Blog entry by Lucile Canipe
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France, you might need an French driving license. To get one, you'll need pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The best way to pass this is through a driving school, which will handle the paperwork for you and help you book the test.
Valid for 3 years
A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document with the name of the person who holds it, their photo as well as date of birth, and driving rights written on it. It can also contain various limitations and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country in addition to Norway, Iceland, permis de conduire moto prix and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, the ones for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam.
If you're an American citizen, you might be able exchange your US license for a French one without taking any tests. This program is available for Americans who have been living in France for more than a year and have a carte permis de conduire français en sejour. The process usually takes within one year, and you need to have your passport or other identification documents with you. It can take as long as up to six months to complete the process, so begin early.
You can only get an French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in your country of origin. You will require a medical certificate and a third-party liability policy, and 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are situated all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea take introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you want to pass the French exam.
You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website, or through an email from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for infractions by following the directions on the website. A French driving licence is in the name of the holder at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.
It has 12 points.
You must have an French license to drive in France. You must pass the theory and the practical test to obtain an French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test is a combination of driving techniques and rules of road safety. You could be required to pass an exam in writing, based on your age. Then, you must take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a driving instructor.
After passing the practical and driving theory test, you will be issued your license within three months. The license is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed when you are behind the wheel. In addition to the points, the licence must also include an image of the driver and the date of the issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving licence, and when you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for six months or more.
You can enroll in classes to regain lost points. These courses are known as stages of recovery récupérer des points sur le permis de conduire points du permit and are offered by approved centres. They cost about EUR200 per two-day period. You can only recover up to four points per year. You can also get back the points you lost by avoiding additional traffic violations for at least two or three years.
It is important to remember that you will not be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after one year of residency in France unless you are a student or diplomat. If you plan to stay in France for longer than one year, you'll need change your driving licence from another country for a French licence.
It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are quite strict in France. For instance, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police put up random checkpoints to determine if you are sober. In addition, drivers must wear headlights in the evening, and they must use them when they pass through a tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. They must also wear them when it is snowing or raining. The rules differ by region, so it is important to research the 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 an entire year without having take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you are at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, you should switch your driver's license in exchange for one that is a French one once you have arrived in the country.
You could apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange permis de conduire international permis de conduire français en de conduire form. The process varies from one region to another. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to handle licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you travel. You'll also need an French translation, which can be done by an embassy or authorized interpreter.
The application must include an acknowledgement that you've been a resident of France for at least six months. This can be proven by a tax notice or French health certificate. You must also present proof of your identity, such a passport and a photo. The photos must be taken in the format that is used for French ID cards that differ from American passport photographs. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). It can 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 be able to pass a theory and a practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. People with disabilities or other health conditions may have to take additional tests.
You can prepare for the exam on your own, but it is recommended to attend a school. They will prepare you in French as well as take care of the documents. Some schools will offer you some driving hours prior to your test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've just moved to France and are planning to move there, a French driving license is necessary to be able to. 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 provide supporting documents, such as an authentic passport and a residence card, or any other evidence of identity.
You can also get an French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel test and passing it. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) after the test. This number is required to order a physical license.
Before you take a drive on French roads, ensure that your license is up-to-date and you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website has an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
After you have completed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your license in person on the ANTS site. Log in to your ANTS Account and select "Je voudrai signaler une erreur regarding my driver's license il y a less than six months." Fill out the required information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your application.
The processing time for your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you may drive on a temporary license issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region area. You can also purchase a driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.
To avoid any future issues, it is best to learn driving at a school. The driving school will 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 request a French driving license from your local prefecture. You'll need to show your current driving licence and proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in do not accept license exchanges. Check the deadlines for submission in case you have to visit the prefecture.