How to Get a French Driving License
You might require a French license if you are an expat and recently relocated to France. To obtain one, you need to pass a driving theory and practical test. The best way to pass this is through a driving school, which will do the paperwork for you and help you book the test.
It is valid for three years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years from the date of the issue. The French driving licence is a pink credit card-sized document with the name of the holder, his photo, date of birth and driving rights printed on it. The French driving license can also include a number restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a minimum age requirement for driver's license.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). Licenses have to be renewed every 15 years and are able to be used in any EU country and also in Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some special categories of license are valid for just five years, like those for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew a standard French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and practical exam to qualify for the renewal.
You could be able to swap your US driver's license for a French license without taking any tests if an American. This program is only available to Americans who have been living in France for more than a year and possess an official carte de sejour. The process usually takes one year to complete. related resource site must bring your passport or other identity documents with you. The process could take anywhere from six to a year It is recommended to start the process early.
You can only obtain a French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in your country of origin. You must have third-party liability insurance and a medical certificate, and you should also take at minimum 30 hours of instruction in an auto ecole (driving school). These schools are situated throughout Toulouse and offer French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea to 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 by a letter from the prefecture, referencing 48N/48M. Follow the steps on the website to reclaim any points taken because of an infraction. The name on a French driving licence is identical to that of the person who holds it at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licenses should they wish to.
It has 12 points
You require to have a French license to drive in France. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test in order to get the French driving license. You must also pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and rules for road safety. You could be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. Then, you will need to have a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.
After passing the driving theory and practical test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15-years and must be displayed while driving. The licence must also include an image and the date it was issued. Points lost will be taken from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your licence will be suspended for at least six months.
You can attend a class to recover the points that were lost on your licence. These courses are referred to as stages de recovery des points du permit. They are offered by centres approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you can only recuperate four points per year. You can also get back your lost points by avoiding further traffic offenses for a minimum of two or three years.
It is important to know that you won't be allowed to drive on your foreign licence after one year of living in France or if you are a student or diplomat. If you plan to remain in France for longer than one year, you'll need to change your driving licence from another country for an French license.
You should know that the driving laws in France are very strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety checks. In addition, drivers must wear headlights in the evening, and they must wear them when crossing a tunnel or in an emergency or construction zone. They must also wear the headlights when it's raining or snowing. It is crucial to know the local rules as they vary from region to region.
It can be exchanged for a French license
If you are an American citizen and have an official 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're involved in an accident and your insurance company determines that you are the one to blame and they deny your claim. To avoid this, you should exchange your license to one that is a French driver's license when you arrive in France.
You can change your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis d e conduire form. The process varies from one region to the next. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture before you travel. You'll also require a French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy or by an official translator.
The application must include an acknowledgment that you've been a resident in France for at least six months. This can be proven by an tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide proof of identity, such as an identity card, passport or photo d'identite. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license could take several months to be issued.
Once you've completed the exchange, you will undergo a probationary phase until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also have to pass a theory and practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or health conditions may need to pass additional tests.
You can prepare for the test by yourself, however it is recommended to go to a school. They will prepare you in French and take care of the documents. Some schools will give you some driving time before the test.
It is issued by ANTS
A French driving license is mandatory when you've just moved to France. France has a reciprocal agreement with most countries in the world, so it's relatively easy to exchange your license to one. You can apply online, but you'll need supporting documents, such as a valid passport and residence card, or other documents to prove your 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). This number is required to order your physical license.
Be sure to have a valid driver's license and an exam that has been completed recently prior to driving on French roads. The ANTS website provides a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
After you've passed the behind-the wheel test You can apply for a physical license through the ANTS website. Log in to your ANTS Account and select "Je would like to report an error regarding my driver's license it's less than 6 months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your request.
Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to complete. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary license issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of this permit varies by region. You may also purchase a driving policy that will cover you in the event of an accident.
To avoid any future issues It is recommended to learn how to drive at a driving school. The driving school will be able to provide you with a list of reputable teachers. Make sure to ask about their fees and if they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You'll need to show your current driving licence and proof of residency. It's important to confirm that the sub-prefectures you're interested in do not accept license exchanges. If you have to go to the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline for submission.