The Intermediate Guide On French Driving License
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 obtain one, you must pass a driving theory and practical test. A good way to do this is by attending a driving school, which will handle the paperwork for you and schedule the exam.
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 with the name of the person who holds it, their photo as well as date of birth and driving rights printed on it. The French driving licence can contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. They must be renewed every 15 years, and can be used across 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. You must be able to pass a written and an practical test to be eligible for the renewal.
You may be able exchange 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 lived in France for a longer period of time and possess a carte de sejour. The process usually takes within a year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It could take up to six months to complete the process, so start early.
You can only obtain an French license if you are 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 certificate, and you should also take at least 30 hours of training in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are situated all over Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. If you're looking to pass the French test it's an excellent idea to enroll in an additional course of beginning French classes.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or by an official letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. Follow the steps on the website to reclaim any points taken due to an infraction. The name on the French driving license is identical to that of the holder when born. Married women can put their maiden names on their licenses should they wish to.
It is a 12 point score
You require an French license to drive in France. To get one, you have to pass the driving theory test as well as an exam in the practical. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is comprised of driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you might also be required to take an exam written. Then, you must take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a teacher.
After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll get 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 an image of the driver as well as the date of issue. Losing points will be removed from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can take a course to recover the points that were lost on your license. These courses, referred to as stages de recuperation des points du licence, are offered by approved centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. But, you can only gain four points each year. You may also be able to recover your points if you refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for two or three consecutive years.
After a year after one year in France the French are not able to drive on your foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you plan to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need exchange your driving license from abroad to an French license.
It is important to know that driving laws are quite 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. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required to use them when it snows or rains. It is essential to be aware of the local rules as they vary from region to area.
It is exchangeable for the French license
If you're an American citizen who has an active driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin you are able to legally drive in France for a year without having to pass an French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and you are found responsible for the crash the insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, swap your license for a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
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 from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't process licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you go. You'll also need an French translation which can be provided by an embassy or a certified interpreter.
The application should include the proof that you've resided in France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can confirm this. You also need to present proof of your identity, like a passport and a photograph. The photos must be taken in the format required for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photographs. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license could take up to several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to pass a practical and theory test, also known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health conditions may need to pass additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the exam on your own, it's usually better to go to an institution that can help you in French and handle all the paperwork. Schools will even offer you a few hours of driving practice prior to the actual test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've recently moved to France and are planning to move there, a French driving license is necessary to have. permis b1 to transfer your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online but you'll need supporting documents such as the passport, residence card or other proof of identification.
You can also obtain a French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required for ordering physical licenses.
Before you take a drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment.
If you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can request your physical license through the ANTS site. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and choose "Je souhaite signaler un erreur regarding my driver's license recu il y a moins six months." Complete the required details, upload any necessary documents, and submit your application.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary license issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also purchase a special driving insurance policy that covers you in case of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, it's best to enroll in an accredited driving school to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school will be able to provide you with a list of qualified instructors. Make sure you inquire about their prices and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request a French driving license from your local prefecture. You will need to present your current driving license and proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to verify this before you go. Check the deadlines for submission in case you have to visit the prefecture.