How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat who has recently relocated to France, you might need to obtain a French driving license. In order to get one, you need to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. The best way to accomplish this is by attending a driving academy, which will handle the paperwork for you and schedule the test.
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 that contains the photo of the holder, their date and place of birth along with driving rights. The French driving license 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 have to be renewed every 15 years, and are valid in all EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the 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.
If you are an American citizen, you may be able exchange your US license for a French one without having to take any tests. This program is open to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess the carte de sejour. The process typically takes one year to complete. You must have your passport or other official documents of identification with you. It may take six months to complete the process, so make sure to start early.
You can only obtain an French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in your country of origin. You'll need a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, as well as 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. These schools are available all over Toulouse, and they offer test-taking and instruction in French. It is a good idea to enroll in introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you want to pass the French exam.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or via a letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. Follow the instructions on the site to retrieve any points that were withdrawn due to an offence. A French driving licence is under the name of the holder at birth. Married cerfa permis de conduire can use their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.
It contains 12 points
You must have an French license to drive in France. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to get the French driving license. 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 combination of driving skills and road safety. Depending on your age, you could be required to pass an exam written. Then, you will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll be granted your licence within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and has to be displayed while driving. The license must also include a photo as well as the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your license. If you lose 12 points your license will be suspended for at least six months.
You can enroll in a course to recover the lost points on your license. These courses, also known as stages de recuperation des points du permit that are offered by accredited centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. You are only able to recover up to four points each year. You can also regain the points you lost by not committing any further traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
After permis de conduire perdu after one year in France after which you will not be able to drive with a foreign driving licence unless you are a diplomat or student. If you plan to remain in France for longer than one year, you'll have to change your driving licence from another country to an 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 set up random sobriety checkpoints. In addition, drivers must wear headlights at night and they must use them when they pass through a tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. It is also required that they use them when it snows or rains. It is crucial to know the local regulations as they vary from region to area.
It is possible to exchange it for a French license
If you're an American citizen and possess an active driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin, you can legally drive in France for a period of one year without having to pass the French driving test. However, if you have an accident while driving with this type of license and you are blamed for the accident your insurance company may reject your claim. To avoid this, you must change your driver's license to a French one after you arrive in the country.
You can apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process varies from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't process licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm prior to going. You will also require an French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy, or a certified interpreter.
The application must include an acknowledgement that you've been a resident in France for at least six months. This can be proved by an tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to present proof of your identity, such a passport and a photograph. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. The license can take up to several months to be issued.
After you have successfully completed the exchange, you'll be in a probationary period until your French license is permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical exam, known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. Those with disabilities or certain health conditions may have to take additional tests.
You can prepare for the test by yourself, however it is generally better to enroll in a school. They will prepare you in French as well as take care of the paperwork. The schools will even give you a few hours of driving lessons prior to your exam.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've just relocated to France and are planning to move there, you'll need a French driving license is a must to be able to. The country has a reciprocal arrangement with a number of countries around the world, so it's quite simple to swap your license to one. You can apply online, but you'll need to bring supporting documents, such as a valid passport, a residence card, or another evidence of identity.
You can also get an French driving licence after passing the behind-the-wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) after the test. This number is required to order an actual license.
Before you drive on French roads, ensure that your license is up-to-date and that you've passed the medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of licensed hospitals and doctors. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you are able to request your license in person on the ANTS site. Log into your ANTS Account and select "Je want to signal an error sur mon permis d'conduire recu il y a less than 6 months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your request.
The time to process your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit is different based on region. You can also purchase a special driving insurance policy that covers you in case of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's best to enroll in a driving school to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are licensed. Be sure to inquire about their fees and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To do this you'll need to provide a copy of your current driving license as well as a certificate of residency. It is essential to confirm that the sub-prefectures that you're interested in will not allow license exchanges. If you have to visit the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline to submit your application.