How to Get a French Driving License
Before you begin driving in France, it's important to understand the country's driving rules. You should also know the requirements for a driving license.
Depending on the prefecture, it may take a few weeks or a few months to get your French driving license. It is a pink credit-card format that is valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
With its swathes of stunning countryside and vibrant cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid any problems with the police, it's important to know the rules of driving. Always keep your driving license and proof of insurance. An international driving permit (IDP) is also beneficial to make it easier for you to travel.
Traffic in France is much slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians on the streets. It is therefore important to drive defensively, and be on the lookout for drivers who turn left in front of you. Also, it is not advisable to drive when having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving while impaired and are punished up to 135 euros or lose points on your license.
It is against the law to use a mobile while driving in France. You are only able to make hands-free phone calls when your helmet has an integrated headset. You can also be punished for talking or texting while driving if stopped by an officer of the police. Additionally, you must wear an appropriate seat belt in the front and rear seats. If you have children in your vehicle younger than 10 years old they must be seated in the rear of the vehicle and be secured with a child seat or a seat belt.
You must also carry a copy your passport at all times. This is a requirement of the law and will be checked if you are stopped for any reason.
It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. Autoroutes, for example, have a higher limit on speed than other roads. You can pay tolls in cash or with a credit card.
Prioritize a right is the most important rule to observe in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right has priority. This is true regardless of whether the vehicle is joining a busy highway through a small village road. This is particularly important when driving on country roads where it is common for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed your written test, it's now time to take the practical driving exam. This is a much more difficult test than the theory exam and you'll have to do a lot of practice before passing. It's important to locate a driving school which offers plenty of behind-the-wheel lessons before taking the test. Before you can drive in France you should have at minimum third party liability car insurance.
You can sign up for the test by visiting the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with a photo ID. The French driving license photo must be in color and full-face unlike the American passport photo. You can request a translator if are not a native English speaker. But, you must make this request at least two days in advance of the test.
You'll receive an CEPC (certificat exam de permis de conduire) after you've passed the driving test. This is the document you'll need to show your local prefecture to apply for a French driving license. Then, you can begin driving in France.
If you fail your driving test, it will take between two and forty-five working days for you to retake the test. There's no limit on the number of times you may retake the driving test, but it's recommended to wait until you are ready to retake it.
The possession of a driver's license is a must to survive life in France. If you plan to live in France for longer than a year, you'll need a driving license before you are allowed to drive on French roads. Some Americans do not adhere to this requirement and continue to drive with their US license after the one year mark. This could result in serious accidents or fines.
Fortunately, some states have an agreement of reciprocity with France. Kentucky, for example, allows its citizens to swap their U.S. drivers' licenses for French ones without going through the long, drawn-out procedure of passing a written exam and passing a driving test. Other Americans must, however, to jump through a lot of hoops just to obtain their French licenses.
Obtaining a license
If you are an expat or a foreign citizen that has a valid driver's licence from a country with which France has a reciprocity agreement you can exchange your licence to one that is a French one without having to pass the driving test. But there are a few rules you need to know. First, you must ensure that your driver's license was issued while you were legally living in the country where it was issued. Then, you need to fill out an application for a new licence. The form is available online. Select the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's License.
Select the reason you need the licence and fill in your driver's details. If you have a licence B you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tonnes and with up to nine passengers. You can also choose to tow a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you are driving.
The next step is to submit your application to the prefecture of your area. It is essential to fill in all the required information and attach copies of your identity documents. Make sure that you include your passport or another photo ID, and the proof of address. You'll also need to provide a medical certificate should you require it. Licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years, whereas licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for licencefrancexpress.Com five years.
In some cases, it is possible to obtain a French license in only a few months. This is especially true for foreign students enrolled at a French university. Those not enrolled in the French University can expect to wait longer for their license to be granted.
If you are looking to learn how to drive in France it is recommended to take a driving course at a school which teaches English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving courses in English, but it's not the case in all places. People who live outside Paris should contact their local prefecture and inquire if there is a driving school that provides lessons in English.
Driving in France
It is essential to adhere to the rules of the roads and to follow the correct etiquette while driving in France. A valid driver's license as well as third-party car insurance are also required. Learning to drive with an experienced driving instructor is a great method to master the language and rules of the road. Additionally, you should ensure that your car is maintained and properly fuelled prior to embarking on your journey. You should also be aware of the different speed limits on various kinds of French roads.
In France traffic laws are strictly enforced. The French have a points system that penalizes traffic violations. New drivers start off with six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary period has ended. If you receive a traffic ticket, your points will be withdrawn and the amount of fine will be different depending on the category of the offense.
The theory test is the initial step towards getting a French driving license. This test consists of 40 questions on the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The practical portion of the test is the next step. This requires a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it's required to wait a year before attempting again.
You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for an French driver's licence and have an examination for medical reasons. Those with disabilities and health issues must undergo a specific medical examination.
If you are from a country outside of the EU or EEA, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. An IDP includes a picture of the driver as well as the translation of their driving license in a dozen languages. You can obtain it at the airport, or from a car rental company.
Driving in France isn't easy, but it is possible to drive in France in a safe manner with a foreign driver's license as long as you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the driving laws in France and take some driving lessons before you try to drive by yourself.