Can someone take my car for French roadworthiness test if I am away at the time?

Reader Question: I am on holiday in the UK for the summer but my contrôle technique certificate will run out in a couple of weeks. I need to use my car the day after I am back in France. Can someone take the car to the garage for me for the test? 

Whether or not you can lend your vehicle on a one-off basis to another person, depends firstly on them having a valid driving licence and then on the wording of your policy.

It may state, for example, that you can lend to close family members (spouse, parents, children…) but no one else. Some policies do allow for the car to be lent to other people, but this is not systematic. 

This may therefore limit the people who can physically take your vehicle to a contrôle technique centre for you, unless you have insurance that allows people you authorise to drive the vehicle. 

However, otherwise, there are no rules against someone taking your vehicle to the contrôle technique for you if you are unable to do so. 

The only document someone needs to show the garage before a contrôle technique can take place is the certificat d’immatriculation (vehicle registration or carte grise). 

This should be in your vehicle at all times, so whoever takes the car to the garage for you should have this with them. 

They will likely need to pay for the test – around €80, but prices vary. In most cases there is no option for prior or remote payment.

You cannot drive a vehicle that does not have a valid contrôle technique (if it needs one), or you risk a fine, confiscation of your vehicle and licence, and additional penalties if any accidents happen.

Potential issues if vehicle fails test

However, be aware that a vehicle that fails its contrôle technique will be limited with regard to going back on the road until issues are fixed. 

A vehicle that passes, or has only minor defects is not affected, but those with major or critical issues (listed as défaillance majeure (S) or défaillance critique (R)) have restrictions in place on being used after the test. 

Those with major issues receive a two-month grace period, by which point the vehicle must be repaired and then taken back for the issues to be checked (known as a contre-visite). 

If the vehicle has critical issues, it can only be driven until midnight, after which it cannot be used except to drive it to the contre-visite (within two months of the contrôle technique). 

Again, you do not have to be present for the contre-visite – someone can bring the vehicle on your behalf, as they only need the vehicle registration and the original report from the first contrôle technique – but may be less willing to organise and pay for repairs on your behalf. 

It may therefore be preferable to have one’s car checked for any serious issues in advance of going away, though in your precise circumstances that may be difficult.