How To Get Better Results With Your French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
You may need a French license if you are an expat and have recently moved to France. In order to get one, you have to pass a driving theory and practical test. This can be completed by a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and arrange the test for you.
Valid for 3 years
A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. The French driving license is an image of a pink credit card with the holder's name, photo along with the date of birth and driving rights written on it. It can also contain various limitations and conditions. This could include driving under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. The licenses are valid for every 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, for instance those for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and a practical exam in order to get the renewal.
You may be able exchange your US driver's license to one of a French license without having to take any tests if you are an American. This program is only available to Americans who have lived in France for a longer period of time and have the carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you need to have your passport or other identification documents with you. The process could take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to start 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 licence. You must have third party liability car insurance and a medical certificate, and you must complete at minimum 30 hours of instruction in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are available all over Toulouse and offer practice tests and lessons in French. If you're hoping to pass the French test it is recommended to take an additional course of introductory French classes.
You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or by an email from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. You can get back points you have lost for a violation by following the guidelines on the website. The name on the French driving license is the same as that of the holder at birth. Married women may use their maiden name on their driving license should they wish to do so.
It contains 12 points
If you plan to drive in France you will require an French driving license. To get one, you need to pass an exam on driving theory and a practical test. You must also pass a medical test. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test tests driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you could be required to pass an exam written. You must then take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of an instructor.
After passing a driving theory and practical test, you'll receive your licence 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, in the event that you lose 12 points, your license is suspended for a period of at least six months.
You can enroll in a class to recover lost points. These courses, referred to as stages de recuperation des points du permis, are offered by approved centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. You can only recuperate up to four points per year. You can also regain the points you lost by avoiding other traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
After one year within France after which you cannot drive with a foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll have to exchange your driving license from abroad for one that is a French license.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are very strict. For example the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police have set up random checkpoints for sobriety. 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 essential to be aware of the local regulations as they differ from region to area.
It can be exchanged to the French driving 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 can legally drive in France for one year without taking a French driving test. If you are involved in an accident when driving with this type of license and are held accountable for the crash your insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license to a French driver's license once you arrive in France.
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 the next. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you go. You'll also need a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy or a certified interpreter.
The application must contain an acknowledgment that you've been resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You must also provide proof of identity such as a passport, and a photo d'identite. The photos must be in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application is submitted to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. It could take several months for the license to be issued.
After you have successfully completed the exchange, you'll be in a probationary period until your French license is permanent. You will also have to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG, which is a theory-practical exam. For those with disabilities or health issues may need to take additional tests.
You can prepare for the exam on your own, but it is usually better to enroll in a school. They will help you prepare in French and manage the paperwork. The schools will even give you some driving practice prior to the actual test.
The ANTS is the issuer
A French driving license is required if you have just moved to France. It's easy to exchange your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online, however you'll need to bring additional documents, like a valid passport and residence card, or another evidence of identity.
You can also get a French driving licence by passing the behind-the-wheel test. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after passing the test. This number is required for ordering physical licenses.
Before suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website has a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also book an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for your physical license through the ANTS website. To begin, sign in to your ANTS account and click "Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire recu il y a moins of 6 months." Complete the required information, upload any additional documentation, and submit your application.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to take. In the meantime, you may drive on a temporary permit issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region to the region. You can also purchase an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a new driver, it's best to enroll in an accredited driving school to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are certified. Make sure to ask about their fees and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. You'll need your current driving licence and proof of residency. It is essential to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in will not allow license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline for submitting.