How to Get a French Driving License

You may need to obtain a French license if you're an expat who has recently moved to France. In order to get one, you have to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. A good way to do this is through a driving academy, which will handle the paperwork for you and help you book the test.

It is valid for a period of three years.

A French driving license 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. It also contains a number of conditions and restrictions. Some of these limitations include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age for driver's license.

The prefecture (or area) issues the French driving license in France. They must be renewed every 15 years and can be used across 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 the standard French license in France or in your country of origin. You must pass a written and practical exam in order to get the renewal.

You may be able exchange your US driver's license for a French license without having to pass any tests if an American. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for more than one year and have the carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process could take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to begin early.

You can only get a French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in the country of your origin. You must have third-party liability car insurance and a medical certificate, and you must complete at least 30 hours of education in an auto ecole (driving school). There are schools like these all over Toulouse, and they offer practice tests and lessons in French. If you're hoping to pass the French test it is a good idea to take an additional course of beginning French classes.

You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or through a letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. You can recover points withdrawn for an infraction by following the guidelines on the website. The name on a French driving license is the same as the name of the holder at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences if they prefer.

It has 12 points

You must have to have a French license to drive in France. To get one, you must pass a driving theory test and an exam in the practical. You must also pass a medical exam. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you may be required to pass an exam written. Then, you must take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a teacher.


After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll receive your license in three months. The licence is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed when you are behind the wheel. In addition to the points, the licence must also include a photo of the driver as well as the date of issue. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving license, and in the event that you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for a period of six months or more.

You can take a course to recover the lost points on your license. These courses are referred to as stages of recovery des points du permit. They are offered by centres approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. However, you can only recuperate four points per year. You may also be able to recover your lost points if you do not commit any further traffic violations for two or three consecutive years.

After one year within France, you are not able to drive on your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if your pass the French driving test, you will need to change your license to a French one if you'll reside in France for more than a year.

It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than the United States and police conduct random sobriety tests. In addition, drivers must wear headlights at night, and they must use them when they pass through a tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. Acheter le permis de conduire français B en ligne must also use them when it is raining or snowing. The rules vary by region, therefore it is important to research the local rules.

It can be exchanged to a French driving license

If you're an American citizen who has a valid driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin, you can legally drive in France for a period of one year without needing to take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and are held accountable for the crash, your insurance company could decline your claim. To avoid this, you must exchange your driver's license for a French one once you have arrived in the country.

You can transfer your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process varies from one region to the next. Some sub-prefectures don't process licence exchanges, so it is important to check prior to going. You'll also require a French translation, which can be done by an embassy or authorized interpreter.

The application must contain the proof that you've resided in France for at minimum six months. This can be proved by an tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide proof of identity like an identity card, passport or photo d'identite. The photos must be in the format required for French ID cards, which 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.

After you have successfully completed the exchange, you will undergo a probationary phase until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to pass a theory and practical test, also known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health conditions may need to take additional tests.

While you may study and practice for the exam on your own, it's usually recommended to enroll in an institution that can help you in French and will take care of all the paperwork. Some schools will give you some driving time before your exam.

The ANTS is the issuer

If you've recently moved to France, a French driving license is essential to possess. France has a reciprocal agreement 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 evidence of your identity, such as an identity card, passport or any other proof of identity.

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

Be sure to possess a valid license as well as a recent medical examination before you drive on French roads. The ANTS website contains an approved list of hospitals and doctors. 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 site. Log in to your ANTS Account and choose "Je want to signal an error on my driving permit for less than six months." Fill out the required information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your request.

The time to process your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary permit issued by your city hall or your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies based on region. You can also purchase an insurance policy specifically for drivers that protects you in the event of an accident.

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

You can also ask for an French driving license from your local prefecture. To do this, you must present the current driving license as well as an official proof of residency. It's crucial to verify that the sub-prefectures you're interested in do not accept license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline to submit your application.