VTC Card 974: Exam, Training and Procedures in 2026

Obtaining the professional VTC card is the most structural step on a driver''s path. In Réunion Island, the exam is organized locally by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA 974), with its own session dates and territorial specifics. Here is the exact process, the costs to anticipate, and the pitfalls to avoid in order to pass on the first try.

Table of contents

• Prerequisites before registration
• Preparatory training: worth it or not
• Exam registration
• Theory tests
• Practical test
• After passing: VTC register inscription
• FAQ

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Prerequisites before registration

Five cumulative conditions to verify even before paying registration fees:

1. Age: 21 years old on exam day
2. Driving license (B): valid for 3 years (2 in accompanied driving)
3. Criminal record bulletin n°2: no incompatible offense (theft, aggravated violence, driving under influence, drugs, fraud)
4. Medical fitness: visit to a Prefecture-approved doctor, Cerfa form 14880*02, 5-year validity under 60
5. French language proficiency: oral and written B1 minimum

Medical fitness is the most frequently forgotten step. Without this Cerfa filled and signed, the CMA refuses your registration file.

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Preparatory training: worth it or not

Officially optional. In practice, the difference is massive:

Several accredited centers operate in Réunion Island. Long training often includes English client interview simulations and modules on territory knowledge (cirques, beaches, hotels, ports), a Réunion specificity that weighs heavily on the exam.

If you then apply to Zoot, mention your training on the driver form→: a certificate from an accredited center speeds up KYC validation.

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Exam registration

Online registration on the CMA Réunion website. Required documents:

• Valid ID
• Criminal record bulletin n°2 (extract delivered free of charge)
• Driving license (front-back)
• Medical fitness certificate (Cerfa 14880*02)
• Passport-format photo
• Proof of payment of registration fees

Cost: approximately €250 (may vary slightly per session). Payment by card or bank transfer to the CMA.

Delay between registration and exam convocation: 6 to 12 weeks depending on session calendar in 974 (3 to 4 sessions per year typically).

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Theory tests (multiple choice, 3 hours)

Seven subjects, approximately 100 questions total:

1. T3P regulation (public passenger transport): 20 questions
2. Road safety: 15 questions
3. Capacity to operate in French: 10 questions
4. English: 5 questions (basic reading comprehension)
5. Management: 10 questions (VAT, charges, accounting)
6. National VTC-specific regulation: 20 questions
7. Commercial development and customer management: 20 questions

Minimum score: 10/20 per subject. One subject below = global failure, even with a strong average elsewhere. Failures almost always concern regulation and management.

Tip: past papers are rare, but the official program published by the Ministry is exhaustive. Working each chapter over 6-8 weeks is enough with structured training.

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Practical test (30 minutes)

Separate convocation after passing the theory. You must provide a compliant vehicle (per VTC criteria, see our vehicle guide).

The examiner assesses:

• Client pickup: greeting, ID verification, door opening, luggage handling
• Driving: eco-driving, anticipation, strict respect of the highway code
• Route choice: justification of route, traffic awareness
• Simulated unexpected event handling: detour, destination change, special request
• Professional posture: appearance, language, courtesy

Practical pass rate: ~75 %. It is the least discriminating test, but candidates do trip up on commercial posture (formal address, overly familiar tone).

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After passing: VTC register inscription

The professional card alone is not enough to operate. You must register on the national VTC operators register, managed by the Ministry of Transport:

• Cost: approximately €280 for 5 years
• Documents: VTC card, "public passenger transport" insurance certificate, vehicle registration, legal status proof (Kbis, URSSAF micro-entreprise certificate)
• Processing delay: 4 to 8 weeks

Once registered, you receive your EVTC number to display on your sticker and invoices. Without this registration, you cannot legally accept any paid ride.

Legal status to choose along the way: details in Sole trader, EI, SASU: which VTC legal status.

At this stage, you are ready to apply on Zoot. The driver form takes 15 minutes→ and validation is processed within 5 to 10 business days. While you wait, install the passenger app→ to discover the client interface and anticipate user expectations.

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FAQ

What is the total cost of obtaining the VTC card?

Realistic budget: about €250 (exam) + €500-1,200 (training) + €280 (register) + ~€150 (medical visit and criminal record) = €1,200 to €1,900 to start in compliance. The compliant vehicle is a separate item (see vehicle guide).

Is the exam difficult in Réunion Island?

The local pass rate is slightly above the national average thanks to lower candidate volume and easier preparation of territory knowledge. Failures mostly concern regulation and management. Practical is rarely blocking.

How long between registration and card in hand?

3 to 5 months on average: 6-12 weeks before the session, then 4-8 weeks for register inscription after passing. Plan 4 to 6 months between deciding to become a driver and the first paid ride.

Can I take the exam in mainland France and operate in Réunion?

Yes. The VTC card is national. You can take it at any CMA and use it in Réunion. Conversely, your card obtained in 974 is valid throughout France.

Do I need to retake the exam every 5 years?

No, the VTC card is for life. It is the EVTC register inscription that renews every 5 years (fees ~€280) and the medical fitness that renews every 5 years (10 years after 60).

What to do in case of failure?

You can re-register for the next session (3-4 months later). Theory scores are kept for 3 years if you passed certain subjects: you only retake the failed ones. The practical is retaken in full.

Further reading

• Becoming a VTC driver in Réunion Island in 2026: complete guide
• Which vehicle for VTC in Réunion
• Sole trader, EI, SASU: which VTC legal status
• VTC vs Taxi in Réunion: the honest comparison

VTC card in hand? Apply on Zoot in 15 minutes→. While waiting for validation, download the passenger app→ to understand the client experience.