Buy the French B Driving License Online

The first step to driving in France is to get a French license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.

The B license permits you to drive cars weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger cars as well as people carriers.

Driver's license test

No matter if you're an EU driver or not the process of obtaining your driving license in France will require passing a written test (code de la route) and a practical test. You may have to attend more driving lessons to prepare for your test. You can also choose to attend a driver's school that will take care of the instruction and scheduling for you. The test can be repeated as many times as you'd like however it costs EUR30 per time.


You can also take the exam as an independent candidate however, this option is only available for those who have a driver's licence from their country of origin that was issued in English. In addition, you must provide a medical certificate or a document certifying your handicap, known as a "reconnaissance de qualite de travailleur handicape". www.licencefrancexpress.com are able to take the test at one of the special sessions (examen ETG spécifique) for non-French-speaking applicants.

To pass the driving test in the practical, you must have a minimum score of 20 points and have no exclusionary error. The examiner will not tell you right away if you've passed or failed, but you can examine your results online on the secure Routiere website for 48 hours following the test with your number for the NEPH. After you've verified your success, you can download a digital copy of the permit. You can then buy your physical French driving license online through the France Titres order your driver's license webpage.

In France, a new driving license is valid for a period of five years. After five years, you'll have to renew your driving licence by applying for a new one with the prefecture. You'll need to bring your old driving licence, along with the passport photo and address in France. You may apply for a new driving licence if you wish to add a new category of vehicle, or alter the name of your current licence. However you must have resided in France for at least six months to be eligible. You must also be a holder of an insurance policy valid for health which includes third-party coverage for vehicles.

Exchange of driving licenses from abroad

If you're planning to move to France and have a driver's licence from your home country, there are certain requirements you must meet. You can only exchange your license in the event of an agreement to reciprocate between France and your home country, and the license is still valid. You'll have to pass a French driving exam in case you do not. The application process can take between two and three years but now that it's online, it appears to be moving faster.

If you have an international license from a country which is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or if your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. You must first obtain third-party liability insurance before being allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de driving". They resemble a credit card and list your personal details and the vehicles you are able to drive.

You must also be over the legal age for driving in the country of your origin. Additionally, you must be over the legal age to drive in the country you are from. There are additional requirements you have to meet. For example your licence should be valid prior to the time you arrived in France. The driving license must be in your name and be written in your home language or accompanied by an official translation. It must be valid in the country in which you reside and been issued prior to the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.

In France, new drivers start with six points. The maximum number of points they could receive is twelve. You could face a fine for each offense, or lose points from your license. Depending on the number of points you've got, your license could be suspended for a specified period of time. If you're planning to stay in France for a long time, you should take the time to learn to drive here.

Learning to drive in France

You can sign up for a driving course or learn to drive on your own if you are planning to move to France. Whatever option you pick there will be numerous hoops to jump through. The process for getting your license in France could be as long as three months due to a shortage in driving examiners. However, the actual test is similar to the two-part theory exam and practical exam that is taken in the UK.

The first thing you'll have to pass is the 'highway code test', or 'lecode'. This is a lengthy test that takes at minimum a few months to be completed, so don't try to rush through it, or your French driver will probably take a swipe at you (not that we can tell from personal experiences). This phase involves learning the rules of the road and taking a lot of'mock tests'. Then when you're confident enough you're ready to take on the real test.

The next step is to do a few hours of accompanied driving with a professional driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you'll have to register with a prefecture before being approved as such. Apparently you will need to complete at least 20 hours of this before you are able to think about taking the test.

Another part of the accompanied driving is that you will have to keep a log of all the trips you take. This is designed to ensure that you're not just going to school and back every day (that will count for 3000 miles, but it won't get you very far!) The route must be varied, which means driving around your village every day for a whole year might not be enough. You will be penalized and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offence such as drunk driving or speeding.

The left lane should be used for passing cars and not for driving at a slow pace. If you're on a dual carriageway and driving slow in the left lane, you will probably get pulled over by an French traffic policeman, so be ready.

Insurance

If you want to drive in France, you will require a French B driving license. This permit allows you to drive vehicles that are not more than 3.5 tons. This permit also permits you to drive vehicles with less than nine seats. The permit is valid 15 years after the date of issue. You may have to take a medical exam to keep your license valid based on your age or category of vehicle.

You'll also require an insurance policy for third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will cover your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. You should also carry your driving licence as well as insurance documents and registration papers at all times. In certain situations, you will need to carry your passport on you, too.

It's not impossible to buy and insure your car in France. It can be simple and easy, especially if you have an international driving license from an EU/EFTA country. Some states have reciprocal agreements which facilitate the process.

A French driving licence (permis de driving) is an official document that contains your personal information and the type of vehicle you're permitted to drive, and the date of issue and expiry. In most cases it is also used as a proof of identification. It's a pink credit card-sized plastic credit card.

It's important to know that if you're French permit is lost or stolen you must notify the police immediately. You can report it by visiting the ANTS site. You'll then be issued an interim permit that's valid for two months. If you have committed an offense you may also be fined or lose points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve points.