also sometimes offer turnkey courses 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 VTC craftsman

As a VTC driver, you are craft sector.

As such, your company must be registered with the National company Directory (NER) in the craft trades sector, regardless of the legal status of your company.

The Business Directory (RM) is deleted.

Choosing your legal status

You have to choose the legal status of your company.

You have a choice of 2 statuses:

Advantages and disadvantages of micro-company

Turnover not to be exceeded

As micro-entrepreneur, you have turnover not to exceed.

In 2023, it rose to €77,700 for the provision of services and the liberal professions €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 status of the micro company.

This status is therefore appropriate for beginner.

It is recommended to leave as soon as your activity develops.

Highlights

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

Your paperwork is shorter, faster.

Weaknesses

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

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

You cannot combine multiple different activities (that is, with 2 different unique Siren ID numbers).

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

Advantages and disadvantages of business

Highlights

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

You have maximum social protection.

You can associate.

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 you choose your status, you must register your company or business to RNE: titleContent.

Warning  

From 1to January 2023, it is no longer possible to make your paperwork in a company Formalities Centre (CFE). You have to make them on the website of company formalities window.

Company formalities window

You must create a personal account. Then you must click on the column “ Company ” and then click on "Drop a company formality". One interactive online form of 8 pages is proposed to you; you have to fill it step by step. A manual is available on this Single Window website.

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

The companies Formalities Office will send you a acknowledgement of your file. If a document is missing, you will be informed and will have a 15 days renewable 1 times to transmit missing voucher.

The companies formalities office keeps your data (the information in your return and the supporting documents provided) for a maximum of 3 years.

As a craftsman, your interlocutor is the chamber of crafts and crafts in your area. The CMA: titleContent are here for you accompany and you advisor in your steps.

You can call or contact by email ::

Who shall I contact

Once you have received the exam pass certificate, you must apply for your card.

It is indispensable.

Please note

If you have validated the exam, CMA: titleContent sends you the pass certificate.

What is the VTC card?

You must have the VTC professional card to be able 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 prominently displayed on your vehicle's windshield and visible from the outside.

You can remove it when you're not in business.

Where do I ask for your card?

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

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

You must send the following documents to the Prefecture:

  • Identity Card (CNI: titleContent) back or back or passport
  • Valid driving licence
  • Certificate of successful completion of the VTC exam
  • Positive medical opinion (cerfa 14880)
  • 2 recent photos

VTC Business Card is paying.

Its cost is about €60. You can pay online on the Prefecture website.

Please note

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

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

VTC Card Control Registration

You must be registered on the VTC online card control service, called the "Cerber Authentication Portal".

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

It must be available on the platform for connecting customers and drivers.

VTC Card Control

Registration to VTC register is required to carry on the activity.

She must be carried out online.

It must 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 have to register all events of your professional life.

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

Application for Registration in the Register of Operators of Motor Vehicles with Driver (REVTC)

Warning  

Theno registration in the VTC register shall be considered as an illegal of this activity. She was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment and €15,000 fine.

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

  • Certificate ofprofessional insurance
  • Certificate of Registration for your company: Siren number, proof of registration at the RNE or Kbis
  • Copy of Certificate of Registration (carte grise)
  • Copy of VTC Business Card
  • Justification of financial guarantee of €1,500 for each vehicle used regularly. This warranty is not required if you are the owner of the vehicle or if you are renting it (more than 6 months rental). In this case, you must provide any proof of ownership or rental.

Quality Labels

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

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

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

You must meet criteria related to the following services:

  • Quality of welcome for guests
  • Services offered in the vehicle (water bottle, digital tablets, etc.)
  • Foreign language proficiency
  • Comfort and cleanliness

You have to online request to DGE: titleContent under the "Quality Tourism" label via the following service:

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

VTC car (4 wheels)

Your car must meet the following characteristics:

  • Have in 4 and 9 seats, including driver
  • Age 7 years maximum (unless it is a collection car)
  • Minimum 4 doors
  • Minimum dimensions: 4.50 m x 1.70 m
  • Engine (net) power: greater than or equal to 84 kW

Please note

These limitations do not apply to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Professional

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

You can ask for it from all insurers.

Please note

If you don't have insurance, you risk a fine that can be as high as €3,750.

Thumbnail

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

This is a red sticker required.

You must ask for your thumbnail.

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

Application for Registration in the Register of Operators of Motor Vehicles with Driver (REVTC)

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

Pending the final thumbnail, you may receive a temporary thumbnail.

It has a maximum duration of 30 days. After this period, you must put the final thumbnail.

The temporary sticker shall be placed in the front of the vehicle, in the front windscreen angle, in the lower left-hand corner, on the side of the driver's seat.

It includes the following information:

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

It must be glued to 2 locations following:

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

Warning  

It not to use an external light device, to avoid any confusion with the taxi activity.

VMDTR (2 or 3 wheels)
Vehicle characteristics
  • Engine with a net power of 40kW or more
  • Age 6 years maximum

Please note

These limitations do not apply to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Professional

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

You can ask for it from all insurers.

Please note

If you don't have insurance, you risk a fine that can be as high as €3,750.

Thumbnail

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

This is a blue sticker required.

It is square and measures 8 x 8 cm.

You must ask for your thumbnail.

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

Application for Registration in the Register of Operators of Motor Vehicles with Driver (REVTC)

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

Pending the final thumbnail, you may receive a temporary thumbnail.

It has a maximum duration of 30 days. After this period, you must put the final thumbnail.

Reservation required

The customer must book his race in advance.

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

Parking and marauding prohibited

You must not parking on the highway.

The marauding is prohibited.

You don't have the rightbe propelled by a client on the street. This practice is reserved for taxis.

At the end of the race, you have to return to a car park or garage, unless you have a reservation with another customer.

FYI  

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

Reservation tab

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

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

The ticket must include the following information:

  • Name or legal name and contact details of your company or business
  • Customer Name and Telephone Contact
  • Date and time of booking
  • Date, time, and location of customer support

FYI  

The marauding electronic is allowed. This is a client search through a digital application.

Penalties for unlawful exercise

If you do not book in advance and if you search for customers on the street, you may face the following penalties:

  • 1 year imprisonment 
  • €15,000
  • Immobilisation of the vehicle for 1 year or definitive confiscation
  • Suspension of 5 years of driving licence
Rates

You must be paid for the race.

The fare for the race can be:

  • Flat rate and determined race upon reservation,
  • It is calculated after the race according to the journey time and the distance travelled.

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

Renew your professional licence

Every 5 years, you must renew your professional licence.

To obtain a renewal, you must complete a continuing education.

This course lasts 2 days (14 hours).

If you validate the internship, you receive a certificate.

This must be done 3 months the end of validity.

You find list of approved training centres on web site of the CMA: titleContent 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 education, you can apply for your new card.

The renewal fee is charged.

Its cost is about €60.

Renew your VTC registration

Every 5 years, as soon as you get your new card, you have to re-register VTC: titleContent.

Application for Registration in the Register of Operators of Motor Vehicles with Driver (REVTC)

Conduct vehicle technical inspection

You must perform the technical inspection of your vehicle 1 times a year.

This approach is made of your own initiative.

Please note

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

Change Vehicle
VTC (car)

If you are a driver VTC: titleContent, you must use a vehicle nine maximum every 7 years.

Please note

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

2 or 3 wheels (VMDTR)

If you are a driver VMDTR: titleContent, you must use a new maximum vehicle every 6 years.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

To small and medium-sized and micro-entreprises, do you have a business project, a difficulty or a question ?

Quick and simple public service: you will be contacted over the phone by one of our experts.

Speak with an advisor on Place des Entreprises

FAQ