The answer is no! The probationary driving licence was introduced by the Act of 12 June 2003, which strengthened measures to combat road violence. Indeed, the Highway Code sets out a special regime for young drivers for a period of two or three years (a six-point penalty system, the requirement to display an ‘A’ disc, speed limits of 110 or 80 km/h, etc.). This period varies by one year, depending on the method of learning to drive.
Article R 413-6 of the same Code sets out the list of drivers to whom these provisions do not apply, in particular drivers of military vehicles and of civil protection training and response units. Young drivers in the Paris Fire Brigade or the Marseille Marine Fire Brigade are therefore not subject to these rules whilst on duty. However, no exemption is provided for members – both volunteers and professionals – of the fire and rescue services.
Prohibited during (and outside) operations
It is the combination of Articles R. 413-5 and R. 413-6 with the fourth paragraph of Article R. 6312-7 of the Public Health Code, which stipulates that drivers ofshall not be included amongst the drivers to whom the provisions of Articles R. 413-5 and R. 413-6 apply, which results in a ban on firefighters holding a provisional driving licence from driving emergency vehicles, whether on or off duty.
In 2013, Senator Jean-Claude Peyronne tabled an oral question to the Minister for the Interior, requesting an exemption from this ban. In its reply, the Ministry stated that, "Departmental fire and rescue services face a different reality. During their 11,600 daily call-outs, the SDIS are required to drive in emergency and high-stress situations, which calls for a high level of driving experience in order to minimise risks".
A "discriminatory" situation
"The training provided to firefighters already emphasises the absolute necessity, in order to carry out their duties successfully, of being the first to arrive at the scene and therefore of being particularly vigilant with regard to road hazards". "Young people who join the fire service already have a wide range of skills to acquire in order to carry out the operations they are called upon to perform in complete safety."
The senator had replied at the time that the situation was discriminatory. "In fact, …, military firefighters – whether in Paris or Marseille – are allowed to drive. I don’t see why they would be any less stressed on the streets of Paris than in your countryside or mine!".