How to Get a French Driving License
You may need an French license if you're an expat who has recently moved to France. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. This can be completed by a driving school that will handle the paperwork and schedule the test for you.
Valid for 3 years.
A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that contains the photo of the holder, his date of birth and place of birth, as well as driving rights. The French driving license can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. Some of these limitations include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a minimum age requirement for driver's license.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). The licenses must be renewed every 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country, as well as 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 the standard 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.
If you're an American citizen, you might be able to swap your US license for a French one without taking any tests. This program is available only to Americans who have been in France for a longer period of time and have the carte de sejour. The process usually takes within a year, and you must have your passport or other identification documents with you. It could take up to up to six months to complete the process, so start early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in their country of origin are eligible to obtain a French licence. You must have third-party liability car insurance and a medical certificate and you must complete at minimum 30 hours of instruction in an auto ecole (driving school). There are schools like these throughout Toulouse and they provide practice tests and lessons in French. It's a great idea enroll in introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French test.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior's website or by a letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. Follow the directions on the website to recover any points that were withdrawn because of an infraction. A French driving licence is issued under the name of the holder at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licenses in the event that they would like.
It carries 12 points
You must have to 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. Also, you must pass a medical exam. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety. You may also be required to take an exam in writing, based on your age. Then, you will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the practical and driving theory test, you will be issued your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed when driving. In addition to the points, it must include a photo of the driver as well as the date of issue. Losing points will be removed from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your license will be suspended for at least six months.
You can enroll in a course to regain the points you lost on your license. These courses, referred to as stages of recuperation des points du permit that are offered by accredited centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. However, you are able to recover four points per year. You can also get back points that you have lost by not committing any additional traffic violations for at least two or three years.
After one year after one year in France after which you will not be able to drive with a foreign driving licence unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you plan to remain in France for more than one year, you'll need to change your driving licence from another country to an French licence.
It is important to know that driving laws are quite strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. In addition, drivers must wear headlights in the evening, and they must wear them when crossing a tunnel or in an emergency or construction zone. It is also mandatory to use them in the event of snow or rain. It is essential to be aware of the local rules as they differ from region the region.
It is possible to exchange it for a French 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 one year without having to 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 accident your insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, swap your license for a French driver's license once 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 permis de conduire international de conduire form. The procedure varies from one region to another. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you travel. You will also need an official French translation of your licence that can be obtained at the embassy or by a certified translator.
The application must contain an acknowledgement that you have resided in France for at minimum six months. This can be proven by tax notices or a French health certificate. You must also present proof of your identity, such as a passport and a photograph. The photos must be in the format required for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). It could take several months for the license to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll need to go through a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, also known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. People with disabilities or other health issues may need to take additional tests.
While you can learn and prepare for the exam on your own, it's usually better to go to a school that will prepare you in French and handle all the documents. Schools will even allow you some driving practice before your actual 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 evidence of your identity, such as the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also get a French driving licence after passing the behind-the wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. 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 has a list of approved hospitals and doctors. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.
If you've completed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your physical license through the ANTS site. Log into your ANTS Account and click "Je want to signal an error on my driving permit for less than six months." Fill out the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to take. You can drive with a temporary permit issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region to area. You can also buy a special driving insurance policy that covers you in case of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's recommended to take lessons at an accredited driving school to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school will be able to provide you with a list of qualified teachers. Ask 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'll need to provide an original copy of your current driving license as well as a certificate of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to handle license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to verify this before you go. If you do have to visit the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.