How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France you may require a French driving license. To get one, you'll have to pass both a theory as well as a practical driving test. A good way to do this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will handle the paperwork for you and help you book the test.
Valid for 3 years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years after the date of the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized paper with the name of the holder, his photo, date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. The French driving license can contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These restrictions may include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or area) issues the French driving license. They must be renewed every 15 years, and they can be used across all EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, like the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your country of origin. To renew your license, you need to be able to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.
You may be able exchange your US driver's license to a French license without having to take any tests if you're an American. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess a carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within one year, and you must have your passport or other identification documents with you. The process may take as long as six months, so it's best to start early.
You can only get an French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in the country of your origin. You will require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, and 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are available throughout Toulouse and licencefrancexpress.com they provide classes and practice tests in French. If you're looking to pass the French test, it's a good idea to take an additional course of introductory French classes.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or via a letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. You can get back points you have lost for infractions by following the instructions on the website. A French driving licence is in the name of the holder at birth. Married women may use their maiden name on their driving license if they choose.
It has 12 points.
If you want to drive in France you will require a French driving license. To get one, you need to pass a driving theory test and an exam in the practical. Also, you must pass a medical exam. 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 may also be required to take an exam written. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed when driving. In addition to the points, it must include an image of the driver as well as the date of issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license, and when you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for six months or more.
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 centres approved. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day duration. You can only recuperate up to four points per year. You can also recover your points if you refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.
It is important to note that you won't be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after one year of residence in France, unless you are a student or diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll have to exchange your foreign driving licence to an French licence.
It is important to know that driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Additionally, drivers must wear headlights at night, and they must use them when passing the tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. They must also wear the headlights when it's snowing or raining. It is crucial to know the local rules as they differ from region the region.
It can be exchanged to the French driving license
If you're an American citizen and possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina or Wisconsin, you can legally drive in France for a year without taking a French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident when driving with this type of license and you are blamed for the crash, your insurance company could reject your claim. To avoid this, you must switch your driver's license in exchange for one in French one after you arrive in the country.
You can exchange your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process varies from one region to the next. Some sub-prefectures don't handle licence exchanges, so it is important to check before you go. You'll also need a French translation of your license and this can be done at the embassy or through an official translator.
The application must include a statement that you have resided in France for at minimum six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You must also present proof of identity, such as a passport and a photo. The photographs must be in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application is submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. The license can take up to several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical exam, known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. People with disabilities or other health issues may need to take additional tests.
You could prepare for the exam on your own, but it is usually better to enroll in a school. They will train you in French and take care of the documents. The schools will even give you a few hours of driving practice before your actual exam.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've just moved to France, a French driving license is essential to have. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, so it's quite simple to swap your license to one. You can apply online but you'll need evidence of your identity, such as the passport, residence card or other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to order physical licenses.
Before you drive on French roads, ensure that your license is up-to-date and you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website lists approved doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for your physical license through the ANTS website. Log in to your ANTS Account and choose "Je want to signal an error regarding my driver's license il y a less than six months." Complete the required information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
The time frame for processing your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies based on region. You can also purchase a special driving insurance policy that covers you in the case of an accident.
To avoid future problems To avoid future problems, it is recommended to take driving lessons at a school. The driving school should be able to provide you with a list of certified instructors. Ask about their fees, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also ask for an French driving license from your local prefecture. To get one, you must present a copy of your current driving license as well as the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't process license exchanges, so it's essential to check beforehand. If you must visit the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline for submission.