How to Get a French Driving License
You might need a French license if you're an expat and recently relocated to France. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The best way to pass this is to go to 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 following the date of the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink, credit card-sized document that contains the photo of the holder, their date and birthplace and driving privileges. The French driving license can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. They must be renewed every 15 years, and they are valid in all EU countries and 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 can renew a standard French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and practical exam to qualify for the renewal.
You could be able to exchange your US driver's license to an French license without having to take any tests if you're an American. This program is only available to Americans who have lived in France for more than one year and possess an official carte de sejour. The process usually takes 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 therefore it is best to start early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can obtain a French license. You must have third-party liability car insurance and a medical certificate and you must also complete at least 30 hours of education in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are located throughout Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea to take introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French test.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or via a letter from the prefecture with reference 48N or 48M. You can recover points withdrawn for infractions by following the directions on the website. The name on the French driving licence is the same as the name of the holder when born. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences should they wish to.
It has 12 points.
You must have a French license to drive in France. To obtain one, you need to pass the driving theory test as well as an actual test. You also have to pass a medical exam. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you could also be required to take a written test. Then, you will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing a driving theory and practical test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed when driving. The licence should also contain a photo and the date it was issued. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license. Moreover, if you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for six months or more.
You can enroll in a class to recover lost points. These courses are known as stages de recovery of points on a permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost about EUR200 per two-day period. You are only able to recover up to four points each year. You can also recover your points if you refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for two or three consecutive years.
After a year within France after which you will not be able to drive on your foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you plan to remain in France for more than a year, you'll need exchange your foreign driving licence to a French licence.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are extremely strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. Drivers are also required to use headlights when driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use them when it is raining or snowing. It is essential to be aware of the local rules since they differ from region to area.
It is possible to exchange it for an French 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 are legally able to drive in France for one year without having to pass a French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident when driving with this type of license and you are found responsible for the crash the insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, swap your license to 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 passez Votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ de conduire form. The procedure varies from one region to the next. It is important to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also require a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy, or a sworn interpreter.
The application must include a statement that you have resided in France for at minimum six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You should also present evidence of your identity, such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photographs. The application will be submitted to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. The license can take up to several months to be issued.
After you've completed the exchange, you'll have a probationary period before your French license is made permanent. You'll also need to pass a practical and theory test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. Those with disabilities and certain health conditions may need to take additional tests.
You can prepare for the test on your own, but it is usually better to go to an educational institution. They will prepare you in French and also take care of the paperwork. Some schools will provide you with some driving time before the test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving licence is essential when you've just moved to France. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, which makes it fairly simple to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, however you'll need to bring additional documents, like an authentic passport and a residence card, or any other evidence of identity.
You can also obtain a French driving licence by passing the behind-the wheel test. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to order a physical license.
Before you travel on French roads, be sure your license is current and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website contains an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. Log in to your ANTS Account and choose "Je want to signal an error sur mon permis d'conduire recu it's less than six months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your request.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you may drive with a temporary permit issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of the permit varies from region to region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that protects you in the event of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, you should take lessons at a driving school to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are certified. Make sure to ask about their prices and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. You'll need your current driving licence and proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to allow license exchanges, so it's essential to check beforehand. If you do have to go to the prefecture, ensure you know the deadline to submit your application.