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How to Get a French Driving License
You may need an French license if you are an expat who has recently relocated to France. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. The best way to pass this is to go to a driving academy, which will take care of the paperwork for you and help you book the exam.
Valid for 3 years
A French driving license is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized paper with the holder's name, photo along with the date of birth and driving rights printed on it. It also contains various restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age for driver's license.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). They have to be renewed every 15 years, and can be used across all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Some special categories of license are valid for just five years, like those for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you have to be able to pass both a written and an examination in practice.
If you're an American citizen, you might be able to swap 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 an official carte de sejour. The process typically takes one year to complete. You must have your passport or other official identification documents, with you. It may take up to six months to complete the process, so make sure to start early.
You can only get a French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in the country of your origin. You will require a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, and 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. There are schools like these all over Toulouse and they provide 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're hoping to pass the French test.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. You can get back points you have lost for a violation by following the directions on the website. A French driving licence is in the name of the holder at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licenses should they wish to.
It contains 12 points.
If you plan to drive in France, you need an French driving license. To get one, you have to pass the driving theory test as well as an actual test. You must also pass a medical test. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you might be required to pass an examination written. You will then have to have 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 license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed whenever you are behind the wheel. The licence must also include an image and the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your license will be suspended for at least six months.
You can attend a class to regain the points you lost on your license. These courses are referred to as stages of recovery des points du permit and are offered by approved centres. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you are able to gain four points each year. You can also get back the points you lost by avoiding additional traffic violations for a minimum of two or three years.
After a year after one year in France after which you are not able to drive with a foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if your pass the French driving test, you must exchange your licence for a French one if you'll reside in France for more than a year.
It is crucial to understand 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. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also mandatory that they use them when it snows or rains. 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're an American citizen and possess an official driver's license that is validly issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin You are legally able to drive in France for a period of one year without needing to take an French driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and are blamed for the accident the 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 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 varies between regions. It is important to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You will also require an French translation which can be provided by an embassy or certified interpreter.
The application must include an acknowledgment that you've been a resident of France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You must also provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photographs must be in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photographs. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take up to several months to be issued.
After you've completed the exchange, you'll have a period of probationary time before your French license is made permanent. You'll also have to pass a theory and practical exam, known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or medical conditions may require take additional tests.
While you may study and prepare for the test on your own, it's usually best to attend an institution that can help you in French and take care of all the paperwork. Some schools will give you some driving hours prior to the test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving licence is essential for those who have recently moved to France. The country has a reciprocal agreement with a number of countries around the world, making it fairly simple to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, but you'll need additional documents like the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. After the test, you can download your driver's licence certificate (CEPC). You will need this number to obtain your physical license.
Make sure you have a valid driver's license and an exam that has been completed recently prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS website contains a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
After you have passed the behind-the wheel test, you are able to request your physical license on the ANTS website. To start, log into your ANTS account and choose "Je would like to report an error regarding my driver's license granted for less de 6 mois." Fill in the required details, upload any necessary documentation, and submit your application.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to complete. In licencefrancexpress , you may drive on a temporary license issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of the permit varies from region area. You can also purchase a special driving insurance policy that covers you in the case of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's recommended to take lessons at a driving school to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school will be able to provide you with a list of reputable instructors. Ask about their fees, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. You will need to present your current driving license and proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't handle license exchanges, so it's important to verify this before you go. If you do have to visit the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline to submit your application.