Recently, the VTC has obtained an equivalence card allowing drivers to register and work on taxi platforms without having to pass the professional taxi license (PPT) exam. Becoming a VTC driver by equivalence is therefore very appealing for those who want to start working immediately, but a number of steps must be followed in order to fully benefit from the advantages this card offers. In this article, we will explain in detail how to obtain the VTC card through the equivalence system and what the required criteria are to achieve this.
What is a VTC card?
A VTC card is an official document that certifies that the holder is authorized to operate as a chauffeur-driven vehicle driver, also known by the acronym “VTC”. It can be issued by the Prefect for a maximum duration of 5 years and must be renewed every year.
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This license allows professional drivers to carry out their activities without being stopped by the police or checked by local authorities. Holders of this card must comply with certain standards and procedures that govern this sector, and in order to obtain this license, they must meet specific criteria set by the French State.
section: How to obtain a VTC card by equivalence?
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To obtain a license as a VTC Driver, you will need to follow a training course designed for professional drivers and pass a theoretical exam tailored to your personal situation (age, previous experience…). Once this course is validated and the theoretical exam is successfully passed, you can apply for the VTC permit via equivalence (known as “carte grise”). The process then involves submitting several administrative documents to prove your identity when making your application.
What is equivalence?
Equivalence is a security procedure that allows holders of a French driving license, issued by a public or private body recognized by the State, to obtain the VTC professional card without taking the theoretical and practical tests. This procedure was established to facilitate access to this type of training and allow qualified personal transport (TP) drivers to start their activities more quickly. Indeed, although the final process is relatively similar to the complete cycle of VTC exams, it is much shorter and does not require as much time or effort.
To be eligible for this alternative procedure, interested individuals must meet certain specific criteria: having obtained a TP diploma and having a minimum of 3 years of experience as a private driver, with one year considered as active; having a clean criminal record; and above all, residing for at least 6 months in French territory during the 12 months preceding the application for the VTC permit.
What are the criteria for obtaining it?
To obtain a VTC card by equivalence, a driver must meet certain conditions. The first step is to verify whether the driver meets the eligibility criteria set by law and the competent authorities. To do this, the applicant’s age (at least 21 years), their professional driving time (minimum 1 year), and their knowledge of the rules and techniques related to the transport sector are taken into account. It is important for a candidate to demonstrate that they have the necessary foundational skills to perform the job and comply with applicable standards.
Once this first step is validated, the driver can then proceed to obtain the VTC card by equivalence by presenting a complete file that must include: A full or rectified copy of the B license dated at least six months ago; A sworn statement regarding morality; A medical certificate stating that the holder does not have any physical impairment incompatible with their duties; A complete justification of announcements proving their professional experience; Two recent color photographs in “portrait” format compliant with international standard ISO/IEC 19794-5; Documents that certify that the holder has the financial guarantees corresponding to their activity, etc. Finally, they must provide a simple letter that includes their identity and personal address, as well as a comprehensive list mentioning all the supporting documents attached to the file mentioned above.
How to obtain your VTC card?
VTCs (Chauffeur-Driven Tourism Vehicles) are professionals who offer their transport services. Driving a vehicle to transport people and their luggage requires a high level of skill and expertise. To carry out this activity, it is essential to obtain a specific professional card, called the “VTC Card”. This ensures passengers additional measures regarding the safety of the journey and also allows them to more easily find a nearby driver at any time. In order for drivers to obtain this card, a procedure is in place: obtaining by equivalence!
Obtaining by equivalence means that you must demonstrate that you have completed at least 3 years of regular and continuous activity as a privileged driver or employee at a car rental company with eight seats or more, or as a driver for a public or private client service approved by the French State since January 1, 2012. You must also prove your experience with all supporting documents related to previous years (pay slips, employer certificates, etc.). These documents must be submitted for careful examination during the application to determine whether they meet the criteria imposed by the applicable law on VTC services. Once this first condition is validated, you will then need to successfully complete a mandatory initial training according to the modalities set by ministerial decrees.