How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France, you might need a French driving license. To obtain one, you'll have to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The best way to pass this is by attending an instructor at a driving school. They will handle the paperwork for you and help you book the exam.
Valid for licencefrancexpress 3 years.
The French driving licence is valid for three years after the date of the issue. The French driving licence is an image of a pink credit card with the name of the holder, his photo as well as date of birth and driving rights written on it. It can also contain various restrictions and conditions. This could include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). The licenses must be renewed every 15 years and can be used in any EU country, 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 a standard French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.
You could be able to swap your US driver's license to one of a French license without having to take any tests if an American. This program is available only to Americans who have been in France more than one year and have a carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It may take up to six months to complete the process, so start early.
You can only get a French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in the country of your origin. You must have third-party liability car insurance and a medical certificate, and you should also take at least 30 hours of education in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are located all over Toulouse and offer 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 exam.
You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or with an official letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. Follow the instructions on the website to recover any points that were taken away due to an offence. The name on the French driving license is the same as that of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving licence if they choose.
It contains 12 points
If you want to drive in France, you need a French driving license. To obtain one, you need to pass the driving theory test as well as a practical test. Also, you must pass a medical exam. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test tests driving skills and road safety regulations. Depending on your age, you may also have to take a written test. Then, you must finish a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of a driving instructor.
After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your license within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed whenever you are driving. In addition to the points, the licence must also include a photo of the driver as well as the date of the issue. Losing points will be deducted from your license. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can enroll in a course to recover the points that were lost on your licence. These courses are known as stages of recovery des points du permit and are offered by centres approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you can only recover four points per year. You can also regain points that you have lost by avoiding any further traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
It is important to know that you will not be able to drive with your foreign licence after one year of residency in France unless 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 driving license from abroad to a French licence.
It is important to know that driving laws are extremely strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers are also required to wear headlights at night when driving and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use them if it is snowing or raining. It is important to know the local regulations as they differ from region region.
It is possible to exchange it for an French driving license
If you are an American citizen and have an official license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for a year without having to take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you were at fault, they may reject your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license for a French driver's one once you arrive in France.
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 region to region. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to allow licence exchanges, therefore it is important to check before you travel. You will also require a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy or a authorized interpreter.
The application should include an acknowledgement that you have resided in France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You must also provide proof of identity such as a passport, and a photo of your identity. The photos must follow the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photos. The application is submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. It can take several months for the license to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be in a probationary period until your French license is permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG, which is a practical-theory exam. Those with disabilities or certain medical conditions may be required to take additional tests.
While you can learn and prepare for the exam on your own, it's recommended to enroll in a school that will prepare you in French and will take care of all the paperwork. Schools will even offer you some driving practice prior to the actual exam.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've recently relocated to France and are planning to move there, a French driving license is a must to be able to. It's simple to exchange your driving license as France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online but you'll need additional documents like an identity card, passport or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain an French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. After passing the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). You will need this number to obtain your physical license.
Before you travel on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed the medical examination. The ANTS website lists accredited hospitals and doctors. You can also call 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. Log in to your ANTS Account and choose "Je voudrai signaler une erreur on my driving permit il y a less than six months." Fill out the required information and upload any documents supporting it, and submit your application.
The time to process your application will be 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 can also purchase a special driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, it's best to learn at a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should be able provide you with a list of certified teachers. Ask about their fees, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also ask for a French driving license from your local prefecture. To do this, you must present the current driving license as well as the proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in will not allow license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture, ensure you know the deadline for submission.