How to Get a French Driving License
It's important that you understand the driving laws of France before you begin driving. It is also important to be aware of the requirements for a licence.
Depending on the prefecture, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get your French driving license. It is a pink credit-card format and valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
France is a well-loved road trip destination, thanks to its beautiful countryside and vibrant cityscapes. To avoid any problems with the police, it is essential to know the rules of driving. You must always have your driving licence and proof of insurance. A driving permit is also useful to get around.
The traffic in France is slower and there are more pedestrians. This means that it is essential to drive with caution and be alert for motorists turning left in the direction of you. It is also not advised to drive after having consumed alcohol. You could be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your license If you are caught driving while under the under the influence.
It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in France. You may only use hands-free calls if you are using an integrated headset in your helmet. If you are stopped by police, you could be penalized for texting or talking while driving. Additionally, you must wear an appropriate seat belt in the front and rear seats. If you have children in your car under the age 10 years and older, they must be in the back of the vehicle and be secured with an infant seat or seat belt.
Additionally, you should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by law and will be scrutinized by the police if stopped for any reason.
It is important to remember that speed limits differ on French roads. Autoroutes for instance, have a higher limit on speed than other roads. You can pay for tolls by cash or credit card.
Prioritize a straight line is the most important rule to adhere to in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right has priority. This is the case even if they're joining a busy highway from a tiny village track. This is especially important on narrow country lanes, where cars often cross each other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
After you've passed the written test and passed the written test, you can now take the practical driving test. It's a more difficult part than the theory exam and you'll have to do a lot of practice before passing. You must find a driving instructor who will give you a number of driving lessons before you take the test. Before driving in France you should be covered by at least third party liability insurance for your vehicle.
Sign up for the test by going to the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) along with a photo ID. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native English speaker you can ask for the help of a translator to take your exam. But, you must make this request at minimum two days before the date of the test.
After passing the driving test, you'll be issued an CEPC which is your driver's licence exam certificate. This is what you'll need to show to the local prefecture to be able to apply for an French driving license. Then, you can begin driving in France.
If you fail your driving test, it will take between two and forty-five working days for you to take the test again. There's no limit on the number of times you can take the test again however, it's advised to wait until you are confident enough to take it again.
Having a driving license is a must to survive living in France. If you're an expat who plans on living in France for more than a year, then you'll have to obtain an authorization to legally drive on France's roads. Some Americans disregard this requirement and continue to drive on their US license after the one year mark. This could result in serious accidents or even fines.
Luckily there are some states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky for instance, allows its citizens to swap their U.S. drivers' licenses to French ones without having to go through the lengthy, lengthy process of passing a written exam and passing a practical driving test. Other Americans, however, have to go through a number of hoops just to obtain their French licenses.
The process of obtaining an authorization
If you are an expat or foreign citizen that has a valid driver's licence from a country with which France has an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange your licence for one in French one without taking the driving test. However, there are certain rules you need to be aware of. First, make sure that your driver's licence was issued when you were legally residing in the country in which it was issued. Then, you'll need to fill out a new application. You can find the form on the internet. Follow the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's License.
Fill in your details and select the reason why you require a licence. If you have a licence B, you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons and with a maximum of nine passengers. You can also tow a vehicle that is no heavier than yours.
The next step is to submit your application to the prefecture in your area. You need to fill in all of the required information, and include copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport or other photo ID along with the proof of address. You'll also be required to submit a medical certificate should you require it. Licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years, whereas licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for 5 years.
In some cases it is possible to obtain an French license can be obtained in just a few months. This is particularly applicable to students from abroad who are studying at a French university. Students who aren't enrolled in a French University can expect to wait for a long time for their license to be granted.
Those who want to learn to drive in France should think about taking a driving course at a school that is able to teach English. Many schools in Paris offer English courses however, not all. If you live outside the capital, contact your local prefecture to ask if a driving school offers lessons in English.
Driving in France
When driving in France it is crucial to follow the rules of the road and observe proper etiquette. You should also possess a valid driver's license and third-party liability insurance for your car in place. Taking driving lessons from an experienced driving instructor is an excellent method of learning the language and rules of the road. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and fuelled prior to your trip. Also, you must be aware of the various speed limits for different kinds of roads in France.
In France, traffic laws are rigorously enforced. The French have a points system that punishes traffic violations. New drivers start with six points, and must earn twelve points before their probationary phase is over. If you are cited for a traffic violation your points will be taken away and the fine will vary depending on the nature of the violation.
The theory test is the initial step to obtaining the French driving license. This exam is made up of 40 questions about the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The second part is the practical portion of the test. This involves 20 hours of driving with an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it's mandatory to wait for a year before attempting again.
You must be at minimum 18 years old to obtain a French driver's licence and have a medical exam. Those with disabilities and health problems need to undergo a medical exam.
If you are from an outside of the EU or EEA country, you'll require an Permis de Conduire international Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. The IDP includes a driver's photo and a translation in 12 languages of their driving licence. You can obtain it at the airport or with a car rental company.
Driving in France can be challenging however, it is possible to drive in France safely with a foreign license, provided you have an IDP. It is important to learn the driving rules and take some lessons before you attempt to drive alone.