At a time when electric vehicles are enjoying great popularity, more and more French people are turning to VSPs, in other words, cars without a license . Practical, compact, some of these vehicles are also accessible from the age of 14. Here’s everything you need to know about unlicensed cars.
What are the two categories of cars without a license?
Cars without a license come in two main categories. The first brings together light quadricycles, and the second heavy quadricycles.
The light 2-seater quadricycle
A light quadricycle is a license-free vehicle that can accommodate two people on board, namely the driver and his passenger. These cars have a reduced weight of up to 425 kg. Their power is limited to 8.2 CV and the speed cannot exceed 45 km/h. The size of the car is also reduced insofar as a light quadricycle cannot exceed:
- 3 m de long
- 1.5m wide
- 2.5m high
The 4-seater heavy quadricycle
A heavy quadricycle is a 4-seater license-free vehicle that can accommodate: the driver and 3 passengers. The weight of these VSPs varies between 450 kg and 600 kg. More powerful than the light quadricycle, it can run at 90 km/h thanks to these 20 HP. In terms of size, the limits are as follows:
- 3,7 m de long
- 1.5m wide
- 2.5m high
Driving a light quadricycle is possible from the age of 14
Cars without a license are easy to drive. They appeal to all generations. However, they are used more in urban areas than in the countryside. Who can drive these VSPs? It all depends on your year of birth and the model
With what theoretical training will young drivers be able to hit the road?
It is possible to drive a car without a license from the age of 14, but this rule only applies under certain conditions. A 2-seater light quadricycle can be driven without a code and without a license by people born before 1988. Those born after 1988 must hold the BSR, in other words the road safety certificate, or the AM license. The latter has replaced the BSR since January 19, 2013.
As a reminder, to have an AM license, you must validate:
- The ASSR1, school road safety certificate that is passed in 5th grade
- The ASSR2, road safety school certificate that is passed in 3rd grade
- The ASR, road safety certificate which can be obtained in adult training centers such as Greta, but also in town hall.
Is practical training necessary?
In addition to the validation of one of the road safety certificates, namely the ASSR1, the ASSR2 or the ASR, an 8-hour training course with a driving school is required. This must be done over a minimum of two days. During the sessions, the candidate learns to control his vehicle and puts his knowledge of the Highway Code into practice. There is no exam to obtain the AM license, the training is enough. A certificate is given at the end of the training.
Driving a heavy quadricycle is possible from the age of 16
Driving a heavy 4-seater quadricycle requires a B1 license. This can be obtained under conditions from the age of 16!
Obtaining the B1 license
To obtain the B1 license, you must be at least 16 years old. The first condition is to hold the ASSR2, the road safety certificate obtained in 3e class, or the ASR, the road safety certificate. Even with the ASSR2 or the ASR, a theoretical examination is essential. You have to pass the Highway Code. Twenty hours of driving are required to obtain the B1 licence. They are made at a driving school. You must also prove that you are in good health and provide a medical examination. At the end of a practical test, the B1 license is validated if the candidate has more than 20 points and has not made any eliminating error.
What is the training period to obtain the B1 permit?
The duration of the B1 license training depends on the availability of the candidate, but also on his needs. Some people will need time to pass the code or more than 20 hours of driving.
Insurance of a car without a license?
Like any vehicle, a car without a license must be insured. Otherwise, you cannot legally use the VSP. Several types of contracts are available. You can opt for car insurance without a license that covers essential guarantees or opt for a contract that offers broader coverage (accident, glass breakage, theft, fire, etc.). Of course, you will find formulas for light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles.
Find your new car insurance with lesfurets
It is important to compare insurance contracts. This approach allows you to find out about the different formulas offered and the associated guarantees. Depending on your needs, you can modify and even customize the cover. To make a good comparison, you have to get quotes and make sure that the contracts are equivalent. Whether it’s for a traditional vehicle or a car without a license, you can count on our expertise to find the best car insurance . By comparing the guarantees, you will find the contract that will cover you optimally and at the best price!
