How to Get a French Driving License
You might need an French license if you are an expat and recently relocated to France. To get one, you have to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. The best way to pass this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will handle the paperwork for you and schedule the exam.
It is valid for a period of three years.
The French driving licence is valid for a period of 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 along with driving privileges. It can also contain a number of restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age requirement for driver's license.
The prefecture (or area) issues the French driving license in France. They have to be renewed every 15 years, and are valid in all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only for five years. For instance, the ones for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew a standard French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you must pass both a written exam and an exam in the practical.
You may be able exchange your US driver's license to a French license without having to pass any tests if an American. This program is open to Americans who have been living in France for more than one year and have an official carte de sejour. The process usually takes within one year, and you need to have your passport or other identification documents with you. The process may take as long as six months, so it's best to start early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving rights in their country of origin are eligible to obtain an French license. You'll need a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. There are schools like these all over Toulouse and they provide practice tests and lessons in French. It is a good idea to 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 with an official letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. Follow the steps on the website to recover any points taken due to an offence. The name on a French driving license is identical to that of the holder at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licenses in the event that they would like.
permis de conduire international is a 12 point score
You need to have a French license to drive in France. You must pass both an exam in theory and a practical test in order to get the French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical exam. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving skills and rules for road safety. Depending on your age, you might also be required to take a written test. Then, you will need to have a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your license within three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed when driving. The license must also include a photo as well as the date it was issued. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license, and if you lose 12 points, your license is suspended for a period of six months or more.
You can enroll in a course to recover the lost points on your licence. These courses, referred to as stages de recuperation des points du licence that are offered by accredited centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. You can only recuperate up to four points each year. You can also recover your lost points if you don't commit any more traffic violations for two or three consecutive years.
It is important to note that you will not be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after a year of living in France, unless you are a student or a diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for more than one year, you'll need exchange your driving license from abroad for an French licence.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. Drivers are also required to use headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use the headlights when it's snowing or raining. It is essential to be aware of the local rules as they differ from region area.
It is exchangeable for an French license
If you are an American citizen and possess an official license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin, you may 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 determines that you were at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, you must exchange your driver's license for a French one once you have arrived in the country.
You can apply for a change of license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies between regions. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also need a French translation of your license, which can be done at the embassy or by a sworn translator.
The application must include an acknowledgement that you've been a resident in France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You should also present evidence of your identity, such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photos. The application is sent to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers' licenses. The license could take several months to be issued.
After you have successfully completed the exchange, you will undergo a probationary phase until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. People with disabilities or certain health issues may have to take additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the test on your own, it's usually better to go to an institution that can help you in French and handle all the documents. The schools will even give you an hour of driving practice prior to the actual test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've recently moved to France then you'll need a French driving license is a must to have. The country has a reciprocal agreement with a number of countries around the world, making it quite simple to swap your license to one. You can apply online, but you'll need to provide additional documents, like a valid passport, a residence card, or another proof of identity.
You can also get an French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after passing the test. You will need this number to order your physical licence.
Be sure to have a valid driver's license and a recent medical exam prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS website lists approved hospitals and doctors. You can also make an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind-the wheel test, you are able to request your physical license on the ANTS site. Log in to your ANTS Account and click "Je voudrai signaler une erreur on my driving permit for less than six months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
Your application 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 this permit is different based on region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that protects you in the event of an accident.
To avoid any future issues, it is best to learn how to drive at a school. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are qualified. Make sure to ask about their fees and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You'll need to show your current driving licence and proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle license exchanges, so it's important to verify this before you go. Check the deadlines for submission if you have to visit the prefecture.