New rules :

As of January 1, 2021, the legislation regarding student permits has changed. In fact, it will be possible to obtain a category B (automobile) student license from the age of 17.

Learning courses from 17 years old

People who, as of January 1, 2021, obtain a student driver’s license for passenger cars before the age of 20 will go through a compulsory 12-month apprenticeship phase. In order that the driving test can be taken from the age of 18 despite this one-year learning phase, the student driver’s license may be issued to candidates aged 17. People who obtain a student driver’s license after their 20s are not affected by the 12-month apprenticeship phase.
Here is a table summarizing the situation for taking the practical exam: