20 Fun Details About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
You might require an French license if you are an expat who has recently moved to France. To obtain one, you'll have to pass both a theory and practical driving test. The best way to pass this is to go to a driving school, which will do the paperwork for you and help you book the exam.
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 photo of the holder, their date and place of birth and driving rights. It also contains several restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a minimum age requirement for driver's licencie.
French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). They have to be renewed every 15 years, and can be used in all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain special categories of license are valid for just five years, such as the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew a standard French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and a practical exam in order to get the renewal.
If you're an American citizen, you might be able exchange your US license to a French one without having to take 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 typically takes an entire year to complete. You must bring your passport, or other official documents of identification with you. The process can take up to six months therefore it is best to start the process early.
You can only get an French license if you are over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in the country of your origin. You will require a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are located throughout Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea to take some introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French exam.
You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website, or by a letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. Follow the instructions on the site to retrieve any points that were withdrawn because of an infraction. A French driving licence is in the name of the person who holds it at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licences if they prefer.
It contains 12 points.
If you plan to drive in France you will require an French driving license. You must pass both a theory and practical test to obtain the French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical test. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and rules for road safety. Depending on your age, you might be required to pass an exam written. In addition, you'll need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.
After passing the driving theory and practical test, you will receive your license within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while driving. In addition to the points, it must include an image of the driver as well as the date of the issue. Losing points will be removed from your licence. If you lose 12 points your licence will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can enroll in classes to regain lost points. These courses, called stages of recuperation des points du permit that are offered by accredited centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. But, you can only gain four points each year. You can also get back your lost points if you don't commit any more traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.
After a year after one year in France, you cannot drive with a foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you will need to exchange your license for a French one if you will be residing in the country for longer than a year.
It is crucial to understand that driving laws are extremely 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 when driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required to use them in the event of snow or rain. The rules differ by region, so it's crucial to know the local regulations.
It is exchangeable for an French license
If you're an American citizen with an active driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin you are able to legally drive in France for a year without needing to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you were at fault, they may reject your claim. To avoid this, swap your license for one that is a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
You can change your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process differs between regions. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You will also require a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy or a authorized interpreter.
The application must contain an acknowledgement 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 provide evidence of your identity such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photos must be taken in the format required for French ID cards that differ from American passport photos. The application is sent to ANTS the agency that issues French drivers licenses. Permis Cepc licencefrancexpress.com could take several months to get the license issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a probationary phase before your French license is permanent. You will also have to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG which is a theory-practical exam. For those with disabilities or health conditions may have to take additional tests.
While you can study and prepare for the test on your own, it's better to go to a school that can prepare you in French and take care of all the paperwork. The schools will even give you some driving practice before your actual exam.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is required for those who have recently moved to France. France has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, which makes it relatively easy to exchange your license for one. You can apply online however you'll need supporting documents such as an identity card, passport or other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driving licence after passing the behind-the-wheel test. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to purchase your physical licence.
Before you travel on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed the medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment.
If you've completed the behind-the-wheel test, you can request your physical license on the ANTS site. Log in to your ANTS Account and choose "Je voudrai signaler une erreur sur mon permis d'conduire recu il y a less than six months." Fill out the required information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your application.
The time frame for processing your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you are able to drive with a temporary permit issued by your city hall or your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies by region region. You can also purchase a driving insurance policy that covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's best to learn at a driving school in order to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should be able to provide you with a list of certified teachers. Make sure you inquire about their prices and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request a French driving licence from your local prefecture. To obtain this license you'll need to provide a copy of your current driving license as well as the proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to verify this before you go. If you must go to the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline for submission.