How to Get a French Driving LicenseYou may need to obtain a French license if you are an expat and recently relocated to France. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. This can be accomplished by a driving school that will handle the paperwork and book the test for you.
It is valid for three years
The 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 has the holder's photo, date and birthplace, as well as driving rights. The French driving license can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These may include driving under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). They have to be renewed every 15 years, and are valid across all EU countries, 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 are able to apply to renew a standard French driving license in your home country, or in France. You must pass a written and a practical test to be eligible for the renewal.
You could be able to swap your US driver's license to one of a French license without taking any tests if an American. This program is available only to Americans who have been in France for more than a year and have 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. The process may take anywhere from six to a year therefore it is best to begin early.
You can only obtain a French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in your country of origin. You must have third party liability car insurance and a medical certification, and you must also complete at minimum 30 hours of instruction in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are situated all over Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. If you're hoping to pass the French test it's recommended to take an additional course of beginning French classes.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or by a letter issued by the prefecture with reference 48N or 48M. Follow the directions on the website to reclaim any points that were taken away because of an infraction. A French driving licence is in the holder's name at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving licence if they choose.
It has 12 points
You need a French license to drive in France. To obtain one, you need to pass the driving theory test as well as an exam in the practical. You must also be able to pass a medical test. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving skills and road safety. You may also be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. You must then complete a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll be granted your license in three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed while driving. In addition to the points, it must include a photo of the driver and the date of the issue. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving license, and if you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of at least six months.
You can enroll in a class to recover lost points. These courses are known as stages of recovery des points du permit. They are offered by approved centres. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day time period. You are only able to recover up to four points per year. You can also recover your points if you refrain from committing any further traffic violations for a period of two or three years.
After a year within France, you are not able to drive with a foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need to exchange your driving license from abroad to a French licence.
It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. For example, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police put up random checkpoints to determine if you are sober. Additionally, drivers must wear headlights at night and they must use them when they pass through tunnels or in an emergency construction zone. It is also required to wear them when it snows or rains. The rules differ for each region, therefore it is crucial to know the local rules.
It is exchangeable for an French license
If you are an American citizen and possess an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin, you may drive legally in France for one year without having to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you were at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, you must change your driver's license to a French one after you arrive in the country.
You can transfer your license by contact your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis d de conduire form. The process differs from one region to another. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to handle licence exchanges, so it is important to check prior to going. You'll also need an official French translation of your license, which can be done at the embassy, or by a certified translator.
The application should include a statement that you have resided in France for at least six months. This can be proved by a tax notice or French health certificate. You will also need evidence of your identity, such a passport and a photo. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photographs. The application will then be submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers' licenses. The license could take as long as several months to be issued.
After you have successfully completed the exchange, you will undergo a probationary phase until your French license is permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health conditions may have to pass extra tests.
While you can learn and prepare for the test on your own, it's recommended to enroll in an institution that can help you in French and will take care of all the paperwork. Some schools will offer you some driving time before the test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've just relocated to France then you'll need a French driving license is essential to be able to. The country has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, so it's fairly simple to exchange your license to one. You can apply online however you'll need supporting documents such as the passport, residence card or other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driving licence by passing the behind-the wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to order an actual license.
Be sure to possess a valid license as well as a recent medical exam prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS website has an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also book an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for a physical license through the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and click "Je souhaite signaler un erreur sur mon permis de conduire recu il y a moins de 6 mois." Fill in the required details, upload any necessary 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 granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that protects you in the event of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's recommended to take lessons 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 instructors. Make sure to ask about their rates and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request a French driving licence from your local prefecture. You will need to present your current driving license and proof of residency. It's crucial to verify that the sub-prefectures that you're interested in will not process license exchanges. If you do have to visit the prefecture, ensure you know the deadline for submission.
