CPF and Driving Licence: How to take your driving test with the Personal Training Account (Compte Personnel de Formation)

Visit Personal Training Account (CPF) has long been recognized as an essential lever for skills upgrading and professional retraining. But did you know that it can also be used to finance your driving license? In this article, we explain how to use your CPF to obtain this precious sesame, which can be a real asset in your professional life.

Read also: Job opportunities as a truck driver in Canada.

The CPF In brief

The " Personal Training Account "(CPF) is a French scheme set up to enable workers to take training courses throughout their working lives. Here are a few key points to know about the CPF:

1. Objective The aim of the CPF is to promote access to training for all working people, whether employees or jobseekers, in order to develop their skills and secure their career paths.
2. How it works Each year, the account is credited with hours (or euros since 2019) based on the time worked by the employee during the previous year.
3. Amount and ceiling : Since the 2018 "Avenir professionnel" law, the CPF has been credited in euros rather than hours. In 2022, full-time employees will receive 500 euros a year in their CPF (800 euros for low-skilled employees), up to a total ceiling of 5,000 euros (or 8,000 euros for the least skilled).
4. Consultation CPF: Holders can consult their CPF balance and choose a training course via an online platform or a dedicated mobile application.
5. Eligible courses : Only certain training courses are eligible for financing via the CPF. These training courses must enable the acquisition of recognized skills. Since 2017, the CPF can also be used to finance driving licenses.
6. CPF professional transition This is an evolution of the CIF (Congé Individuel de Formation). It enables employees to take a leave of absence from their job in order to undergo training to gain qualifications, progress or retrain.
7. Jobseekers' rights Jobseekers can also use their CPF. Even if their account is no longer funded during the period of unemployment, they can use the rights already acquired when they were employed.
8. Portability If an employee changes jobs or becomes unemployed, his or her rights remain intact. The CPF is therefore "portable" and remains attached to the individual, whatever his or her status or career path.
9. Financing The CPF is financed by company contributions and other sources such as payroll tax.

It's in every worker's interest to understand how the CPF works, as it's a valuable tool for developing one's professional career. It's a good idea to consult your account regularly, check your available entitlements and keep abreast of eligible training courses likely to meet your professional needs or ambitions.

The CPF : A versatile tool

The Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) is a powerful tool for continuing training and professional development. Created to support workers throughout their careers, the CPF is often associated with skills training or professional retraining courses. It can be used to finance a variety of training courses, from learning a new language to specific training in a professional field, via nationally or internationally recognized certifications.

But the CPF doesn't stop there. One of its major advantages lies in its flexibility and versatility. Indeed, the rights accumulated under this scheme can be used for less traditional training, but just as essential to your professional life.

Driver's license via CPF: An option not to be overlooked

Among the less conventional, but extremely useful options, the CPF can also be used to finance your driver's license. This is an opportunity for those who see their driving license as essential to their mobility, autonomy and, consequently, employability. Whether you're in a job and looking to broaden your mobility options, or a jobseeker who sees a driving license as an asset for accessing a new job, this use of your CPF deserves serious consideration.

A driver's license is sometimes a prerequisite for employment in certain positions, and can become a real career gas pedal. Thanks to the CPF, this precious sesame becomes more accessible, which can remove much of the financial stress often associated with this step.

Why use the CPF for a driving licence?

It may seem a simple question, but the answer is manifold and the benefits numerous. Using your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to take your driving test offers both personal and professional opportunities. Here are just a few reasons why it's worth considering.

Financial benefits

The first, and by no means least, advantage is financial. Passing the driving test can be a costly operation, with fees that can rise to several thousand euros, depending on the region and the driving school. By using your CPF, you can cushion, or even eliminate, this financial burden, making the driving test more accessible.

Increased employability

Having a driver's license can be a decisive factor in your job search. Some jobs, particularly outside major cities where public transport is less accessible, require the ability to get around easily. A driver's license is therefore a real asset on a CV, and can set your application apart from others.

Mobility and autonomy

Mobility is a major factor in any professional career. Whether it's to accept a position far from your current home, or to facilitate business travel, the freedom offered by a driver's license is an undeniable plus. It also gives you greater flexibility in choosing your place of residence, by widening the range of affordable areas.

Time saving

Using your CPF for your driving test can save you a lot of time. It allows you to focus more fully on preparing for the test, while reducing the stress associated with the cost. What's more, some driving schools that partner with the CPF offer intensive courses to help you pass your test more quickly.

Retraining opportunities

For those considering a career change, a driver's license can open doors to new professions requiring vehicle driving, such as itinerant sales, delivery boyor truck driverto name but a few.

How does it work? Steps to take your driving test with the CPF

You're convinced of the benefits of using your Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) to take your driving test, but you're wondering how to make it happen? Follow these steps and make sure you have the necessary documents.

Steps to follow to take your driving test with the CPF

1. Creation of the CPF Account : If you don't already have an account, create one on the official website My Training Account.
2. Consultation of CPF rights The first step is to consult your CPF account online to find out how many rights you have accumulated. This will give you an idea of the amount available to finance your license.
3. Choosing a driving school Make sure you choose a driving school approved for CPF financing. This information is usually given on their website, or you can request it directly.
4. Quotation and training program Get a detailed estimate and training program from the driving school. These documents are needed to put together your financing file.
5. Preparing your application on the CPF portal Log in to your CPF account and follow the instructions to create a new funding application. Download the necessary documents and validate your application.
6. Validation and registration Once your financing has been approved, you can officially enroll at the driving school and begin your training.
7. Follow-up and finalization To ensure that your funding remains valid until you pass your exam, make sure you keep up with your training and meet all the requirements.

Conditions and documents required

• Conditions You must have CPF rights available. There is no minimum requirement. Note that there is only one thing that can prevent you from accessing the funding: having had your license suspended or banned.
• Required documents No specific documents are mentioned, but it is likely that you will need to provide proof of identity and other documents required by the driving school, for example (Proof of identity, Detailed estimate from the driving school, Training program, CPF number, etc.).

Pitfalls to avoid

1. Non-compliance of the driving school Make sure the driving school is approved for CPF funding, otherwise your application may be rejected.
2. Deadlines : Respect the deadlines set for the driving school's response (2 working days) and finalization of the registration (4 working days).
3. Lack of Follow-up Some people tend to neglect the follow-up of their files. Be proactive to make sure everything is in order.
4. Administrative deadlines Don't underestimate the time it can take for the administration to validate your file. Start the process well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
5. Change of status If your professional situation changes (for example, if you change jobs), make sure that this does not affect your eligibility or the funds available on your CPF.
6. Civil servants The rules are different for civil servants. Their rights remain calculated in hours, and they must refer to their hierarchy to use their CPF rights.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions about how to use the CPF to finance your driving license? Here are the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

1. Do all driving schools accept CPF financing?

No, only driving schools approved for CPF financing are eligible. Be sure to check this information before committing yourself.

2. How do I know how much I have accumulated on my CPF?

You can check the exact amount of your entitlement by logging into your account on the official Mon Compte Formation website.

3. Is there a minimum amount required on my CPF to finance my driving licence?

No, there is no minimum requirement. However, if the amount on your CPF does not fully cover the cost, you will have to complete the payment yourself.

4. How long does it take to get a response from the driving school?

The driving school has 2 working days to respond to your application. You then have 4 working days to finalize your registration if your application is accepted.

5. Can I use my DIF hours to finance my driving licence?

Yes, the hours acquired under the DIF can be used. However, you will need to indicate your DIF balance online before a certain date in order to benefit from it.

6. Can my employer refuse to let me use my CPF for this training?

No, the CPF is a genuine right to training. Your employer cannot oppose it, although his agreement is required if the training takes place during your working hours.

7. I'm a civil servant, can I also use my CPF for my driving licence?

Yes, but the rules are different. Entitlements are calculated in hours, not euros, and you will have to refer to your hierarchy to use your entitlements.

8. How do I get paid if my CPF doesn't cover everything?

You will be given an indication of the amount still to be paid when you submit your application. Final payment will only be made once the organization has accepted your application.

9. Are there any conditions that might prevent me from using my CPF for my driving licence?

Yes, you won't be able to use your CPF to finance your driving license if your license has been suspended or banned.

10. How are rights converted into euros?

Since November 2019, each hour of training has been converted to €15 including tax. Accounts are topped up by €500 per year for employees who have worked at least half-time over the whole year.