How to Get a French Driving License
You might need an French license if you're an expat and recently moved to France. In order to get one, you have to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. A good way to do this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will do the paperwork for you and book the test.
It is valid for a period of three years.
The French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized paper with the holder's name, photo, date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It also contains various limitations and conditions. These restrictions may include driving under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). They have to be renewed every 15 years, and they are valid in all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You may apply for a renewal of a standard French driving license in your country of origin, or in France. To renew your license, you must pass both a written exam and an examination in practice.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able to swap your US license to one in French one without having to take any tests. This program is available only to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and have the carte de sejour. The process typically takes a year to complete. You must bring your passport, or other official identification documents, with you. The process could take as long as six months, so it's best to begin early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can get the French licence. You will need a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are situated throughout Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea take some introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French exam.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or with a letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. You can get back points you have lost for a violation by following the guidelines on the website. The name on the French driving licence is the same as that of the holder when born. Married women can put their maiden names on their licenses if they prefer.
It has 12 points
You must have a French license to drive in France. You must pass both the theory and the practical test to obtain the French driving license. You also must be able to pass a medical test. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving techniques and rules of road safety. You could also be required to take an exam in writing, based on your age. You will then have to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed when you are driving. The licence should also contain a photo as well as the date it was issued. Losing points will be removed from your license. If you lose 12 points, your license will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can take a course to recover the lost points on your licence. These courses are called stages de recovery of points on a permit and are offered by approved centres. They cost around EUR200 per two-day period. But, you can only recover four points per year. You can also recover your points if you do not commit any further traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.
It is important to know that you won't be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after one year of residence in France or if you are a student or a diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for more than one year, you'll have to exchange your foreign driving licence for one that is a French license.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are extremely strict. For instance the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police put up random checkpoints to determine if you are sober. Drivers are also required to wear headlights at night when driving and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required to use them in the event of snow or rain. The rules differ by region, so it's essential to study your local regulations.
It is exchangeable for 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 you are able to drive legally in France for a year without having to take the French driving test. However, if you have an accident while driving with this kind of license and you are blamed for the accident your insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license for one that is a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
You can apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't allow licence exchanges, therefore it is essential to confirm before you go. You'll also require an official French translation of your license that can be obtained at the embassy or through an official 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 provide proof of identity such as the passport, or a photo d'identite. The photos must follow the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photographs. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take up to several months to be issued.
After you've completed the exchange, you'll need to go through a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass a theory and practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or medical conditions may require take additional tests.
You can prepare for the test by yourself, however it is generally better to enroll in a school. They will train you in French and take care of the papers. Some schools will give you some driving practice hours before your exam.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is required for those who have recently moved to France. It's easy to transfer your driving license since France has reciprocal agreements with most countries. You can apply online, but you'll need to provide additional documents, like an authentic passport and a residence card, or another proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driver's licence by taking the behind the wheel test and passing it. After passing the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required for ordering an actual license.
Be sure to have a valid license and a recent medical examination prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS website provides an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.
Once you've passed the behind-the wheel test, you can apply for your physical license through the ANTS website . To start, log into your ANTS account and click "Je want to signal an error on my driving permit recu il y a moins six months." Complete the required information, upload any additional documents, and submit your application.
The time frame for processing your application will take between 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary permit issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit is different based on region. You may also purchase a driving insurance policy that covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, you should take lessons at a driving school to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are licensed. Be sure to inquire about their prices and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. To get one you need to present a copy of your current driving license as well as a certificate of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't handle license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to confirm this prior. If you must go to the prefecture office, ensure you know the deadline for submission.