20 Fun Facts About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France, you might need an French driving license. To get 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 take care of the paperwork and book the test for you.
It is valid for a period of three years.
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years from the date of the issue. The French driving license is an image of a pink credit card with the holder's name, photo as well as date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It also contains a number of limitations and conditions. These restrictions may include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). They are required to be renewed every 15 years and are valid in all EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain licenses are valid only for five years. For example, those for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You are able to apply for a renewal of your standard French driving license in your home country or in France. You must pass a written and practical exam in order to get the renewal.
You could be able to exchange your US driver's license to a French license without taking any tests if an American. This program is available only to Americans who have lived in France more than one year and have the carte de sejour. The process typically takes an entire year to complete. You must bring your passport or other official documents of identification with you. The process may take as long as six months therefore it is best to start the process early.
You can only obtain an French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in the country of your origin. You'll need a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance along with 30 hours of training at an auto ecole. You can find these schools throughout Toulouse and they provide classes and practice tests in French. It's a great idea take introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're hoping to pass the French test.
You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or with an official letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. Follow the directions on the site to retrieve any points that were taken away because of an infraction. The name on a French driving licence is the same as the name of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden name on their driving license if they choose.
It has 12 points
You require a French license to drive in France. You must pass both the theory and the practical test to obtain a French driving license. You must also pass a medical exam. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and rules for road safety. You may also be required to pass an examination in writing, based on your age. You will then have to complete a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor.
After having passed the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your licence within 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 a photo of the driver and the date of issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving licence, and if you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of six months or more.
You can take an instruction course to regain lost points. These courses, referred to as stages de recuperation des points du permis a – permis a2 D (Texland.ru) that are offered by accredited centres and cost around EUR200 for two days. You are only able to recover up to four points per year. You can also get back your lost points if you refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for two or three years.
After one year after one year in France after which you cannot drive with your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. If you plan to stay in France for more than one year, you'll need to exchange your foreign driving licence 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 set up random sobriety checkpoints. Additionally, drivers must wear headlights in the evening, and they must use them when they pass through a tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. It is also required that they use them when it rains or snows. The rules vary by region, so it is essential to study the local regulations.
It is possible to exchange it for a French license
If you are an American citizen and possess an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin, you may drive legally in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and you are found responsible for the crash the insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, you should exchange your license to a French driver's license once you arrive in France.
You could apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire français en de conduire form. The process varies from region to region. Certain sub-prefectures do not process licence exchanges, so it is important to check prior to going. You'll also need an official French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy, or by a sworn translator.
The application must contain an attestation that you've been a resident in France for at least six months. This can be proved by permis a – permis a2 tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide evidence of your identity, such as an identity card, passport or photo d'identite. The photos must conform to the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS, the agency that issues French drivers' licenses. It could take several months for the license to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll have a probationary phase before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to pass a theory and practical exam, known as an "auto ecole" or ETG. Those with disabilities or certain health conditions may have to take additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the exam on your own, it's usually best to attend an institution that can help you in French and will take care of all the paperwork. Some schools will provide you with some driving time before your test.
The ANTS is the issuer
If you've recently relocated to France and are planning to move there, you'll need a French driving license is necessary to possess. It's simple to exchange your driving license since France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online, but you will need to provide additional documents like a passport, residence card or other proof of identification.
You can also obtain a French driving licence after passing the behind-the-wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) after the test. This number is required to purchase your physical licence.
Before you drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed the medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of approved hospitals and doctors. You can also book an appointment with your GP.
If you've completed the behind-the-wheel test, you can request your license in person on the ANTS website. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and choose "Je want to signal an error sur mon permis de conduire moto prix passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ conduire granted for less six months." Complete the required information, upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
The time to process your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary license issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of the permit varies from region the region. You can also purchase a special driving insurance policy that covers you in the case of an accident.
If you're a new driver, you should enroll in a driving school to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are certified. Find out their costs and whether they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also ask for a French driving licence from your local prefecture. To obtain this license, you must present a copy of your current driving license as well as the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures don't process license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to verify this before you go. Check the deadlines for submission in case you have to visit the prefecture.