12 Companies Leading The Way In French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
You may need an French license if you are an expat who has recently moved to France. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory as well as a practical driving test. This can be accomplished through a driving school that will handle the paperwork and arrange the test for you.
Valid for 3 years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink, credit card-sized paper that includes the holder's photo, date and birthplace along with driving rights. The French driving licence can also contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). Permis Cepc must be renewed every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country, 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 can apply to renew a standard French driving license in your home country or in France. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.
If you are an American citizen, you might be able to swap your US license for one in 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 a carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other identification documents with you. The process may 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 an French license. You will require a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance as well as 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are located all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. It is a good idea to take some introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you want to pass the French test.
You can check your points balance via the Ministry of Interior's website, or through an official letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for infractions by following the guidelines on the website. The name on a French driving licence is the same as the name of the holder at birth. Married women can use their maiden names on their licences if they prefer.
It is a 12 point score
If you want to drive in France you must have an French driving license. You must pass both an exam in theory and a practical test in order to get a French driving license. You also must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test tests driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you could be required to pass a written test. In addition, you'll need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of 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 while driving. The license must also include a photo as well as the date it was issued. Losing points will be removed 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 license. These courses, referred to as stages of recuperation des points du permis and are offered by accrediting centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. However, you can only recover four points per year. You can also recover your points if you do not commit any further traffic offenses for two or three years.
It is important to note that you will not be able to drive with your foreign licence after one year of living in France, unless you are a student or diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for longer than one year, you'll need to exchange your driving license from abroad to an French license.
It is important to know that driving laws in France are very strict. For example, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. Drivers are also required to wear headlights at night when driving and in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use the headlights when it's raining or snowing. The rules differ by region, so it is crucial to know your local regulations.
It can be exchanged for the French license
If you're an American citizen who has 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 are legally able to drive in France for a period of one year without needing to take an French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you were at fault they could deny your claim. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your driver's license to one in 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 permis de conduire form. The process varies from region to region. Certain sub-prefectures do not process licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you go. You'll also require an official French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy, or by a certified translator.
The application must contain an acknowledgment that you have been a resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You must also present evidence of your identity, like a passport and photo. The photos must follow the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photographs. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take up to several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange you will be in a probationary period until your French license is permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG which is a practical-theory exam. Those with disabilities and certain health issues may have to take additional tests.
While you can study and practice for the test on your own, it's usually best to attend a school that can prepare you in French and handle all the documents. Some schools will provide you with some driving practice hours before the test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is required when you've just relocated to France. It's simple to exchange your driving license as France has reciprocal agreements with a majority of countries. You can apply online however you'll need additional documents like the passport, residence card or any other proof of identity.
You can also get an French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel test and passing it. After passing the test you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). You need this number to purchase your physical licence.
Before you drive on French roads, make sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website has an approved list of doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP for an appointment.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test, you can apply for your physical license through the ANTS website. Log into your ANTS Account and choose "Je want to signal an error sur mon permis d'conduire recu for less than 6 months." Fill in the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to process. You can drive with a temporary permit granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of the permit varies from region region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that covers you in case of an accident.
To avoid any future issues, it is best to learn driving at a school. The driving school should be able provide you with a list of certified teachers. Find out their costs, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To do this you need to present the current driving license and an official proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures that you're interested in will not accept license exchanges. If you do have to go to the prefecture office, make sure you check the deadline for submitting.