How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat who has recently relocated to France and is in need of an French driving license. To obtain one, you have to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. The best way to accomplish this is by attending a driving academy, which will handle the paperwork for you and book the exam.
It is valid for three years
The French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that has the photo of the holder, his date of birth and birthplace and driving privileges. It may also include a number of limitations and conditions. Some of these limitations include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a minimum age for driver's licencie.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). The licenses must be renewed every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some special categories of license are valid for only five years, for instance those for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. You must be able to pass a written and an practical test to be eligible for the renewal.
You could be able to exchange your US driver's license to one of a French license without taking any tests if you're an American. This program is only open to Americans who have resided in France for a longer period of time and possess the carte de sejour. The process usually takes within one year, and you must have your passport or other identification documents with you. The process can take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to start early.
You can only get an French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in the country of your origin. You will require a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, and 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. You can find these schools all over Toulouse and they provide practice tests and lessons in French. If you want to pass the French test it is an excellent idea to enroll in an additional course of basic French classes.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or with an official letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. You can recover points withdrawn for an infraction by following the instructions on the website.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 can use their maiden names on their licenses if they prefer.
It is a 12 point score
If you plan to drive in France you will require a French driving license. To obtain one, you need to pass a driving theory test and an exam in the practical. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and rules for road safety. You may be required to pass an examination in writing, based on your age. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the practical and driving theory test, you will receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while behind the wheel. In addition to the points, it must include an image of the driver and the date of issue. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving license, and if you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for a period of six months or more.
You can enroll in an instruction course to regain lost points. These courses, called stages de recuperation des points du licence, are offered by approved centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. But, you can only recover four points per year. You can also get back your lost points by avoiding any other traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
It is important to note that you won't be able to drive with your foreign licence after a year of living in France or if you are a student or a diplomat. If you plan to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need change your driving licence from another country to an French license.
You should know that the driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. In addition, drivers are required to wear headlights at night and they must wear them when crossing the tunnel or in an emergency or construction zone. They should also use the headlights when it's raining or snowing. It is crucial to know the local rules since they differ from region to area.
It is possible to exchange it for an French driving license
If you're an American citizen and have an approved 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. However, if you have an accident while driving with this type of license and you are found responsible for the crash your insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, you should exchange your driver's license for one that is a French one when you arrive in the country.
You can change your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for permis de conduire international d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. Certain sub-prefectures do not process licence exchanges, so it is crucial to verify before you go. You'll also need a French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy or through an official translator.
The application must include an acknowledgment that you've been resident in France for at least six months. This can be verified with a tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide proof of identity, such as the passport, or a photo d'identite. The photos must conform to 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 could take as long as several months to be issued.
Once you've completed the exchange you will have a probationary phase before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG which is a theory-practical exam. Those with disabilities or certain health issues may need to pass extra tests.
You could prepare for the exam by yourself, however it is generally better to attend an institution. They will prepare you in French and also take care of the papers. The schools will even give you a few hours of driving practice before your actual test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is mandatory when you've just moved to France. It's easy to transfer your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online, however you'll need supporting documents, such as a valid passport, a residence card, or any other documents to prove your identity.
You can also get a French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) after the test. You need this number to obtain your physical license.
Be sure to have a valid driver's license and a recent medical examination before driving on French roads. The ANTS website provides an approved list of hospitals and doctors. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment.
After you've passed the behind-the wheel test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and select "Je souhaite signaler un erreur on my driving permit granted for less of 6 months." Complete the required information, upload any supporting documentation, and submit your request.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to take. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of the permit varies from region region. You may also purchase a driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, you should learn at a driving school in order to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are certified. Make sure you inquire about their fees and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You may also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To get one you need to present a copy of your current driving license as well as an official proof of residency. It is essential to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in will not allow license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture office, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.