The Evolution Of French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
You might require an French license if you're an expat who has recently moved to France. To obtain one, you must pass a driving theory test and a practical test. This can be done through a driving school that will handle 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 the issue. The French driving licence is an image of a pink credit card with the name of the person who holds it, their photo along with the date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It also contains various conditions and restrictions. These may include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every 15 years and can be used in any EU country in addition to 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 an ordinary French license in France or in your country of origin. You must pass a written and practical test to be eligible for the renewal.
If you're an American citizen, you may be able exchange your US license for one that is a French one without having to pass any tests. This program is only open to Americans who have been in France for a longer period of time and have the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within one year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process could take up to six months, so it's best to begin early.
Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in their country of origin are eligible to obtain a French licence. You will require a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance and 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. These schools are located all over Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. If you want to pass the French test it's a good idea to take an additional course of beginning French classes.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior's website or through an email from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. Follow the instructions on the website to recover any points that were withdrawn due to an infraction. The name on a French driving license is identical to that of the holder at birth. Married women can put their maiden names on their licenses if they prefer.
It has 12 points.
You need to have a French license to drive in France. To obtain one, you need to pass a driving theory test and an exam in the practical. You also have to pass a medical exam. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is comprised of driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you might be required to pass an exam written. In addition, you'll need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing a practical and driving theory test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and must be displayed when you are behind the wheel. In addition to the points, the licence must also include a photo of the driver and the date of the issue. Losing points will be deducted from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your license will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can attend a class to recover the points that were lost on your licence. These courses, also known as stages of recuperation des points du permit and are offered by accrediting centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. You can only recuperate up to four points per year. You can also get back points that you have lost by not committing any other traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
After a year in France after which you cannot drive on your foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. Even if your pass the French driving test, you will need to change your license to a French one if you will reside in France for longer than a year.
You should know that the driving laws in France are very strict. For instance, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. Drivers are also required to use headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also mandatory that they use them when it rains or snows. The rules differ for each region, so it is essential to study the local rules.
It can be exchanged to the French driving license
If you're an American citizen and have an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for one year without having to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you were at fault, they may reject your claim. To avoid this, you must change your driver's license to a French one after you arrive in the country.
You can exchange your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de Permis D de conduire form. The process differs from one region to another. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture prior to your 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 can prove this. You will also need proof of identity, such as a passport and a photograph. The photos must follow the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photographs. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license could take as long as several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll need to go through a period of probationary time before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass a practical and theory test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. Those with disabilities or certain health issues may need to take additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the exam on your own, it's usually better to go to a school that will prepare you in French and will take care of all the documents. The schools will even give you some driving practice before your actual test.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've just moved to France and are planning to move there, having a French driving license is necessary to have. It's simple to exchange your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online, but you'll need additional documents like the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also obtain a French driving licence by passing the behind-the-wheel test. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). You will need this number to purchase your physical licence.
Be sure to have a valid driver's license and a recent medical exam before you drive on French roads. The ANTS website has a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.
Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test You can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. To start, log into your ANTS account and choose "Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire for a period of less six months." Complete the required information, upload any additional documents, and then submit your request.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to complete. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies from region area. You can also purchase an insurance policy for driving which covers you in the event of an accident.
If you're a beginner driver, you should take lessons at a driving school in order to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are licensed. Ask about their prices and whether they have English-speaking instructors.
You may also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You'll need to show your current driving license as well as proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow license exchanges, so it's important to check beforehand. Check the deadlines for submission when you need to visit the prefecture.