Become a VTC driver

Verified 16 September 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Want to become a driver of VTC (chauffeur-driven transport car)? For this, you must meet conditions like holding the license for 3 years, pass an exam, have the business card VTC, register for register of VTC. You must choose the legal form of your company (micro-entrepreneur, IS: titleContent, business). We present you with the necessary information.

Step-by-step approach

The conditions for being a VTC driver are different if you have or have not already been a professional driver of people.

You've never been a professional driver

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

  • Have a driver's license (category B for VTC, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) for 3 years minimum (or 2 years if you have driven accompanied)
  • Have a criminal record exempt from certain convictions on the bulletin n°2
  • Have passed a medical examination that resulted in a positive medical opinion approving that you can practice this profession (cerfa n°14880). Only a licensed physician can do this check. He's not your primary care physician. You can find the list of licensed doctors on the website of your prefecture.

Please note

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

It is impossible to practice the profession of driver VTC if it appears on bulletin n ° 2 of the criminal record one of the following convictions:

  • Conviction for an offense punishable by the Highway Code by a reduction of half of the maximum number of points of the driving license
  • Conviction for driving a vehicle without holding a driving license corresponding to the category of the vehicle used or for driving despite the cancelation of the driving license or despite the prohibition on obtaining the issue of the license, or for refusing to surrender his driving license after its invalidation or cancelation
  • Conviction by a French or foreign court to a criminal or correctional sentence of at least 6 months' imprisonment for theft, fraud, breach of trust, willful violation of the integrity of the person, sexual assault, arms trafficking, extortion of funds or violation of drug laws.
You've been a driver

You have experience of 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 a professional driver experience for at least 1 year in the last 10 years
  • Have a driver's license (category B for VTC, category A for VMDTR: titleContent) since 3 years minimum
  • Have passed a medical examination that resulted in a positive medical opinion approving that you can practice this profession (cerfa no. 14880). Only a licensed physician can do this check. He's not your primary care physician. You can find the list of licensed doctors on the website of your prefecture.

How to anticipate difficulties?

These courses are optional, but recommended for your success.

  • Plan the difficulties
    • Make a financial reserve to deal with unforeseen events
    • Prepare for the steady pace of work

Please note

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

Make a business plan

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

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

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

We explain how to develop it.

Who can help you?

FYI  

Before you start, we offer you tips and tools for preparing to become a head of company.

You can also request different support solutions.

Get closer to theCCI: titleContent of your region.

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

The CCIs also each offer 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 get a chance to pass the exam. But it's not mandatory.

Training can last between 50 and 300 hours about.

The duration varies according to the training center and the place where you perform it.

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

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

Where to find a VTC training?

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

How much does the training cost?

It can cost between €400 and €3,000 about.

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

Its price varies according to the training center and the number of hours.

You can use your personal training account.

You can get aid for its financing seeking advice from France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi).

Who shall I contact

  • France Job seekers - 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 put in contact with an advisor to register, inquire, modify an appointment: service accessible at the times set by each agency France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) - Free service + price call

    From the foreigner: + 33 1 77 86 39 49

    By courier

    Access via the contact form

Please note

Most training centers offer distance learning, so that you can prepare (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 of your region.

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
    • Negotiation and commercial loyalty
    • Regulation on the activity of VTC
    • Regulations on gender-based offenses and/or sexual and on discrimination (definition, prevention, penalties incurred)
    • Rules of road safety
    • Mastery of French and theEnglish
  2. Practical test :
    • 20-minute route of driving as a driver of 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 traveled (geographical, cultural, tourist)
      • Your ability to welcome a customer

When you succeed the exam, you receive a certificate from the CMA: titleContent.

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

Here are the 2 main possibilities:

  • Register on one or more VTC booking platforms (for example, Uber, Heetch, Bolt, Free Now, Marcel, Allocab, LeCab, etc). They will be able to regularly send you requests for groceries from customers using their applications. In return, you will have to pay a commission to the platform levied 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.

The full list of reservation centers is available on the website of the Ministry of Ecology:

List of reservation centers for public passenger transport

Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion

Pour en savoir plus

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 responsible for craft sector.

As such, your company must be registered at National company Directory (NBR) in the crafts sector, regardless of the legal status of your company.

The Trades Directory (RM) is deleted.

Choice of your legal status

You have to choose the legal form of your company.

You have the choice between 2 main legal forms:

Advantages and disadvantages of micro-company

Turnover not to be exceeded

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

It rises to €77,700 for the provision of services and the liberal professions and €188,700 for trade and accommodation activities.

If you exceed it during 2 years running, you are out of the status of the microcompany.

That status is therefore appropriate for the beginner.

It is advisable to leave as soon as your business develops.

Highlights

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

Your administrative procedures are shorter, faster.

Weaknesses

In micro-companyHowever, 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 (i.e. with 2 different Siren unique identification numbers).

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

Advantages and disadvantages of business

Highlights

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' statutes.

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

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

Warning  

Since the 1er January 2023However, it is no longer possible to carry out your formalities in a Business Formalities Center (CFE). You must carry them out on the website from company formalities window.

Window of company formalities

The declarant shall create a personal account. Then he must click on the column “ Company ” and then on “File a company formality”. One interactive online form of 8 pages is proposed to him; he must fill it step by step. Instructions for use are available on this Single Window website.

The registrant must digitize and then upload the supporting documents following:

The company Formalities Window sends the declarant a acknowledgment of receipt of the file. If a document is missing, he is informed and has a 15 days renewable 1 time to transmit the missing supporting document.

The companies Formalities Office stores this data for a maximum of 3 years (the information in the declaration and the supporting documents provided).

The Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) of each region is the interlocutor of the craftsmen.

The advisers of the CMA: titleContent are there for the accompany and the advisor in their endeavors.

They can be reached by telephone or 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 certificate of achievement.

What is the VTC card?

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

It is valid 5 years.

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

The card shall be prominently displayed on the windshield of your vehicle and visible from the outside.

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

FYI  

It is valid on the whole national territory. It allows you to travel there as a professional. However, in the event of a move, you must report your new residence address on the VTC register in your personal online account.

The VTC business card is fee-based.

Its cost is about €60.

After the application process, the declarant receives an email from the Imprimerie nationale to make the payment.

How to apply for the business card?

The approach is different depending on the type of transport (VTC or VMDTR: titleContent) and recognition of competences (examination or equivalence).

VTC

The approach is different depending on the recognition of competencies: examination or equivalence of diplomas.

Following passing the exam

The registrant must apply for a VTC business card only online:

Apply for the Professional Transport Car Driver Card with Driver (VTC) by exam

By equivalence of diplomas

The registrant must apply for a VTC business card only online:

Apply for the professional driver card of a chauffeur-driven transport car (VTC) by equivalence

VMDTR

Following passing the exam

The registrant must apply for a VMDTR Business Card online only:

Apply for the Professional Driver Card for a Driver-Driven Two- or Three-Wheeled Vehicle (VMDTR) by Examination

By equivalence of diplomas

The registrant must apply for a VMDTR Business Card online only:

Apply for the Professional Driver Card for a Driver-Driven Two or Three Wheel Vehicle (VMDTR) by equivalence

Please note

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

In case of loss or theft, you must apply for a new card according to the same procedure and pay the same rate.

Registration for the VTC Card Control Service

Drivers holding the business card are all automatically registered on the online VTC card control service, called "Cerberus authentication portal".

This service allows customers and booking platforms to check the validity of cards.

Check the validity of VTC business cards

Registration at the Register of VTC operators is mandatory to carry out the activity.

She must be done online.

It must be renewed every 5 years.

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

Registration allows access to a personal account where the driver must register all events of his professional life.

Any change in situation, including cessation of activity, must be reported within 3 months.

Please note

The VTC driver can travel throughout the national territory, however he must report his new address in case of relocation.

Application for registration in the register of operators of chauffeur-driven transport cars (REVTC)

Warning  

THEno registration in the register of VTC is considered an exercise illegal of this activity. It shall be punished by one year's imprisonment and €15,000 of a fine.

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

  • Attestation ofprofessional civil insurance
  • Proof of company registration: Siren number, Proof of registration in the RNE or extract Kbis
  • Copy of Certificate of Registration (-)
  • Copy of the VTC business card
  • Proof of the financial guarantee of €1,500 for each vehicle used regularly. This warranty is not required if you own the vehicle or rent it (rental more than 6 months). In this case, you must provide any evidence to prove the property or rental.

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

You can prove it and advertise it through a quality label.

You can get the label for this “Destination of excellence”.

You must meet criteria related in particular to the following services:

  • Quality of reception of customers
  • Services offered in the vehicle (water bottle, digital tablets, etc.)
  • Proficiency in foreign languages
  • Comfort and cleanliness of vehicle
  • Environmentally responsible practices.

The labeling application process is carried out on the online platform ofAtout France :

"Destination of excellence" label for tourism professionals

Please note

To learn more about this label, you can consult the following page: Destination of excellence: everything you need to know about this tourism label.

VTC car (4 wheels)

Your car must comply with the following characteristics:

  • Have entered 4 and 9 seatsincluding driver
  • Age of 7 years maximum (unless it is a classic 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 liability.

You can request it from all insurers.

Please note

If you do not have insurance, you risk a fine that can be up to €3,750.

Thumbnail

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

This is a red sticker required.

You must request your thumbnail.

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

Application for registration in the register of operators of chauffeur-driven transport cars (REVTC)

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

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

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

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

It shall include the following information:

  • Registration number of the company in the register of VTC (in the 1er white square)
  • Vehicle registration number (within 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, lower left, on the side of the driver's seat
  • At the rear of the vehicle: in the corner of the rear windshield, lower right, opposite the driver's seat

Warning  

He is forbidden to use a luminous external device, to avoid confusion with the taxi business.

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 liability.

You can request it from all insurers.

Please note

If you do not have insurance, you risk a fine that can be up to €3,750.

Thumbnail

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

This is a blue 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 register of VTC :

Application for registration in the register of operators of chauffeur-driven transport cars (REVTC)

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

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

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

Parking and marauding prohibited

The VTC driver must not park on the public road.

Each race must be made following a reservation.

The marauding is prohibited. Marauding is a practice of slowly riding empty in search of a customer.

The driver is not allowed to be hailed by a customer on the street. This practice is reserved for taxis.

FYI  

The marauding electronic, just like physical marauding, is prohibited to the drivers of VTC.

After completing a ride, the driver of a VTC who does not have a registered reservation must return to park:

  • where the company operating the car is located: the driver’s domicile, if he is self-employed, and the company’s registered office;
  • or in a place, off the road, where parking is permitted (garage, parking).

FYI  

Around a station or airport (or inside), the VTC driver can park to wait for a customer who has booked. Ec parking shall not exceed 1 hour maximum.

Prior reservation required

The customer must book his race in advance.

The driver of VTC does not have the right to take a customer if he does not booked his race in advance.

Proof of prior reservation

The driver must be able to prove each prior reservation in the event of a check.

This proof is done by a supporting document à present atscreening officer under paper format or electronic.

The supporting document must include the information following:

  • Name or business name and contact details of the business operating a chauffeur-driven transport car (VTC) or a two- or three-wheel motor vehicle (VMDTR)
  • Name and telephone number of the customer requesting a particular public transport service for persons for consideration
  • Date and time of the prior reservation made by the customer
  • Date and time of pick-up desired by the customer
  • Pick-up location indicated by the customer.

Warning  

As of October 29, 2025, any proof of reservation must also mention the following elements:

  • Operator's registration number on the VTC register (REVTC) instead of the Atout France number
  • Unique operator identification number (Siren) issued following registration in the National company Register (RNE) via the company Formalities Window

In the event that the information concerning the name and the phone number from customer are not included in the proof, the driver must provide, without delay, to the control officer, the means of contacting the customer.

Penalties for illegal practice

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

  • 1 year imprisonment
  • €15,000 of fine
  • Immobilization of the vehicle for 1 year or final confiscation
  • 5 years suspension of the driving license.
Price of the races

The driver must be paid by the race.

The fare of the race can be:

  • Be flat-rate and determined to the race from the time of booking,
  • Be calculated after the race as a function of travel time and distance traveled.

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

Minimum income per race

When the VTC driver is connected to a booking platform, each service, regardless of its duration or the distance traveled, gives rise to the payment to the driver, by the platform, of a minimum income from activity.

This minimum income per stroke must be equal or greater à €9.

In the case of a contract with a platform, this amount is calculated net of the commission fees received by the platform, when it receives them.

This amount is subject to annual review in the light of economic conditions.

This minimum income is valid throughout the national territory.

Minimum guarantee of hourly income from activity

The driver must be paid for every hour worked at least €30 by the platform.

Income per kilometer browsed during a race must be from €1 minimum.

Please note

A new agreement of 19 September 2023 obliges platforms to better communicate information on the termination of commercial relations to the driver in advance.

Renew your business card

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

To get the renewal, you need to make a continuing education course.

This internship lasts 2 days (14 hours).

If you validate the internship, you receive a attestation.

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

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

Renewal is paid.

Its cost is about €60.

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

Who shall I contact
How to request the renewal of the business card?

The approach is different depending on the type of transport: VTC or VMDTR: titleContent.

VTC

The registrant must apply for the renewal of his professional VTC card only online, on the website of the simplified procedures:

Request the renewal of the driver's business card for a chauffeur-driven transport car (VTC)

VMDTR

The registrant must apply for renewal of his VMDTR professional card only online, on the website of the simplified procedures:

Request renewal of the driver's business card for a 2 or 3-wheel motor vehicle with driver (VMDTR)

Renew your registration in the VTC register

All 5 years, as soon as you get your new card, you must re-register on the VTC: titleContent.

Application for registration in the register of operators of chauffeur-driven transport cars (REVTC)

Do the technical inspection of the vehicle

You must carry out the technical inspection of your vehicle 1 time per year.

This approach stems from your own initiative.

Please note

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

Change Vehicle
VTC (car)

If you are a driver of VTC: titleContent, you must change of vehicle and use one new every 7 years (maximum).

Please note

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

2 or 3 wheels (VMDTR)

If you are a driver of VMDTR: titleContent, you must change vehicles and use one new every 5 years (maximum).

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For any questions and information on the steps of the VTC

    Assistance to VTCs

    For any questions about the procedures

    By phone

    09 74 36 31 72

    By email

    registre-vtc@developpement-durable.gouv.fr

  • For drivers' business card applications (except in Paris)

    Prefecture

  • For the professional card application of drivers domiciled in Paris

    Paris Police Prefecture - Taxi and Public Transport Office

FAQ