If you're planning to drive in France the first step is to obtain an 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 have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger cars as well as people carriers.
Driver's license exam
You must pass a written exam known as the code de la route (road code), and a practical driving test in order to get your French driving license. You may have to attend more driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also choose to enroll in a driver's training program, which will take care of the scheduling and training for you. The exam can be repeated at any number of times you'd like however it costs EUR30 per session.
You can 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 can then take the test in one of the special sessions designed for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
You must get at least 20 points to pass the practical driving test. There is no possibility of elimination faults. The examiner will not tell whether you've passed or failed the test, but you can check your results online at the securite Routiere website for 48 hours following the test with your number from the NEPH. You can download the digital version of your license once you've confirmed your test's success. The France Titres page to order your French driving license will allow you to buy your physical French license online.
In France, a new driver's license is valid for five years. After that, you'll need to renew it by filing an application for a new licence with the prefecture. You'll be required to bring your original driving licence, as well as a passport photo and an address in France. You can also apply for the renewal of your licence if are looking to add a new category of vehicle or alter the name of your current driving licence. To be eligible to apply, you must have living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also be covered by a current health insurance policy that includes third-party liability protection for vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's license
There are a few conditions you must meet if you're moving from your home country to France with a valid driver's license. For instance, you can only exchange your license in the event that your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and it's still valid. In other cases, you'll need to take the French driving test and pass it. The process of applying for a license can take up to two years however now that it's online, it appears to be speeding up.
If you hold an international license issued by a country which is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or if your British or Northern Irish licence was issued prior to 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. You must first get third-party liability insurance before you are allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "suspension Du permis de conduire et permis retiré de driving". They resemble an credit card and contain your personal information and the vehicles you can drive.
You must also be above the legal age for driving in your country of origin. You must also be over the legal age for driving in your country. There are other requirements you must meet. For example your licence should have been issued before you arrived to France. The driving license must be in your own name and in your home language, or it could be accompanied by a translation. It must also be valid in your country of residence and must have been acquired prior to the date you receive your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France start off with six points on their driving licenses. The maximum number of points they can receive is twelve. If you make a mistake you can be assessed a fine or have points removed from your licence. Depending on how many you've got, your license could be suspended for a specified period of time. If you are planning to remain in France for an extended period of time, it's worth learning how to drive.Learn to drive in France
You can sign up for an instructor-led driving course or learn to drive on your own if are planning to move to France. Whatever option you choose there are numerous hoops to jump through. The process for getting your driving license in France can take up to 3 months long because of a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practical exam that is taken in the UK.
One of the first things you will must pass is the 'highway code' test, or 'le code' for short. This is a lengthy test that will take you at least two months to complete. Do not hurry through it or your French driver could take you to court. This is basically learning the code of the road and taking a lot of'mock' tests. Then when you're confident enough you're ready to take on the real thing.The next step is to do a few hours of accompanied driving with a skilled driver. This is known as conduite supervisee in France and you will need to sign up with a prefecture in order to be approved as conduite supervisee. You will have to complete at minimum 20 hours of this before you even think about taking the test.
Another aspect of accompanied driving is that you will be required to keep a log of all the journeys you take. This is to ensure that you don't go to school and home every day (that would be 3000 km but it won't take you very far). This journey also has to be varied, so driving in your community each day for the entire year may not be enough. If you commit a big offense like drinking or speeding, you'll be fined and lose points from your French driver's licence.
The left lane should only be used to pass cars and not for speeding. If you're on the dual carriageway and you drive slowly in the left lane you will probably get stopped by a French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you are planning on driving in France. This license allows drivers to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons. It also allows you to drive vehicles that have fewer than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years after the date of issue. You may need to take an examination to maintain your license, depending on your age and vehicle category.
You'll also need the third-party liability insurance for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an incident or theft. You must also keep your driving licence as well as insurance documents and registration documents at all times. In certain instances, you might also require a passport.
It's not difficult to buy and insure your car in France. In fact, it can be easy and painless, especially in the event that you already have a foreign driver's license issued by an EU or EFTA country. Certain states have reciprocal agreements that facilitate the process.
A French driving licence (permis de driving) is a legal document that contains your personal information and the kind of vehicle you are allowed to drive, as well as the date of the issue and expiry. In most places it is also used as a form of official identification. It's an attractive pink plastic card that is about the size of a credit card.
You must report your French permit immediately if it is lost or stolen. You can do this online through the ANTS website. Then, you will receive a temporary license that is valid for two months. If you've committed an offense you may also be fined or removed from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.
