How to Get a French Driving License

You may need to obtain a French license if you're an expat and have recently moved to France. To obtain one, you need to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. The best way to pass this is through a driving academy, which will handle the paperwork for you and schedule the test.

Valid for 3 years.

The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years following the date of the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink, credit card-sized document that has the holder's photo, date and birthplace, as well as driving rights. It may also include several conditions and restrictions. These restrictions may include driving while under the influence.

French driving licenses are issued by a prefecture (or region). They are required to be renewed every 15 years, and can be used across all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You are able to apply for a renewal of your standard French driving license in your country of origin or in France. You must be able to pass a written and an practical exam to qualify for the renewal.

If you are an American citizen, you may be able to exchange your US license to one that is a French one without taking any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess an official carte de sejour. The process usually takes a year to complete. You must bring your passport or other official identity documents with you. It may take up to six months to complete the process, so begin early.

Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can get a French licence. You'll require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, as well as 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. These schools are situated all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. If you're hoping to pass the French test it's recommended to take an additional course of beginning French classes.

You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or by a letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. You can get back points you have lost for infractions by following the directions on the website. A French driving licence is in the name of the person who holds it at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licenses should they wish to.

It carries 12 points

You require an French license to drive in France. You must pass both a theory and practical test in order to get the French driving license. You must also pass a medical examination. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. You could also be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.

After having passed the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your license in three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed when driving. In addition to the points, the licence must also include an image of the driver as well as the date of the issue. Losing points will be removed from your license. If you lose 12 points your licence will be suspended at minimum six months.

You can attend a class to recover lost points. These courses are called stages de recovery of points on a permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day duration. You are only able to recover up to four points each year. You can also recover your lost points by not committing any further traffic offenses for at least two or three years.

After a year within France the French cannot drive with a foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or a student. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need exchange your driving license from abroad to a French license.

It is crucial to understand that driving laws are extremely strict in France. 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 must also wear headlights while driving at night and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use them if it is raining or snowing. It is essential to be aware of the local rules since they differ from region to area.

It is possible to exchange it for the French license

If you're an American citizen and possess a valid 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 year without needing to take an French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you are at fault and they deny your claim. To avoid this, you should exchange your license for a French driver's license when you arrive in France.

You can transfer your license by calling your local Prefecture cerfa permis de conduire Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré permis de conduire français en conduire form. The procedure varies between regions. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture before you travel. You'll also need a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy or a sworn interpreter.

The application must contain an acknowledgement that you have resided in France for at least six months. This can be proved by tax notices or a French health certificate. You must also present proof of your identity, like a passport and a photograph. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photographs. The application will then be submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. It could take several months for the license to be issued.

After you have successfully completed the exchange, you will be in a probationary period until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG, which is a theory-practical exam. People with disabilities or other health conditions may have to take additional tests.

You can prepare for the exam by yourself, but it is usually better to attend an educational institution. They will train you in French and handle the documents. Some schools will give you some driving time before the test.

The ANTS is the issuer

A French driving license is required if you have just moved to France. France has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, which makes it fairly simple to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, Permis Cepc but you'll need evidence of your identity, such as a passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.

You can also obtain a French driving license by passing the behind-the-wheel test. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to purchase your physical license.

Make sure you have a valid driver's license and a recent medical exam before you drive on French roads. The ANTS website contains a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also call your GP to schedule an appointment.

Once you've completed the behind-the-wheel test, you are able to request your license in person on the ANTS site. To start, log into your ANTS account and select "Je would like to report an error on my driving permit granted for less de 6 mois." Fill in the required information, upload any supporting documents, and submit your application.

The processing time for your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you are able to drive with a temporary permit issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of this permit varies based on region. You can also purchase a driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.

To avoid any future issues To avoid future problems, it is recommended to learn driving at a school. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are qualified. Ask about their prices and whether they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also ask for an French driving license from your local prefecture. To obtain this license, you must present the current driving license as well as the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't allow license exchanges, so it's important to confirm this prior. If you do have to go to the prefecture, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.