If you're planning to drive in France the first step is obtaining the French driver's license. This is done online on the ANTS website.The B license allows the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and can accommodate up to 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
If you're an EU driver or not, the process of getting your driving license in France requires passing an exam written (code de la route) and a practical test. In certain situations you may have to take additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also go to a driving school that will teach you. The test can be repeated multiple times as you want however it costs EUR30 per time.
You may also take the exam as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to people who possess a driver's licence from their country of origin that is issued in English. In addition, you must provide a medical certificate or a document certifying your handicap, known as a "reconnaissance de qualite de travailleur handicape". You are able to take the test at one of the special sessions (examen ETG spécifique) for non-French-speaking applicants.
You must score at least 20 points to pass the driving test in a practical manner. There can be no elimination errors. It is not possible to tell whether you passed or failed the test by the examiner. However you can verify the results online for 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. Once you've confirmed your success, you can download a digital copy of the permit. You can then buy your physical French driving license online at the France Titres order your driver's license webpage.
A new driver's license in France is valid for five years. After that, you'll need renew it by submitting an application for a new licence with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your previous driving licence along with a passport photograph and an address in France. You can also submit an application for the renewal of your licence if are looking to add a new category of vehicle or change the name of your current driving licence. To be eligible you must be living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also be covered by a current health insurance policy which includes third-party liability insurance for cars.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
There are certain conditions you must satisfy if you're moving from your home country to France with valid driver's license. For instance you can only exchange your license if your country has a reciprocal agreement with France, and if it's still valid. You'll need to pass a French driving test if you don't. The process could take up to a year or two however it appears to be moving faster since the application is online.
If you have an international license issued by an country that is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. However, you must take out third-party liability insurance on your car before you are allowed to drive. These licences are known as "permis de driving". They look similar to an credit card and contain your personal information along with the type of vehicle you are able to drive.
Additionally, you should not have any outstanding traffic convictions or fines on your license. You must also be over the legal driving age in your country of origin. There are other requirements that you must meet. For instance your licence must have been issued before you arrived to France. The driving licence must be in your name, written in your native language or accompanied by an official translation. It must be valid in the country in which you reside and must have been issued prior to the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France begin with six points on their driving licences. The maximum number of points they could receive is twelve. Each time you commit an offense you could face an amount of money or have points taken off your license. Depending on the number of points you have, your license could be suspended for a specific period of time. If you plan to stay in France for a prolonged period of time, it's a good idea to learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
If you're moving to France and are looking to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving class or do the whole process yourself. Regardless of which option you pick it will be a long process with significant hurdles to get through. The wait to get your driving license in France could be as long as 3 months long due to a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practice test that is offered in the UK.
The first thing you'll need to pass is a 'highway code test', or 'lecode'. This is a comprehensive exam that will take you at least two months to complete. Do not take it lightly, or your French driver might give you the finger. This is basically learning the highway code and sitting lots of 'mock tests. Once you're confident, you can move on to the real thing.
The next step is to do some hours of driving with a professional driver. In France, this is called conduite supervisee and you must register with the prefecture in order to be approved. You must complete at minimum 20 hours before you're even permitted to take the test.
You will also have keep a log of all your travels. This is to ensure that you don't drive to school and back every day (that is 3000 miles but won't get you far). These trips also need to be varied, so driving around your village for a whole year may not be enough. You'll be fined and lose points on your French driving license if commit a serious offense such as drunk driving or speeding.
The left lane should only be used to pass cars and not for driving at a slow pace. Be ready to be stopped in the event of driving too fast in the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you plan on driving in France. This license allows you to drive vehicles not larger than 3.5 tons. This permit also allows you to drive vehicles that have less than nine seats. The permit is valid 15 years after the date of issue. You may need to take a medical exam to maintain your license, Licencefrancexpress.com depending on your age and vehicle type.
You will also require the third-party liability insurance for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an incident or theft. You should also keep your driving licence, insurance documents and car registration documents at all times. In some cases you may also need to carry your passport.
Buying and insuring your car in France can be a daunting task however it doesn't need to be. In fact, it's easy and simple, particularly in the event that you already have a foreign driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. This is because some states have reciprocal agreements with France and France, which makes the process even easier.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is an document that includes your personal information, the kind and date of expiry of the vehicle you're permitted to drive. In most places, it also serves as a form of official identification. It is a pink plastic card that is about the size of a credit card.
It's crucial to know that should your French permit is lost or stolen you must notify the police immediately. You can do this on the ANTS website. You will then receive temporary licenses that are valid for two months. In addition, if you've been found guilty of an offense, you will get an amount of money or have points removed from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve points.
