How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat and has recently moved to France you may require to obtain a French driving license. To get one, you need to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. The best way to pass this is through an instructor at a driving school. They will take care of the paperwork for you and schedule the exam.

It is valid for a period of three years.

A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized paper with the name of the holder, his photo along with the date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It may also include various restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age for driver's license.

French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country in addition to Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only 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. To renew your license, you have to pass both a written and an examination in practice.

You could be able to swap your US driver's license for a French license without having to pass any tests if you're an American. This program is available for Americans who have been living in France for more than a year and possess a carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other identification documents with you. It could take up to six months to complete the process, so start early.

Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in their country of origin are eligible to obtain an French license. You'll require a medical certification and a third-party liability insurance and 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are located all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. If you're looking to pass the French test it is recommended to take an additional course of introductory French classes.

You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or through an official letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. Follow the instructions on the site to retrieve any points that were taken away due to an infraction. The name on the French driving license is identical to that of the person who holds it at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licenses in the event that they would like.

It is a 12 point score

If you plan to drive in France you must have an French driving license. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to obtain an French driving license. You must also pass a medical exam. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you could be required to pass a written test. Then, you must take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a driving instructor.

After passing the practical and driving theory test, you will receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed when driving. In addition to the points, the licence must also include an image of the driver and the date of the issue. Losing points will be removed from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended at minimum six months.

You can take an instruction course to regain lost points. These courses are referred to as stages of recovery des points du permit. They are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. But, you can only gain four points each year. You can also get back points that you have lost by avoiding any additional traffic violations for a minimum of two or three years.

After one year within France the French cannot drive with your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or a student. Even if Acheter le permis de conduire français B en ligne passed the French driving test, you have to exchange your license for a French one if you will reside in France for more than one year.

It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety tests. In addition, drivers must wear headlights at night and they must use them when passing a tunnel or in an emergency or construction zone. It is also mandatory that they use them when it snows or rains. The rules differ by region, therefore it is crucial to know the local regulations.

It is exchangeable 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 and you are allowed to drive in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. However, if you have an accident when driving with this type of license and are held accountable for the crash your insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your driver's license to one in French one once you have arrived in the country.


You can exchange your license by contact your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies between regions. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to handle 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 authorized interpreter.

The application must include a statement that you have resided in France for at minimum six months. suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré or French medical certificate can confirm this. You should also present proof of identity, such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photos must be in the format required for French ID cards that differ from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). It could take a few months to get the license issued.

Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be in a probationary period until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG which is a practical-theory exam. For those with disabilities or medical conditions may require pass additional tests.

You can prepare for the exam on your own, but it is usually better to attend a school. They will help you prepare in French and manage the paperwork. Schools will even offer you a few hours of driving lessons prior to your exam.

Acheter le permis de conduire français B en ligne is the issuer

If you've just moved to France then having a French driving license is necessary to possess. The country has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, so it's fairly simple to exchange your license for one. You can apply online but you'll need evidence of your identity, such as the passport, residence card or other proof of identity.

You can also obtain an French driving licence after passing the behind-the wheel test. After passing the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to order physical licenses.

Be sure to have a valid driver's license and a recent medical exam before driving on French roads. The ANTS website lists approved doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.

Once you've passed the behind-the wheel test, you are able to request your license in person on the ANTS website. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and choose "Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire granted for less six months." Fill in the required information, upload any additional documentation, and submit your request.

The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to process. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also buy an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.

To avoid future problems, it is best to learn driving at a school. The driving school should be able provide you with a list of certified instructors. Find out their costs and whether they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also apply for a French driving licence from your local prefecture. To do this you'll need to provide the current driving license and a certificate of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to confirm this prior. Check the deadlines for submission in case you have to visit the prefecture.