How to Get a French Driving License
You might require a French license if you are an expat who has recently relocated to France. To get one, you'll need pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The best way to accomplish this is through a driving school, which will take care of the paperwork for you and help you book the exam.
Valid for 3 years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years following the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that has the photo of the holder, his date of birth and birthplace and driving privileges. The French driving license can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age requirement for driver's licencie.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). Licenses have to be renewed every 15 years and can be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You may apply for a renewal of your standard French driving license in your country of origin, or in France. You must be able to pass a written and an practical exam in order to get the renewal.
You could be able to exchange your US driver's license to a French license without having to pass any tests if an American. This program is only available to Americans who have been in France for more than a year and have the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process could take as long as six months, so it's best to start early.
Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can get an French license. You'll require a medical certification and a third-party liability policy, as well as 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. You can find these schools all over Toulouse and they provide practice tests and lessons in French. It's a great idea to enroll in introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French exam.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. Follow the steps on the website to reclaim any points that were taken away due to an offence. The name on the French driving licence is the same as the name of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.
It contains 12 points.
If you plan to drive in France, you need a French driving license. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to obtain a French driving license. You must also pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety regulations. Depending on your age, you could be required to pass an examination written. You must then finish a minimum of twenty hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a teacher.
After passing the driving theory and practical test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and has to be displayed when you are driving. In addition to the points, it must have a photo of the driver and the date of issue. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving licence, and when you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of at least six months.
You can take a class to recover lost points. These courses are referred to as stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost about EUR200 per two-day period. However, you can only recover four points per year. You can also recover your lost points by avoiding further traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
After one year in France after which you cannot drive with a foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you will need to exchange your licence for a French one if you will be residing in the country for longer than a year.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required to wear them when it snows or rains. The rules vary by region, so it is important to research the local rules.
It can be exchanged to the French driving license
If you're an American citizen and possess a valid license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for one year without having to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company concludes that you were at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, you must switch your driver's license in exchange for one that is a French one after you arrive in the country.
You could apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de Permis b1 de conduire form. The process varies between regions. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to process licence exchanges, so it is crucial to verify before you travel. You will also need an official French translation of your licence that can be obtained at the embassy, or by a certified translator.
The application should include an acknowledgment that you've been a resident of France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You must also present proof of your identity, like a passport and a photo. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photos. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). It could take several months to get the license issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be granted an initial period of probation before your French license is made permanent. You'll also have to pass a practical and theory test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. Those with disabilities or certain health conditions may have to pass extra tests.
You can prepare for the exam by yourself, but it is generally better to enroll in an educational institution. They will train you in French and also handle the documents. Schools will even offer you some driving lessons prior to your test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've recently moved to France then you'll need a French driving license is a must to possess. It's simple to exchange your driving license since France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online, but you'll need supporting documents such as an identity card, passport or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain an French driving license by passing the behind-the wheel test. After the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required for ordering physical licenses.
Before you take a drive on French roads, ensure that your license is current and that you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website lists approved doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can request your license in person on the ANTS site. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and select "Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire recu il y a moins de 6 mois." Complete the required information, upload any additional documentation, and submit your request.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to take. In the meantime, you may drive on a temporary license issued by your city hall or your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also purchase an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, you should take lessons at a driving school in order to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are certified. Ask about their fees, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture. You'll need to show your current driving license as well as proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures that you're interested in will not process license exchanges. Make sure you know the deadlines for submitting in case you have to visit the prefecture.