How to Get a French Driving License

You might require to obtain a French license if you are an expat and recently relocated to France. To obtain one, you'll need to pass both a theory as well as a practical driving test. A good way to do this is by attending an instructor at a driving school. They will do the paperwork for you and schedule the test.

It is valid for three years

A French driving licence 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 along with driving privileges. It may also include a number of conditions and restrictions. These may include driving while under the influence.

French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country and also in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, such as those for heavy vehicles as well as passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and practical exam in order to get the renewal.

You could be able to swap your US driver's license for an French license without having to pass any tests if an American. This program is available only to Americans who have lived in France more than one year and possess the carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process can take up to six months therefore it is best to start the process early.

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

You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or with an official letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for an infraction by following the directions on the website. A French driving licence is issued under the holder's name at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licenses should they wish to.

It is a 12 point score

If you plan to drive in France you must have a French driving license. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to get a French driving license. permis de conduire moto prix have to pass a medical test. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a combination of driving techniques and rules of road safety. Depending on your age, you may be required to pass an examination written. You will then have to complete a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.

After passing the driving theory and practical test, you'll receive your license within three months. The license is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed whenever you are driving. The licence must also include an image and the date it was issued. Losing points will be deducted from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended at least six months.

You can attend classes to regain lost points. These courses are called stages of recovery of points on a permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. But, you can only recuperate four points per year. You may also be able to recover your lost points if you refrain from committing any further traffic violations for two or three consecutive years.

After a year within France after which you are not able to drive on your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if you have passed the French driving test, you will need to exchange your license for one that is a French one if you will reside in France for more than a year.

You should know that the driving laws in France are extremely strict. 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 use headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required to use them in the event of snow or rain. The rules differ by region, therefore it is essential to study the local rules.


It can be exchanged to a French driving license

If you're an American citizen and possess an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin you are able to drive legally in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you are the one to blame, they may reject your claim. To avoid this, swap your license to a French driver's license once you arrive in France.

You can exchange your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't allow licence exchanges, therefore it is crucial to verify prior to going. You'll also need an official French translation of your license that can be obtained at the embassy or through a sworn translator.

The application must contain the proof that you've resided in France for at minimum six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You should also present proof of identity such as a passport, and a photo of identification. The photos must be in the format that is used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). It could take a few months for the license to be issued.

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

While you may learn and prepare for the test on your own, it's usually recommended to enroll in an institution that can help you in French and handle all the documents. Some schools will offer you some driving time before your test.

The ANTS is the issuer

If you've just moved to France and are planning to move there, having a French driving license is essential to possess. France has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, which makes it relatively easy to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, but you'll need to provide additional documents, such as a valid passport and residence card, or another proof of identity.

You can also get an French driving license by passing the behind-the wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to purchase an actual license.

Before you take a drive on French roads, ensure that your license is current and that you've passed the medical exam. The ANTS website lists accredited hospitals and doctors. You can also make an appointment with your GP.

Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your physical license on the ANTS site. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and click "Je souhaite signaler un erreur regarding my driver's license for a period of less of 6 months." Fill in the required information, upload any supporting documentation, and submit your application.

The time frame for processing your application will take between 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary permit granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of the permit varies by region area. You may also purchase a driving insurance policy that covers you in the event of an accident.

If you're a new driver, it's recommended to enroll in a driving school in order to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should be able provide you with a list of certified teachers. Make sure to ask about their fees and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also ask for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. To do this, you must present a copy of your current driving license and a certificate of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to check beforehand. Be sure to check the deadlines for submission if you have to visit the prefecture.