How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat who has recently relocated to France and is in need of a French driving license. In order to get one, you need to pass a driving theory and practical test. A good way to do this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will do the paperwork for you and schedule the test.
It is valid for a period of three years.
The French driving licence is valid for three years after the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that has the holder's photo, date and place of birth along with driving rights. It also contains several limitations and conditions. These may include driving under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). Licenses have to be renewed every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country and also in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are only valid 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 exam to qualify for the renewal.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able to exchange your US license to one that is a French one without having to pass any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within one year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process can take up to six months, so it's best to start early.
Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can get the French license. You'll need a medical certificate and a third-party liability policy, along with 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. These schools are found 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 through a letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. Follow the instructions on the website to recover any points that were withdrawn due to an infraction. A French driving licence is under the name of the holder at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.
It carries 12 points
You need a French license to drive in France. To get one, you need to pass an exam on driving theory and a practical test. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you could also have to take a written test. You will then need to complete a minimum of twenty hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of an instructor.
After having passed the theory and practical driving test, you'll get your license in three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and has to be displayed while behind the wheel. In addition to the points, it must include a photo of the driver as well as the date of the issue. If you lose points, they are deducted from your driving license, and when you lose 12 points, your license is suspended for six months or more.
You can attend a class to recover the points that were lost on your license. These courses are referred to as stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. However, you can only recover four points per year. You can also regain the points you lost by avoiding additional traffic violations for a minimum of two or three years.
It is important to note that you will not be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after one year of residency in France, unless you are a student or diplomat. Even if your pass the French driving test, you will need to change your license to one that is a French one if you'll be residing in the country for more than a year.
You should know that the driving laws in France are extremely strict. For example the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. Drivers are also required to use headlights at night when driving and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required that they use them in the event of snow or rain. The rules differ for each region, so it is important to research the local regulations.
It is possible to exchange it for an French driving license
If you are an American citizen and have an official license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for a year without having to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you are at fault and they deny your claim. To avoid this, you should exchange your license to one that is a French driver's license once 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 process differs from one region to another. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior to your travel. You'll also require a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy, or a sworn interpreter.
The application must include an attestation that you have been a resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You also need to present evidence of your identity, such 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 that issues French driver's licenses). The license could take as long as several months to be issued.
After you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll need to go through a probationary period before your French license is made permanent. You'll also need to pass a practical and theory test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or medical conditions may be required to pass extra tests.
You could prepare for the exam on your own, but it is usually better to go to an institution. They will train you in French and handle the papers. Some schools will provide you with some driving time before your exam.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've just moved to France, a French driving license is essential to have. The country has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, so it's relatively easy to exchange your license to one. You can apply online however you'll need evidence of your identity, such as a passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain an French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel test and passing it. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after passing the test. This number is required to purchase your physical license.
Before you drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website provides an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also book an appointment with your GP.
After you have passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your physical license on the ANTS site. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and choose "Je souhaite signaler un erreur sur mon permis D de conduire recu il y a moins of 6 months." Complete the required information, upload any supporting documents, and submit your request.
The processing time for your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you may drive with a temporary permit issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region to region. You can also purchase an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a new driver, it's recommended to take lessons at a driving school in order to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are licensed. 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. To obtain this license you'll need to provide the current driving license and a certificate of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in do not allow license exchanges. If you must visit the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.