How to Get a French Driving License
You might need to obtain a French license if you're an expat and recently moved to France. To get one, you have to pass a driving theory and practical test. This can be accomplished by a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and schedule the test for you.
Valid for 3 years.
A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink, credit card-sized document that contains the holder's photo, date and place of birth, as well as driving privileges. The French driving licence can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a minimum age for driver's license.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). They have to be renewed every 15 years, and they can be used in all EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid for five years. For example, those for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you need to be able to pass both a written and a practical exam.
If you're an American citizen, you might be able to exchange your US license for a French one without having to take any tests. This program is available only to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess a 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 may take six months to complete the process, so begin early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can get the French licence. You must have third party liability car insurance and a medical certificate, and you must complete at least 30 hours of training in an auto ecole (driving school). You can find these schools throughout Toulouse and they provide classes and practice tests in French. It's a great idea to take some introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you want to pass the French exam.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or by a letter issued by the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. Follow the instructions on the website to reclaim any points taken due to an offence. A French driving licence is issued under the holder's name at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences should they wish to.
It is a 12 point score
You need an French license to drive in France. To get one, you have to pass the driving theory test as well as an actual test. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test is made up 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 a written test. You will then need to take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a driving instructor.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll get your license within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while driving. The license must also include an image and the date it was issued. Losing points will be removed from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended for at least six months.
You can attend a class to recover lost points. These courses are referred to as stages of recovery of points on a permit and are offered by centres approved. They cost around EUR200 per two-day period. However, you can only recover four points per year. You can also get back the points you lost if refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.
After a year after one year in France, you cannot drive on your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you have to exchange your licence for a French one if you'll reside in France for more than one year.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. Drivers are also required to use headlights when driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also wear them when it is raining or snowing. It is essential to be aware of the local regulations as they differ from region to the region.
It can be exchanged for the French license
If you're an American citizen and possess an official license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin you are able to drive legally in France for one year without having to take the French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident when driving with this type of license and you are held accountable for the accident the insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, it is recommended to exchange your driver's license for a French one once you have arrived in the country.
You can change your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de Permis d de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. It is important to check with the sub-prefecture prior to your travel. You'll also require an official French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy or by an official translator.
The application should include an acknowledgment that you've been resident of France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You must also present proof of your identity, such a passport and photo. The photos must be in the format used for French ID cards that differ from American passport photographs. The application will then be sent to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers licenses. It can take several months to get the license issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a period of probationary time before your French license is made permanent. You'll also have to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG which is a practical-theory exam. For those with disabilities or health conditions may need to pass additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the test on your own, it's usually recommended to enroll in a school that will prepare you in French and take care of all the documents. The schools will even give you a few hours of driving lessons prior to your test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is mandatory for those who have recently relocated to France. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, which makes it relatively easy to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, but you will need to provide supporting documents such as the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also get an French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after passing the test. You need this number to obtain your physical license.
Before you travel on French roads, ensure that your license is current and you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website provides a list of licensed hospitals and doctors. You can also call your GP to make an appointment.
After you've passed the behind-the wheel test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and select "Je want to signal an error sur mon permis de conduire granted for less of 6 months." Fill in the required details, upload any necessary documents, and then submit your request.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary permit issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of the permit varies by region the region. You can also buy a special driving insurance policy which covers you in the event of an accident.
To avoid future problems, it is best to learn how to drive at a school. The driving school should be able to provide you with a list of qualified teachers. Ask about their fees and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request an French driving license from your local prefecture. To get one you'll need to provide a copy of your current driving license as well as the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to allow license exchanges, so it's important to verify this before you go. If you do have to go to the prefecture office, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.