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 get one, you must pass a driving theory exam and practical test. The best way to pass this is by attending a driving school, which will take care of the paperwork for you and schedule the test.
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 holder's photo, date and place of birth along with driving privileges. The French driving licence can also contain a variety of restrictions 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 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country and also in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, like those for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You may apply to renew a standard French driving license in your country of origin or in France. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written exam and an exam in the practical.
You may be able exchange your US driver's license for an French license without having to pass any tests if you are an American. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for a longer period of time and possess the carte de sejour. The process typically takes about an entire year to complete. You must have your passport or other official identification documents, with you. It may take six months to complete the process, so begin early.
Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving rights in their country of origin can get an French licence. You will require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, and 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. There are schools like these all over Toulouse and they provide test-taking and instruction in French. It is a good idea to take some 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 the Ministry of Interior's website, or through an email from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. Follow the directions on the site to retrieve any points taken due to an infraction. A French driving licence is in the name of the person who holds it at birth. Married women may use their maiden name on their driving license should they wish to do so.
It contains 12 points
If you plan to drive in France you will require to have a French driving license. You must pass both a theory and practical test to get an French driving license. 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 rules. 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 accompanied driving with an 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 driving. The licence should also contain a photo and the date it was issued. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving licence, and when you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of six months or more.
You can attend classes to regain lost points. These courses are referred to as stages of recovery des points du permit. They are offered by centres approved. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you can only gain four points each year. You can also get back your lost points by avoiding other traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
It is important to remember that you won't be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after a year of residency in France, unless you are a student or diplomat. Even if your pass the French driving test, you will need to exchange your license for one in French one if you'll be residing in the country for licencefrancexpress more than a year.
It is crucial to understand that driving laws are extremely strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random sobriety tests. Additionally, drivers must wear headlights in the evening, and they must use them when passing the tunnel or in an emergency or construction zone. They must also use the headlights when it's 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're an American citizen and possess an official driver's license that is validly 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 a period of one year without taking the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving with this type of license and are held accountable for the accident the insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, swap your license to a French driver's license once you arrive in France.
You can exchange your license by contact your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from one region to another. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture before you travel. You'll also need an official French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy or through a sworn translator.
The application should include an acknowledgment that you have been a resident in France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You must also present proof of identity, like a passport and photo. 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 which issues French drivers licenses. The license can take up to several months to be issued.
Once you've completed the exchange, you'll undergo a probationary phase until your French license is permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG, which is a practical-theory exam. People with disabilities or other medical conditions may be required to pass extra tests.
You could prepare for the exam by yourself, but it is usually better to attend an institution. They will prepare you in French and take care of the papers. Some schools will offer you some driving time before your test.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've just relocated to France, a French driving license is a must to possess. The country has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, making it relatively easy to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, but you'll need to bring additional documents, like a valid passport and residence card, or another documents to prove your identity.
You can also get a 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). This number is required to order an actual license.
Make sure you have a valid license and a recent medical examination before driving on French roads. The ANTS website has a list of approved hospitals and doctors. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.
If 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 click "Je souhaite signaler un erreur on my driving permit recu il y a moins of 6 months." Complete the required information, upload any additional documents, and then submit your request.
The time frame for processing your application will take between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary permit issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also buy an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, it's recommended to learn at a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school will be able to provide you with a list of qualified teachers. Find out their costs and whether they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for an French driving license from your local prefecture. You'll need your current driving license and proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures that you're interested in will not process license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.