20 Misconceptions About French Driving License: Busted
How to Get a French Driving License If you're an expat and has recently relocated to France you may require a French driving license. To obtain one, you'll need to pass both a theory as well as a practical driving test. This can be done by a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and schedule 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 a pink credit card-sized document with the name of the holder, his photo along with the date of birth, and driving rights written on it. The French driving licence can also include a number restrictions and conditions. Some of these limitations include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age for driver's license. French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). cerfa permis de conduire Licence France Xpress have to be renewed every 15 years, and are valid across all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, such as 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 to qualify for the renewal. If you're an American citizen, you may be able to swap your US license to a French one without having to pass any tests. This program is available only to Americans who have been in France for a longer period of time and possess the carte de sejour. The process typically takes a year to complete. You must bring your passport, or other official documents of identification with you. It may take up to six months to complete the process, so make sure to start early. You can only obtain 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 certificate and a third-party liability policy, and 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are available throughout Toulouse, and they offer classes and practice tests in French. If you want to pass the French test it's recommended to take an additional course of beginning French classes. You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. You can recover points withdrawn for infractions by following the instructions on the website. The name on a French driving license is identical to that 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 must have to have a French license to drive in France. To get one, you need to pass a driving theory test and a practical test. Also, you must pass a medical exam. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety regulations. You could also be required to take an exam in writing, based on your age. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor. After passing the theory and the 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. The licence should also contain a photo and the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your license. If you lose 12 points your licence will be suspended at least six months. You can enroll in a course to recover the lost points on your license. These courses, referred to as stages de recuperation des points du permis, are offered by approved centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. But, you can only recover four points per year. You may also be able to recover the points you lost if do not commit any further traffic offenses for 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 or if you are a student or diplomat. Even if your pass the French driving test, you have to exchange your licence for one in French one if you'll be residing in the country for more than one year. It is important to be aware 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. Drivers are also required to use headlights while driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also use them if it is snowing or raining. The rules differ for each region, so it is crucial to know your local rules. It is exchangeable for the French driving license If you're an American citizen and possess an official driver's license that is validly 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 taking an French driving test. However, if you have an accident when driving with this type of license and you are held accountable for the accident the insurance company may reject your claim. To avoid this, you should change your driver's license to one that is a French one when you arrive in the country. You can transfer your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't handle licence exchanges, so it is crucial to verify before you travel. You will also require a French translation that can be accomplished by an embassy, or a certified interpreter. The application should include an acknowledgement that you have resided in France for at least six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You also need to present evidence of your identity, like a passport and a photo. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photographs. The application will then be submitted to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. The license could take up to several months to be issued. Once you've 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 test that is theoretical-practical. Those with disabilities and certain medical conditions may require pass additional tests. While you may study and practice for the exam on your own, it's better to go to an institution that can help you in French and take care of all the documentation. Some schools will offer you some driving time before the test. The ANTS is the issuer A French driving license is required if you have just relocated to France. It's easy to transfer your driving license as France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online, however you'll need to provide additional documents, like an authentic passport and a residence card, or another evidence of identity. You can also obtain an French driving licence by passing the behind-the wheel test. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to order physical licenses. Make sure you possess a valid license as well as an exam that has been completed recently prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS site has a list approved doctors and hospitals. You can also make an appointment with your GP. If you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for your license in person on the ANTS site. Log into your ANTS Account and choose “Je would like to report an error on my driving permit it's less than 6 months.” Complete the required information and upload any documents supporting it, and submit your application. The time to process your application will take between 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. The cost of a permit varies by region area. You can also purchase an insurance policy specifically for drivers that covers you in case of an accident. If you're a learner driver, it's best to learn at a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are certified. Be sure to inquire about their rates and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors. You may also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You will need to present your current driving licence and proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to process license exchanges, so it's essential to confirm this prior. If you must go to the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline to submit your application.