How to Get a French Driving License

You may need to obtain a French license if you're an expat and recently moved to France. To obtain one, you have to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. This can be done by a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and arrange the test for you.

Valid for 3 years.

The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years after the date of issue. The French driving license is an image of a pink credit card with the name of the holder, his photo along with the date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It can also contain a number of limitations and conditions. This could include driving while under the influence.

The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license in France. The licenses must be renewed every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country and also in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain special categories of license have a validity of only five years, for instance those for heavy vehicles as well as passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your country of origin. To renew your license, you must be able to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.

If you are an American citizen, you might be able to exchange your US license to a French one without having to take any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have been in France for a longer period of time and have 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 up to six months to complete the process, so make sure to start early.

Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in their country of origin are eligible to obtain an French licence. You will require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. These schools are located all over Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea take introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you want to pass the French test.

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 You can recover points withdrawn for a violation by following the guidelines on the website.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

It carries 12 points

You need to have a French license to drive in France. To obtain one, you have to pass the driving theory test as well as a practical test. You also have to pass a medical examination. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving skills and rules for road safety. You could also be required to pass an examination in writing, based on your age. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.

After passing a driving theory and practical test, you will be issued your license within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed when driving. In addition to the points, it must have a photo of the driver as well as the date of the issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license. Moreover, when you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for a period of at least six months.


You can enroll in a class to recover lost points. These courses are known as stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by approved centres. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day time period. You are only able to recover up to four points each year. You can also get back your points if you do not commit any further traffic offenses for two or three consecutive years.

After one year after one year in France after which you cannot drive with your foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. Even if your pass the French driving test, you have to exchange your licence for one in French one if you'll reside in the country for longer than a year.

It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are extremely strict in France. For example the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police put up random checkpoints to determine if you are sober. Drivers are also required to wear headlights when driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also wear them when it is snowing or raining. It is important to know the local rules since they differ from region to the region.

It is exchangeable for the French license

If you're an American citizen who has 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 having to pass a French driving test. However, if you have an accident while driving with this kind of license and are found responsible for the accident the insurance company may decline your claim. To avoid this, you must exchange your driver's license for one that is a French one once you have arrived in the country.

You can transfer your license by contact 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 another. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle licence exchanges, so it is crucial to verify before you travel. You will also require a French translation which can be provided by an embassy, or a sworn interpreter.

The application must contain a statement that you have resided in France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You must also present evidence of your identity, like a passport and photo. The photographs must be in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photographs. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take several months to be issued.

Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, also known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health issues may have to take additional tests.

While you may learn and prepare for the exam on your own, it's usually best to attend an institution that can help you in French and handle all the documents. Schools will even offer you some driving lessons prior to your exam.

The ANTS is the issuer

If you've just relocated to France then you'll need a French driving license is a must to be able to. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, which makes it fairly simple to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, however you'll need additional documents, like a valid passport and residence card, or other evidence of identity.

You can also get an French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) following the test. You will need this number to order your physical license.

Before you take a drive on French roads, ensure that your license is current and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website provides a list of approved hospitals and doctors. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.

If you've passed the behind the wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. Log into your ANTS Account and click "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.

suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré will take between 2 and 45 days to take. In the meantime, you may drive on a temporary license issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of the permit varies from region to area. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers which covers you in the event of an accident.

If you're a beginner driver, it's recommended to learn at a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are qualified. Ask about their prices and if they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To get one you need to present the current driving license as well as an official proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, so it's important to verify this before you go. If you do have to go to the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline for submission.