How to Get a French Driving License

You might need an French license if you are an expat who has recently moved to France. To get one, you need to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. This can be completed by a driving school which will take care of the paperwork and arrange the test for you.

Valid for 3 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 paper that includes the holder's photo, date and birthplace, as well as driving rights. The French driving licence may also include a number restrictions and conditions. This could include driving under the influence.

The prefecture (or area) issues the French driving license. They have to be renewed every 15 years, and are valid in all EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.


You could be able to swap your US driver's license to a French license without having to pass any tests if an American. experienced is open to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and have the carte de sejour. The process typically takes one year to complete. You must bring your passport, or other official identity documents with you. It can take as long as up to six months to complete the process, so start early.

You can only get a French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in your country of origin. You'll require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, as well as 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are found all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. If you want to pass the French test it's an excellent idea to enroll in an additional course of introductory French classes.

You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or via a letter from the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for infractions by following the guidelines on the website. A French driving licence is under the name of the person who holds it at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licences if they prefer.

It contains 12 points.

If you want to drive in France you will require to have a French driving license. To obtain one, you have to pass an exam on driving theory and an actual test. You also must pass a medical exam. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a mix of driving skills and rules for road safety. You may also be required to pass an examination in writing, based on your age. You will then have to complete a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.

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

You can attend classes to regain lost points. These courses are known as stages of recovery of points on a permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you are able to gain four points each year. You can also get back the points you lost if don't commit any more traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.

It is important to know that you will not be allowed to drive on your foreign license after one year of living in France unless you are a student or a diplomat. If you plan to remain in France for more than a year, you'll need exchange your foreign driving licence to one that is a French license.

It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are quite strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random sobriety tests. Drivers must also wear headlights at night when driving and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also mandatory to wear them when it rains or snows. It is crucial to know the local rules as they differ from region to area.

It is exchangeable for a French driving license

If you're an American citizen with an active 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 a French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company concludes that you were at fault and they deny your claim. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your driver's license to one in French one after you arrive in the country.

You can apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from one region to the next. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior to your travel. You'll also require a French translation, which can be done by an embassy or authorized interpreter.

The application must include 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 present proof of identity, like a passport and photo. The photos must be in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will be sent to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. It could take several months for the license to be issued.

After you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll need to go through an initial period of probation before your French license is made permanent. You will also have to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG which is a theory-practical exam. Those with disabilities or certain health issues may need to pass extra tests.

You can prepare for the test on your own, but it is recommended to go to an educational institution. They will train you in French and take care of the paperwork. Some schools will provide you with some driving practice hours before your exam.

It is issued by ANTS

A French driving licence is essential if you have just moved to France. It's easy to exchange your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with most countries. You can apply online, but you'll need to provide additional documents, such as an authentic passport and a residence card, or another documents to prove your identity.

You can also get a French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to obtain your physical licence.

Be sure to possess a valid license as well as a recent medical exam before you drive on French roads. The ANTS website lists accredited hospitals and doctors. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.

Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your physical license on the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and choose "Je want to signal an error on my driving permit granted for less of 6 months." Fill in the required information, upload any additional documentation, and submit your application.

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

If you're a new driver, you should learn at an accredited driving school to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should be able provide you with a list of qualified instructors. Ask about their prices and whether they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To get one, you must present the current driving license and a certificate of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't handle license exchanges, so it's essential to check beforehand. If you do have to go to the prefecture, ensure you know the deadline for submission.