How to Get a French Driving License
It is essential to know the driving rules of France before you can drive. Also, you should be aware of the license requirements.
It can take anything between a few weeks to a couple of months to obtain 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 travel destination due to its beautiful countryside and vibrant cityscapes. To avoid any problems with the police, it is essential to know the rules of driving. It is crucial to keep a valid driving licence and insurance documents with you at all time. A driving permit can also be important to travel with.
The traffic in France is a bit slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians walking the streets. It is therefore important to drive cautiously and keep an eye out for drivers who make a left turn in front of you. Also, it's not advisable to drive when having consumed alcohol. You can be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your driving licence when you are found driving under the influence.
It is not legal to use a mobile 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 the police, you may be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. You must also wear a seatbelt both in the front and back seats. If you have children under 10 years old in your car, they must be seated in the back and secured by the use of a seat belt or an approved child seat.
In addition, you must keep a copy of your passport at all times. This is required by law and will be scrutinized by the police if you are stopped for any reason.
Another important thing to remember is that the speed limits on French roads vary by kind of road. For instance, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay the tolls by cash or credit card.
Priorite a droite is the most important rule to adhere to in France. This means that any vehicle entering from your right has priority. This rule applies regardless of whether the vehicle is joining a busy highway through a small village road. This is especially important on country roads that are narrow, where it is common for cars to pass one other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed your written test, you're now ready to take the driving test in the real world. This is a much more difficult aspect of the process than the theory test, and you'll need to do plenty of practice before you pass it. You must find a driving instructor who will give you a number of driving lessons prior to the test. Before you can drive in France, you should have at minimum third party liability insurance on your car.
Sign up for the written test by going to the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) along with an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be in color and full-face, unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native speaker, you can request the help of a translator to take your exam. You must request this at the very least two days prior to the test.
You'll receive an CEPC (certificat d'examen de Permis De Conduire Moto Prix of driving) after you have passed the driving test. You'll need to show this to your local prefecture whenever you apply for the French license. Then, you'll be able start driving in France.
If you fail the driving test, you'll have to wait between two and 45 days before attempting to take it again. There's no limit to the number of times you may take the test again however, it's advised to wait until you feel at ease enough to retake the test.
A driving license is a necessity to be able to reside in France. If you intend to stay in France for longer than a year, you'll require a license to drive before you can drive on French roads. While some Americans choose to ignore this requirement and continue to drive on their US license beyond the one year date, it could lead to serious accidents and fines.
Luckily there are some states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky gives its citizens the chance to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the long and tiring process of passing a written test as well as a practice driving test. Some Americans have to go through a long process to obtain their French licenses.
Obtaining an authorization
If you're an expat or a foreigner holding an official driving license from a country with reciprocity agreements with France you can exchange it to a French licence without needing to pass the driving test. There are some guidelines you need to know. Make sure you have a valid driver's licence. Then, you need to submit an application to obtain new license. The form is available on the internet. Click on the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence.
Choose the reason you need the licence and fill in your driver's details. If you are a licensed driver B, you are able to drive vehicles up to 3,5 tonnes and with the maximum of nine passengers. You will also be able to tow a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you are driving.
The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture that is in your area. Fill in all the required information and attach copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or another photo ID along with a proof address. You'll also need to provide medical certificates, if necessary. Licences for categories A and B are valid for 15 years while licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for five years.
In some cases it is possible to obtain an French license can be obtained in just a few months. This is particularly true for foreign students enrolled in the French university. Students who aren't at a French university can expect to wait a lot longer for their license to be formally approved.
If you're looking to learn to drive in France it is best to take a driving course at a school that teaches English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving lessons in English, but this is not the case everywhere. People who live outside the capital city should contact their local prefecture and ask if there is a driving school that provides classes in English.
Driving in France
It is crucial to observe the rules of the road and proper etiquette when driving in France. A valid driver's license and third-party car insurance are also required. Driving lessons with a professional driving instructor is an excellent way to learn the rules and language of the road. Additionally, you must ensure that your car is maintained and properly fueled prior to your departure. Also, be aware of the different speed limits for different kinds of French roads.
In France, traffic laws are strictly followed. The French have a point-based system to punish traffic offenses. Beginning with six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary phase is finished. If you are issued a ticket for a traffic violation the points are taken away. The fine is determined by the category of the violation.
The first step in getting the French driver's license is passing the theory test. The test is comprised of 40 questions that cover the rules of the road and traffic safety. The second step is the practical portion of the test. It involves 20 hours of driving with an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, you must wait a year before taking the test again.
You must be at minimum 18 years old to get a French driver's license and pass medical examination. Those who have health or disability issues are required to take a special medical exam.
If you are from a country that is not part of the EU or EEA you will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photo and the translation in 12 languages of their driving licence. It can be obtained at the airport or from a car rental agency.
Driving in France is challenging, but you can drive legally with a foreign license provided you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the driving rules and to take a few driving lessons prior to attempting to drive on your own.