Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step in driving in France is to obtain an French license. This can be done online via the ANTS site.
The B license permits you to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles and people carriers.
Driver's license test
No matter if you're an EU driver or not the process of obtaining 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 complete additional driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also enroll in a driver's training program that will handle the instruction and scheduling for you. The test can be taken at any number of times you like, but it costs EUR30 per time.
You can also take the exam as an independent candidate but this option is only available for people with a driver's license from their home country that was 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 take the test at one of the special sessions (examen ETG spécifique) for non-French speaking candidates.
You must score at least 20 points to pass the driving test. There can be no elimination faults. It is not possible to tell whether you passed or failed the test by the examiner. However you can examine the results online within 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. After you've verified your success you can download a digital copy of the permit. The France Titres page for ordering your French driving license will allow you to buy your physical French license online.
A new driving license in France is valid for five years. After that, you'll have to renew it by filing an application for a new licence with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your driving licence from the past, a passport photograph and an address in France. You could also apply for a brand
permis de conduire international Cepc -
visit the next page - new driving licence if your intention is to add a new category of vehicle or change the name of your current licence. But, you must have lived in France for at least six months to be eligible. You must also hold an insurance policy for health which includes third-party coverage for vehicles.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
There are certain requirements that you must meet when moving from your home country to France with a valid driver's license. For instance, you can only exchange your license when your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and it's still valid. You'll need to pass the French driving test in case you don't. The process could take up to a year or two however it appears to be moving more quickly now that the application is online.
If your licence comes from a nation that is an EU member EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or in the case of a British or Northern Irish license that was issued before 2013, you can drive with it in France. You must first get third-party liability insurance before you are permitted to drive. These types of licences are known as "
permis de conduire français en de conduct." They have the shape and size like a credit card and include your personal information, along with the vehicles you're allowed to drive.
You must also be above the legal age for driving in the country of your origin. You must also be above the legal driving age in the country you are from. Then, there are other requirements you must be able to meet, for instance the fact that your driving license was issued prior to the time you arrived in France. The driving license must be in your name and in your native language, or it could be accompanied by an English translation. It must also be valid in the country of residence, and it must be valid prior to the start date of your residence permit or visa.
New drivers in France begin with six points on their driving licenses. They can earn a maximum of twelve points in total. Every time you are found guilty of an offense, you can either get 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're going to be in France for a long period of time it is worth the trouble to learn how to drive in France.
Learning to drive in France
You can sign up for a driving course or learn to drive by yourself if you are moving to France. Whatever choice you make, there will be a lot of hurdles to get through. The process to get your driving license in France will take a considerable amount of time with waiting times estimated to be as long as three months due to a shortage of driving examiners. The actual test is similar to the UK's two-part theory exam and practical test.
The first thing you'll need complete is pass the 'highway code test", also known as a 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that will take you at least a couple of months to complete. Don't rush through it, or your French driver could take you to court. This is basically learning the code of the road and completing a number of'mock tests. Once you're confident, you can move on to the real thing.
The next step is to complete some hours of driving with a professional driver. In France it is known as conduite supervisee. You must register with the prefecture to be approved. It is believed that you must 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 record of every journey you make. This is to make sure that you don't drive to school and home every day (that is 3000 miles but won't get you far). These trips also need to be varied, so driving around the village for a whole year may not suffice. You could be penalized and lose
récupérer des points sur le permis de conduire on your French driving license if you commit a serious crime such as drunk driving or speeding.
One other thing to note is that the left lane is reserved for cars that are passing, not to drive slow in. If you're on a dual carriageway and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to get stopped by a French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you plan to drive in France. This license permits you to drive vehicles that are not heavier than 3.5 tons. This permit also permits you to drive vehicles that have no more than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of the issue. You may need to take an examination to maintain your license, based on your age and vehicle category.
You will also require a policy of third-party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. It is also essential to keep your driving licence along with insurance documents and vehicle registration papers at all times. In some instances you'll need to have your passport on you at all times.
It's not difficult to buy and insure your car in France. It's simple and straightforward, particularly when you hold an international driving license from a country that is an EU/EFTA member. This is due to the fact that some states have reciprocal agreements with France and France, which makes the process even easier.
A French driving licence (
suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré de conduire) is a legal document that contains your personal information and the type of vehicle you're allowed to drive, as well as the date of the issue and expiry. It is also used as a valid ID in most locations. It's a pink credit card-sized plastic card.
It's important to know that should your French permit is stolen or lost you must notify the police immediately. This can be done by going to the ANTS site. You'll receive an interim permit that's valid for two months. In addition, if you've committed an offense you'll be assessed an amount of money or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.