You've Forgotten French Driving License: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

How to Get a French Driving License If you're an expat and has recently relocated to France and is in need of an French driving license. To get one, you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical driving test. This can be completed by a driving school which will handle the paperwork and book the test for you. Valid for 3 years The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years after the date of the date of issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document with the name of the holder, his photo as well as date of birth and driving rights printed on it. It also contains a number of restrictions and conditions. These may include driving while under the influence. Licence France Xpress driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). They are required to be renewed every 15 years, and they can be used in all EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Some special categories of license are valid for just five years, for instance the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can apply to renew a standard French driving license in your country of origin, or in France. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written and an examination in practice. If you're an American citizen, you may be able to swap your US license for one in French one without having to take any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have been in France more than one year and have the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within a year, and you must have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process may take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to begin early. Only those who are over 18 years old and have not lost their driving privileges in the country of origin can obtain a French licence. You'll need a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are found all over 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 want to pass the French exam. You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture with reference 48N or 48M. Follow the instructions on the website to recover any points that were withdrawn because of an infraction. A French driving licence is in the holder's name at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving license should they wish to do so. It has 12 points If you plan to drive in France you must have a French driving license. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test in order to get a French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The practical test is comprised of driving skills and road safety rules. You may be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. Then, you must complete a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of a teacher. After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll be granted your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years and must be displayed while driving. The licence must also include a photo as well as the date it was issued. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving licence, and if you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for six months or more. You can enroll in classes to regain lost points. These courses are called stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by centres approved. They cost about EUR200 per two-day period. But, you can only gain four points each year. You can also regain points that you have lost by avoiding any further traffic offenses for a minimum of two or three years. It is important to remember that you won't be able to drive with your foreign licence after one year of residence in France or if you are a student or diplomat. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you have to exchange your licence for one that is a French one if you'll reside in the country for more than a year. It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers must also wear headlights while driving at night and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required that they use them when it rains or snows. It is important to know the local rules as they differ from region region. It can be exchanged for the French license If you're an American citizen who has an official driver's license that is validly issued by the state of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Wisconsin you are able to legally drive in France for a period of one year without needing to take an French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and are blamed for the crash, your insurance company could decline your claim. To avoid this, swap your license for one that is a French driver's license once you arrive in France. You can change your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from region to region. Some sub-prefectures don't allow licence exchanges, therefore it is important to check prior to going. You'll also require an French translation, which can be done by an embassy or a sworn interpreter. The application must contain an acknowledgement that you have resided in France for at least six months. This can be proved by an tax notice or French health certificate. You also need to provide evidence of your identity such as the passport, or a photo of your identity. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photographs. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take up to several months to be issued. Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll undergo a probationary phase until your French license is permanent. You'll also have to be able to pass a theory and a practical test, also known as an “auto ecole” or ETG. Those with disabilities or certain health conditions may have to take additional tests. While you can study and practice for the test on your own, it's best to attend an institution that can help you in French and take care of all the documentation. Some schools will provide you with some driving time before the test. It is issued by ANTS A French driving license is required if you have just relocated to France. It's easy to exchange your driving license because France has reciprocal agreements with many countries. You can apply online, but you'll need additional documents like an identity card, passport or other proof of identity. You can also get a French driver's licence by taking the behind the wheel test and passing it. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) after the test. This number is required to order an actual license. Before you travel on French roads, ensure that your license is up-to-date and that you've passed the medical examination. The ANTS website lists accredited hospitals and doctors. You can also call your GP to schedule an appointment. If you've passed the behind the wheel test After passing the test, you can apply for a physical license by visiting the ANTS website. Log in to your ANTS Account and click “Je want to signal an error on my driving permit for less than six months.” Fill in the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your application. The time to process your application will range from 2 and 45 working days. You can drive with a temporary permit granted to you by your prefecture. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also buy an insurance policy specifically for drivers that covers you in case of an accident. If you're a new driver, it's best to enroll in a driving school in order to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should be able to provide you with a list of qualified instructors. Ask about their prices, and if they have English-speaking instructors. You can also apply for an French driving licence from your local prefecture. To get one you'll need to provide the current driving license and a certificate of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to handle license exchanges, so it's important to check beforehand. If you do have to visit the prefecture, be sure to check the deadline to submit your application.