How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently relocated to France and is in need of to obtain a French driving license. To obtain one, you'll have to pass both a theory and practical driving test. The best way to pass this is by attending a driving academy, which will handle 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 from the date of issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized paper with the holder's name, photo as well as date of birth and driving rights printed on it. The French driving licence can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. This could include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license in France. The licenses are valid for every 15 years and are able to 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 are able to apply for a renewal of a standard French driving license in your country of origin or in France. To renew your license, you have to pass both a written and an examination in practice.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able exchange your US license for one in French one without having to take any tests. This program is open to Americans who have resided in France for more than one year and have an official carte de sejour. The process usually takes an entire year to complete. You must bring your passport, or other official identity documents with you. The process may take up to six months It is recommended to begin early.
Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving rights in their country of origin are eligible to obtain an French licence. You will need a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance as well as 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are found all over Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. If you're hoping to pass the French test it's an excellent idea to enroll in an additional course of introductory French classes.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for a violation by following the directions on the website. The name on a French driving license is the same as the name of the holder at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving license if they choose.
It has 12 points
If you wish to drive in France you will require an French driving license. You must pass both the theory and the practical test to obtain an French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical test. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving skills and rules for road safety. You may also be required to take an examination in writing, based on your age. In addition, you'll 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. The licence must also include an image and the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your license. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can enroll in classes to regain lost points. These courses, called stages de recuperation des points du licence and are offered by accrediting centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. You are only able to recover up to four points per year. You may also be able to recover the points you lost if do not commit any further traffic violations for two or three consecutive years.
It is important to note that you will not be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after a year of living in France, unless you are a student or a diplomat. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you will need to exchange your license for one in French one if you'll reside in France for more than one year.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are very strict. For example the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. In addition, drivers are required to wear headlights at night and they must use them when passing a tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. They must also wear the headlights when it's raining or snowing. The rules differ for each region, therefore it is important to research your local regulations.
It is exchangeable for an French license
If you are 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 one year without having to take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident and your insurance company concludes that you were at fault, they may reject your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license for a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
You can apply for a change of license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from region to region. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also need a French translation, which can be done by an embassy or certified interpreter.
The application must contain an acknowledgment that you've been resident in France for six months or more. This can be proven by an tax notice or French health certificate. You must also present evidence of your identity, such a passport and a photograph. The photographs must be in the format required for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will then be sent to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. The license can take several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange you will undergo a probationary phase until your French license is permanent. You'll also have to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG, which is a test that is theoretical-practical. People with disabilities or certain medical conditions may require take additional tests.
You could prepare for the exam by yourself, however it is recommended to attend a school. They will prepare you in French and manage the papers. Some schools will provide you with some driving hours prior to your exam.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is mandatory when you've just moved to France. It's simple to exchange your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online, however you'll need to bring additional documents, like a valid passport, a residence card, or other evidence of identity.
You can also obtain a French driving license by passing the behind-the-wheel test. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). You will need this number to obtain your physical licence.
Make sure you have a valid license and an exam that has been completed recently before driving on French roads. The ANTS website contains a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also make an appointment with your GP.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for a physical license through the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and choose "Je souhaite signaler un erreur sur mon permis de conduire moto prix de conduire recu il y a moins of 6 months." Complete the required information, upload any additional documentation, and submit your request.
The time frame for processing your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary permit granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region area. You can also purchase an insurance policy specifically for drivers that covers you in case of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, it's recommended to take lessons at a driving school to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are licensed. Be sure to inquire about their prices and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture. To get one you'll need to provide an original copy of your current driving license and the proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in will not allow license exchanges. If you have to go to the prefecture office, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.