How to Get a French Driving License
Before you begin driving in France it is crucial to understand the country's driving rules. It is also important to know the requirements for a driving licence.
Depending on the prefecture, it could take a few weeks or a few months to obtain your French driving license. It's the form of a pink credit card and is valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
With its swathes of stunning countryside and vibrant cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid problems with the police, it is essential to be aware of the rules of driving. It is crucial to keep an official driving license and insurance documents with you at all time. A driving permit can also be essential to travel.
The traffic in France is slower and there are more pedestrians. It is therefore important to drive defensively, and keep an eye out for drivers who turn left in front you. Also, it's not advisable to drive when having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving while impaired, you can be punished up to 135 euros or lose points on your license.
It is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving in France. You can only make calls using hands-free technology if your helmet has an integrated headset. If you are stopped by police, you may be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. Also, you must wear a seat belt in both the front and back seats. If you have kids under 10 years old in your vehicle, they must be placed in the back seat and secured by the use of a seat belt or an approved child seat.
Additionally, you should carry a copy passport at all times. This is legally required and will be scrutinized by the police if you are stopped for any reason.
It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. Autoroutes, for example have a higher limit on speed than other roads. You can pay the tolls with cash or credit card.
The most important rule in France is priorite a droite which means that any vehicle approaching from your right has the right of way. This is true even if the vehicle is joining a busy highway through a small village road. This is especially important when driving on country roads where it is common for cars to pass one other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
After you have passed the written exam, it is time to take the practical driving test. This is a much more difficult test than the theory exam and you will have to do a lot of practice before you pass. You must find a driving instructor who can give you many driving lessons before you take the test. Before you can drive in France, you should have at least third party liability insurance for your vehicle.
You can register for the exam by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH number (your application number) and the 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 an interpreter for your test. You should request this at least two days before your test.
After you've taken the driving test, you will be issued an CEPC, which is your driver's licence examination certificate. This is the document you'll need to show to your local prefecture to apply for an French driving license. You can then start driving in France.
If you fail the driving test, you'll need to wait between two and 45 days before you are able to retake it. The number of times you can take your driving test again is unlimited, but it is recommended to wait until you're ready to do so.
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 one year, then you'll have to get a license before you can legally drive on French roads. While some Americans opt to ignore this obligation and continue to drive with their US license beyond the one year mark, doing so could lead to serious accidents and fines.
Fortunately, a few states have a reciprocal agreement with France. Kentucky, for example, allows its citizens to exchange their U.S. drivers' licenses for French ones without undergoing the long, drawn-out procedure of taking a written test and passing a driving test. Some Americans have to go through a lengthy process to obtain their French licenses.
The process of obtaining a 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 the French licence without needing to pass the driving test. There are a few guidelines you need to know. First, you must ensure that your driver's license was issued while you were legally in the country where it was issued. Then, you'll need to complete an application for the renewal of your license. You can find the form on the internet. Click on the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence.
Choose the reason you require the license and then fill in your driver's info. If you are a licensed driver B, you can drive vehicles up to 3,5 tons and with the maximum of nine passengers. You can also choose to haul a trailer not heavier than the vehicle you are driving.
The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture in your area. You must fill out all the necessary information and include copies of your identity documents. Be sure to include your passport or other photo ID, as well as a proof of address. If required, you will be required to submit an official medical certificate. The licenses for categories A and B last for 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.
In some instances it is possible to obtain a French license can be obtained in a matter of months. This is especially the case for foreign students enrolled at the French university. Students who aren't at an French university will have to wait longer for their licence to be approved.
Anyone who wants to learn how to drive in France ought to consider enrolling in a driving class at a school that offers English. Most schools in Paris offer English classes however, not all. If you live outside of the capital, you can contact the local prefecture and ask whether a driving school provides classes in English.
Driving in France
It is essential to adhere to the rules of the road and to follow the correct etiquette while driving in France. You must also possess a valid driver's license and third-party liability car insurance in place. It's a great opportunity to understand the rules of the road and language by having driving lessons with a professional instructor. Additionally, you must ensure that your car is properly maintained and fueled prior to your departure. Also, you must be aware of the various speed limits for various types of roads in France.
In France traffic laws are strictly adhered to. The French have a point system that punishes traffic violations. Beginning with six points, and must earn 12 points before their probationary phase is over. If you are ticketed for a traffic violation the points are taken away. The fine is determined by the category of the offense.
The first step in getting the French driver's license is passing the theory test. This exam is made up of 40 questions about the rules of driving and traffic safety. The practical portion of the test is the final step. This requires at least twenty hours of driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it is required to wait a year before attempting again.
For a French driving licence you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues are required to undergo an exam for medical reasons.
If you're from a different country than the EU or EEA, you must have an permis De conduire international Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photograph and a translation in 12 languages of their driving license. It can be obtained at the airport or from a car rental agency.
Driving in France can be challenging but it is also possible to drive there without any problems with a foreign license if you have an IDP. It is important to learn the rules of driving and to take a few driving lessons prior to attempting to drive alone.