How to Get a French Driving License
You might require to obtain a French license if you're an expat and recently relocated to France. To get one, you must pass a driving theory and practical test. The best way to accomplish this is to go to a driving school, which will do the paperwork for you and schedule the exam.
It is valid for three years
The French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized paper that includes the photo of the holder, his date of birth and birthplace along with driving privileges. The French driving license can contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a minimum age for driver's licencie.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. They are required to be renewed every 15 years and are valid 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 an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and practical exam in order to get the renewal.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able to exchange your US license for a French one without having to pass any tests. This program is only open to Americans who have been in France for a longer period of time and have the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within a year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It could take up to six months to complete the process, so make sure to start early.
You can only get an French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in your country of origin. You'll require a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, as well as 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. There are schools like these throughout Toulouse and offer classes and practice tests in French. If you want to pass the French test it is recommended to take an additional course of basic French classes.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or through a letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. Follow the steps on the website to recover any points that were withdrawn because of an infraction. A French driving licence is in the name of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving licence in the event that they choose.
It has 12 points
You must have an French license to drive in France. To obtain one, you have to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. You also must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving techniques and rules of road safety. You may be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. You will then need to take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a teacher.
After passing the driving theory and practical test, you will be issued your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while driving. In addition to the points, the licence must also include a photo of the driver as well as the date of the issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving licence, and if you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of at least six months.
You can attend classes to regain lost points. These courses, also known as stages de recuperation des points du licence and are offered by accrediting centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. However, you can only gain four points each year. You may also be able to recover your lost points if you do not commit any further traffic offenses for two or three consecutive years.
After one year within France the French will not be able to drive on your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if you have passed the French driving test, you have to change your license to one that is a French one if you will reside in France for more than a year.
It is important to know that driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers are also required to wear headlights at night when driving and in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also wear them when it is raining or snowing. The rules differ by region, therefore it is crucial to know the local regulations.
It is exchangeable for a French driving license
If you're an American citizen and have an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you are at fault and they deny your claim. To avoid this, swap your license for a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
You can exchange your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de Permis De Conduire Perdu de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior to your travel. You'll also require an official French translation of your license that can be obtained at the embassy or by a sworn translator.
The application must contain a statement that you have resided in France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can confirm this. You must also provide proof of identity, such as the passport, or a photo of identification. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photos. The application will then be sent to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. It could take a few months to get the license issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you will be in a probationary period until 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 issues may have to pass additional tests.
You can prepare for the test by yourself, but it is generally better to enroll in a school. They will help you prepare in French as well as handle the paperwork. Some schools will give you some driving practice hours before the test.
The ANTS is the issuer
A French driving license is required when you've just relocated to France. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, making it relatively easy to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, however you'll need to bring supporting documents, such as an authentic passport and a residence card, or another documents to prove your identity.
You can also get a French driving license by passing the behind-the wheel test. After the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to purchase physical licenses.
Before you travel on French roads, ensure that your license is current and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website has an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also call your GP to schedule an appointment.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test You can apply for your physical license through the ANTS website. Log into your ANTS Account and choose "Je voudrai signaler une erreur on my driving permit for less than six months." Fill out the necessary information and upload any documents supporting it, and submit your request.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to take. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies based on region. You may also purchase a insurance policy for driving that will protect you in the case of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's recommended to learn at a driving school in order to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are certified. Be sure to inquire about their prices and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request an French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To obtain this license you'll need to provide an original copy of your current driving license and the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't allow license exchanges, so it's essential to verify this before you go. If you do have to go to the prefecture office, ensure you know the deadline to submit your application.