How to Get a French Driving License

Before you begin driving in France it is essential to know the driving regulations. You should also be aware of licence prerequisites.

Depending on the prefecture, it can take a few weeks to several months to get your French driving license. It's the form of a pink credit-card and is valid for 15 years.

Rules of the Road

With its vast stretches of breathtaking countryside and vibrant cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid any problems with the police, it is essential to know the rules of driving. You must always have your driving licence and proof of insurance with you. A driving permit for international travel (IDP) is also a good idea to make it easier for you to travel.

The traffic in France is much slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians walking the streets. It is therefore essential to drive cautiously and watch out for drivers who make a left turn in front of you. It is also not advised to drive after drinking alcohol. You can be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your license when you are found driving while under the impaired.

It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in France. You may only use hands-free phone calls if using an integrated headset in your helmet. If you are stopped by the police, you can be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. You must also wear a seatbelt in both the front and back seats. If you have children in your vehicle that are younger than 10 years old, they must sit in the rear of the vehicle and be secured with the child seat or seatbelt.

You must also carry a copy of your passport at all times. This is a requirement of the law and will be checked if you're stopped for any reason.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the speed limits on French roads differ based on the kind of road. Autoroutes for instance, have a higher limit on speed than other roads. You can pay the tolls by cash or credit card.

Prioritize a right is the most important rule to observe in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right has priority. This rule applies regardless of whether the vehicle connecting to a busy highway through a small village road. This is particularly important on narrow country roads, where it is normal for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road.

Passing the test

Once you've passed your written test, it's now time to take the driving test in the real world. This is a much more difficult test than the theory exam and you will require a lot of practice before passing. It's essential to find a driving school that will provide you with plenty of driving lessons prior to taking the test. Before you can drive in France you should be covered by at least third party liability insurance for your vehicle.

You can sign up for the written exam by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH number (your application number) along with an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native speaker you can request a translator for your exam. However, you must request this at least two days prior to the date of the test.


After passing the driving test, you'll receive a CEPC, which is your driver's licence examination certificate. You'll need to show this to your local prefecture when you apply for an French license. Then, you'll be able start driving in France.

If you fail the driving test, you'll have to wait between two and 45 days before you are able to take it again. There's no limit on the number of times you may take the test again however, it's advised to wait until you are confident enough to take it again.

A driver's license is essential for surviving living in France. If you're an expat and is planning to reside in France for more than one year, then you'll have to get a license before you are able to legally drive on French roads. Some Americans disregard this requirement and continue to drive with their US license even after they reach the one-year mark. This could lead to serious accidents or fines.

Fortunately there are a few states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky allows its citizens to exchange their U.S. drivers' licenses to French ones without having to go through the lengthy, lengthy process of passing a written exam and passing a driving test. Some Americans have to undergo a lengthy process to obtain their French licenses.

How do you obtain a license?

If you're an expat or a foreigner who has an official driving license from a country with reciprocity agreements with France You can exchange it for a French licence without having to pass the driving test. But there are a few rules you need to be aware of. Make sure you have a valid driver's license. Then, you must submit an application to obtain new license. The form can be found online. Select the option for renewal of the title (driver's license renewal) Then click Etape next step (next step).

Fill in your details and choose the reason you require a licence. If you're licensed B, for instance you are able to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons in weight and that have a capacity of nine or less. You will also be able to tow a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you are driving.

The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture of your area. You must complete all the required details and include copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or another photo ID along with a proof address. If necessary, you will also need to provide a medical certification. The licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years. The licences for categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for five years.

In some instances it is possible to obtain a French licence in just several months. This is especially true for foreign students who are in the French university. Students who aren't enrolled at an French university could be expected to wait much longer for their licence to be granted.

If you're looking to learn how to drive in France it is best to enroll in a driving school at a school which teaches English. The majority of schools in Paris offer driving courses in English, but this isn't the case everywhere. If you are not in the capital city, contact the local prefecture and ask whether driving schools offer lessons in English.

Driving in France

It is essential to adhere to the rules of the roads and proper etiquette when driving in France. You must also possess a valid driver's licence and third-party liability car insurance in place. Driving lessons with a professional driving instructor is a great method of learning the rules and language of the road. Additionally, you must make sure that your vehicle is maintained and properly fuelled prior to embarking on your journey. You should also be aware of the different speed limits on various kinds of French roads.

In France traffic laws are strictly followed. The French have a point system that punishes traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points and must accumulate 12 points before their probationary period ends. If you receive a traffic ticket your points will be taken away and the amount of fine will be different depending on the category of the violation.

The first step in getting a French driver's license is passing the theory test. This exam is made up of 40 questions on the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The practical portion of the test is the next step. It requires 20 hours of driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, you have to wait a year before trying again.

passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for an French driver's license and pass an examination for medical reasons. For those who suffer from disabilities or health issues must undergo an examination for medical conditions.

If you're from a country that is not part of the EU or EEA, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ contains a photo of the driver as well as an official translation of their driving license in a dozen different languages. You can get it at the airport or a car rental company.

Driving in France can be a challenge however, it is possible to drive without any problems with a foreign license if you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the driving laws in France and to take some lessons before you attempt to drive on your own.