How to Get a French Driving License
Before you can drive in France it is essential to understand the country's driving rules. Also, you should be aware of the license requirements.
Depending on the prefecture, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get your French driving license. It is issued in a pink credit card format and is valid for 15 years.
Rules of the road
With its swathes of stunning countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid any issues with the police, it is essential to be aware of the rules for driving. Always carry your driving licence and proof of insurance. A driving permit is also useful to get around.
The traffic in France is more sluggish and there are more pedestrians. This is why it is important to drive defensively and keep your eyes peeled for drivers who turn left in the direction of your. It is also not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving while impaired you could be penalized up to 135 euros or lose points on your license.
In France it is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. You can only make hands-free phone calls if using an integrated headset in your helmet. If you are stopped by the police, you may be fined for texting or talking while driving. You must also wear a seatbelt both in the front and back seats. If you have children in your car under the age 10 years, they must sit in the rear of the vehicle and be secured with the child seat or seatbelt.
You must also carry a copy your passport at all times. This is required by the law and will be checked in the event of a stop for any reason.
Another thing to keep in mind is that speed limits on French roads vary by kind of road. For example, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay tolls in cash or with a credit card.
Prioritize a straight line is the most important rule to follow in France. This means that any vehicle approaching from your right has priority. This is true regardless of whether the vehicle joining a busy highway via a tiny village road. This is especially important when driving on narrow country roads which are where cars usually pass each other in middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed the written test, it is time to take the driving test. This is a much more difficult aspect of the process than the theory test and you'll need a lot of practice before passing it. You should find a driving instructor who will provide you with a variety of behind-the-wheel sessions before the test. Before driving in France you should have at least third party liability insurance for your vehicle.
You can sign up for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color, unlike the American passport photo. You can request a translator if you are not an English native. However, you must request this at least two days in advance of the test.
You'll receive a CEPC (certificat d'examen de permis of driving) after passing the driving test. You'll need to show this to your local prefecture whenever you apply for the French license. You can then start driving in France.
If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five working days for you to take the test again. There's no limit to the number of times you may retake the driving test However, it's recommended to wait until you feel at ease enough to retake the test.
Having a driving license is essential to surviving life in France. If you are planning to stay in France for more than a year, you'll require a license to drive before you can drive on French roads. While some Americans opt to ignore this obligation and continue to drive on their US license after the one-year mark, doing so could result in serious accidents and fines.
Luckily there are some states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky for instance, gives its citizens the chance to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones without having to go through the lengthy and tedious process of passing a test written as well as a practice driving exam. Other Americans, however, have to go through a number of hoops just to obtain their French licenses.
The process of obtaining an official license
If you're an expat or a foreigner who has an official driving license from a country that has reciprocity agreements with France you can exchange it for a French licence without needing to pass the driving test. However, there are certain rules you need to know. Make sure you possess a valid driver's licence. Then, you'll have to complete a new application. The form can be found online. Choose the option of renewal de titre (driver's license renewal) Then click Etape following (next step).
Enter your details and select the reason why you require a licence. If you have a licence B, for instance, you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons in weight and have a capacity of nine or less. You can also tow a vehicle that is no heavier than yours.
The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture of your area. You must fill in all the required information, and include copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID as well as an address for proof. If necessary, you will be required to submit a medical certification. Licences for categories A and B are valid for 15 years, whereas licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for five years.
In certain cases, the French license can be granted in a matter of months. This is particularly true for students from abroad who are in the French university. Students who are not enrolled at a French University could be expected to wait longer for their license to be granted.
Anyone who wants to learn how to drive in France should think about taking a driving course with a school that teaches English. The majority of schools in Paris offer English classes however, not all. If you live outside the capital city, contact your local prefecture to ask if a driving school offers lessons in English.
Driving in France
It is essential to adhere to the rules of the road and the proper manner of driving in France. Also, you should possess a valid driver's licence and third-party liability car insurance in place. Driving lessons with an experienced driving instructor is an excellent way to learn the language and rules of the road. You should also make sure that your vehicle has been properly maintained and is fuelled prior to your trip. Be aware of different speeds on different kinds of French roads.
In France traffic laws are strictly enforced. The French have a récupérer des points Sur le permis de conduire system that penalizes traffic violations. New drivers start off with six points, and must earn 12 points before their probationary period is over. In the event that you receive a traffic ticket your points will be taken away and the fine will vary depending on the nature of the offense.
The theory test is the initial step towards obtaining a French driving license. This test consists of 40 questions on the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The second step is the practical portion of the exam. This requires at least twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, you have to wait a year before taking the test again.
You must be at minimum 18 years old in order to be eligible for a French driver's license and pass a medical exam. Those with disabilities or health problems must undergo an exam for medical reasons.
If you are from a different country than the EU or EEA You must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photograph and the translation in 12 languages of their driving licence. It is available at the airport or from a car rental company.
Driving in France can be challenging, but it is possible to drive there without any problems with a foreign license if you have an IDP. It is essential to understand the driving rules in France and take some driving lessons before you attempt to drive on your own.