France mandates exams for all new VTC and moto-taxi drivers

The French government has issued a decree making a formal examination the sole pathway for individuals seeking to become VTC (ride-hailing) drivers or moto-taxi (two or three-wheeled vehicle) operators. This reform effectively abolishes the previous system of professional equivalence, which allowed candidates to obtain a license by demonstrating at least one year of experience in passenger transport within the last decade.

Authorities cited several reasons for the change, including the need to ensure a uniform level of competence among drivers and to address insufficient knowledge of specific regulations. The Ministry of Transport also noted a high number of attempted frauds related to experience justifications and identified regulatory loopholes that had allowed the equivalence system to deviate from its original purpose.

Under the new rules, all new applicants must pass an exam organized monthly by the network of Chambers of Trades and Crafts (Chambres de métiers et de l'artisanat). An exception remains for professionals already qualified in other European Union member states, who may still seek recognition of their existing qualifications to work in France.