How to Get a French Driving License
You might need an French license if you are an expat and have recently moved to France. In order to get one, you need to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. This can be completed by a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and arrange the test for you.
Valid for 3 years
A French driving license 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 holder's photo, date and birthplace along with driving privileges. The French driving licence can contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These restrictions may include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every 15 years and can be used in any EU country in addition to Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid 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 a practical exam to qualify for the renewal.
If you are an American citizen, you may be able to exchange your US license to one in French one without having to pass any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have lived in France more than one year and have a carte de sejour. The process usually takes one year to complete. You must bring your passport or other official identity documents with you. The process could take up to six months, so it's best to start the process early.
You can only get an French license if you're over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in your country of origin. You'll require a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance along with 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are found throughout Toulouse and provide 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 on Ministry of Interior's website, or Www.licencefrancexpress.com through an official letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. You can get back points you have lost for an infraction by following the directions on the website. The name on the French driving licence is the same as the name of the holder at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden name on their driving licence should they wish to do so.
It has 12 points
If you want to drive in France you must have a French driving license. To obtain one, you need to pass the driving theory test as well as an actual test. You also must pass a medical exam. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you may also be required to take a written test. You will then need to take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of an instructor.
After passing the driving theory and practical test, you will receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed while behind the wheel. The licence should also contain an image and the date it was issued. Losing points will be deducted from your licence. If you lose 12 points your licence will be suspended for at least six months.
You can take an instruction course to regain lost points. These courses, referred to as stages of recuperation des points du permit that are offered by accredited centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. But, you can only recuperate four points per year. You may also be able to recover your lost points if you do not commit any further traffic offenses for two or three years.
After a year within France after which you cannot drive with a foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or student. If you plan to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need exchange your driving license from abroad to a French license.
It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. For instance, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police have set up random checkpoints for sobriety. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required that they use them in the event of snow or rain. It is crucial to know the local regulations as they differ from region the region.
It is possible to exchange it for the 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, you may drive legally in France for a year without having to take 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 could deny your claim. To avoid this, you should switch your driver's license in exchange for one that is a French one after you arrive in the country.
You could 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 procedure differs from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't handle licence exchanges, so it is important to check before you go. You will also need an official French translation of your license and this can be done at the embassy or by an official translator.
The application must contain a statement that you have resided in France for at minimum six months. This can be proven by a tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide proof of identity, such as an identity card, passport or photo d'identite. 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). It could take several months for the license to be issued.
After you've completed the exchange, you'll be granted an initial period of probation before your French license is made permanent. You'll also have to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG, which is a theory-practical exam. Those with disabilities and certain health issues may have to pass additional tests.
While you can learn and prepare for the exam on your own, it's usually better to go to an institution that can help you in French and will take care of all the documentation. The schools will even give you some driving practice prior to the actual exam.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've just relocated to France, having a French driving license is essential to possess. It's easy to transfer your driving license as France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online however you will need to provide additional documents like a passport, residence card or other proof of identification.
You can also get an French driving licence after passing the behind-the wheel test. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after the test. This number is required to order an actual license.
Before you drive on French roads, make sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website has a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also make 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 on the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and select "Je souhaite signaler un erreur on my driving permit granted for less of 6 months." Complete the required details, upload any necessary documentation, and submit your application.
The processing time for your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary permit granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies by region the region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that covers you in case of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, you should learn at a driving school to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are licensed. Ask about their prices, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving licence from your local prefecture. To do this, you must present an original copy of your current driving license as well as an official proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't allow license exchanges, so it's essential to check beforehand. If you have to go to the prefecture office, be sure to check the deadline for submitting.