You might require an 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. This can be completed by a driving school that will handle the paperwork and book the test for you.
Valid for 3 years.
The French driving licence is valid for three years following the date of the issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized paper with the name of the person who holds it, their photo along with the date of birth and driving rights written on it. The French driving licence may contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. This could include driving while under the influence.
The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license. Licenses have to be renewed every 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only for five years. For instance, the ones for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew an ordinary French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you have to be able to pass both a written and an examination in practice.
You could be able to swap your US driver's license for a French license without having to take any tests if you're an American. This program is only available to Americans who have resided in France for more than a year and possess a carte de sejour. The process typically takes an entire year to complete. You must have your passport or other identification documents, with you. It may take up to six months to complete the process, so start early.
Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in their country of origin can get a French license. You'll need a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, along with 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 is an excellent idea to enroll in an additional course of basic French classes.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or by an official letter from the prefecture with reference 48N/48M. You can recover points withdrawn for an infraction by following the instructions on the website. A French driving licence is under the name of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden name on their driving license should they wish to do so.
It carries 12 points
You require an French license to drive in France. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to get a French driving license. You also must be able to pass a medical test. The theory test is made up of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is comprised of driving skills and road safety regulations. You could be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. In addition, you'll need to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll be granted your licence within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed while driving. The licence must also include a photo as well as the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your license. If you lose 12 points your license will be suspended for at least six months.
You can attend classes to regain lost points. These courses are referred to as 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 time period. You can only recover up to four points each year. You can also regain the points you lost by avoiding any other traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
It is important to know that you won't be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after a year of residency in France unless you are a student or a diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for more than one year, you'll need exchange your driving license from abroad for an French licence.
It is important to know that driving laws in France are extremely strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. In addition, drivers are required to wear headlights in the evening, and they must use them when passing the tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. They should also use the headlights when it's snowing or raining. The rules vary by region, therefore it is important to research your local regulations.
It can be exchanged for an French license
If you're an American citizen and possess an active driver's license issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin You are legally able to drive in France for a year without taking a French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company concludes that you are at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, you should change your driver's license to a 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 cerfa permis de conduire de conduire form. The process differs between regions. Certain sub-prefectures do not allow licence exchanges, therefore it is essential to confirm before you travel. You'll also require an official French translation of your license that can be obtained at the embassy, or by a sworn translator.
The application must contain an acknowledgement that you have been a resident in France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can confirm this. You also need to present evidence of your identity, such as a passport and a photo. The photos must be taken in the format that is used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photographs. The application will then be sent to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers' licenses. It could take several months to get the license issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be in a probationary period until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass a practical and theory exam, known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. People with disabilities or certain medical conditions may require take additional tests.
While you may study and prepare for the test on your own, it's usually best to attend a school that will prepare you in French and take care of all the documents. Some schools will give you some driving practice hours before your test.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've recently moved to France, a French driving license is a must to be able to. It's easy to exchange your driving license since France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online but you will need to provide evidence of your identity, such as the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also get an French driver's licence by taking the behind the wheel test and passing it. After passing the test you can download your driver's licence certificate (CEPC). You need this number to obtain your physical licence.
Before you drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website lists approved hospitals and doctors. You can also make an appointment with your GP.
After you have passed the behind-the-wheel test, you are able to request your license in person on the ANTS site. Log into your ANTS Account and click "Je want to signal an error regarding my driver's license for less than six months." Complete the required information and upload any documents supporting it, and submit your request.
The processing time for your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. 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 a driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.
If you're a new driver, it's best to take lessons at a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list with instructors who are qualified. Find out their costs and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request a French driving licence from your local prefecture. You'll need your current driving license and proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to allow license exchanges, so it's essential to check beforehand. If you have to visit the prefecture, ensure you know the deadline for submitting.
