Don't Make This Silly Mistake You're Using Your French Driving License
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 have to pass a driving theory exam and practical test. This can be accomplished through a driving school that will take care of the paperwork and book the test for you. Licence France Xpress is valid for three years The French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that contains the photo of the holder, their date and birthplace, as well as driving rights. The French driving licence can also include a number restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and a minimum age requirement for driver's licencie. French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). The licenses are valid for every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories have a validity of only five years, for instance those for heavy vehicles as well as passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your home country. To renew your license, you must pass both a written exam and an exam in the practical. If you're an American citizen, you may be able to exchange your US license to one in French one without having to take any tests. This program is open to Americans who have lived in France for more than a year and possess the carte de sejour. The process is typically completed within one year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It could take up to six months to complete the process, so begin early. You can only obtain a French license if you're over 18 and have not lost your right to drive in the country of your origin. You'll require a medical certificate and third-party liability insurance, and 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. These schools are found all over Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. It's a great idea to enroll in introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're hoping to pass the French test. You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. Follow the steps on the website to recover any points that were taken away due to an infraction. The name on the French driving license is the same as the name of the holder when born. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences should they wish to. It has 12 points. If you want to drive in France you will require a French driving license. You must pass a theory and practical test to get the French driving license. You also must pass a medical exam. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test is a combination of driving skills and road safety. You may also be required to take an exam in writing, based on your age. You will then have to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor. After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll get your license within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and must be displayed when you are behind the wheel. The licence must also include a photo and the date it was issued. If you lose points, they are taken off your driving licence, and if you lose 12 points, your licence is suspended for a period of at least six months. You can attend a class to recover the points that were lost on your licence. These courses are known as stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. But, you can only recover four points per year. You can also get back the points you lost if don't commit any more traffic offenses for two or three years. After a year in France the French will not be able to drive with your foreign driving licence unless are a diplomat or student. Even if you've passed the French driving test, you have to exchange your license for one in French one if you will be residing in the country for longer than a year. You should know that the driving laws in France are extremely strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers are also required to wear headlights at night when driving and in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also mandatory that they use them when it rains or snows. It is important to know the local rules since they differ from region the region. It can be exchanged to the French driving license If you are an American citizen and have a valid license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for one year without having to take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident when driving with this type of license and you are held accountable for the crash your insurance company may reject your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license to one that is a French driver's license once you arrive in France. You can change your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure differs from region to region. It is important to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also require a French translation of your licence and this can be done at the embassy, or by a certified translator. The application must contain an acknowledgment that you've been a resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You must also provide proof of identity such as the passport, or a photo of identification. The photos must be in the format of French ID cards. This differs from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers' licenses. The license can take up to several months to be issued. After you've completed the exchange, you'll need to go through an initial period of probation before your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass a practical and theory test, referred to as an “auto ecole” or ETG. For those with disabilities or health issues may need to pass extra tests. You can prepare for the test on your own, but it is usually better to attend an educational institution. They will help you prepare in French and take care of the documents. Schools will even allow you some driving practice prior to the actual test. The ANTS is the issuer If you've recently relocated to France then you'll need a French driving license is necessary to be able to. France has a reciprocal arrangement with many countries around the world, which makes it relatively easy to exchange your license for one. You can apply online however you'll need supporting documents such as the passport, residence card or other proof of identification. You can also obtain a French driving licence by passing the behind-the-wheel test. After passing the test, you can download your driver's license certificate (CEPC). This number is required to order physical licenses. Make sure you possess a valid license as well as a recent medical exam before driving on French roads. The ANTS website contains a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also contact your GP to make an appointment. If you've passed the behind the wheel test, you can apply for your physical license by visiting the ANTS website. To start, log into your ANTS account and select “Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire recu il y a moins de 6 mois.” Fill in the required information, upload any supporting documents, and submit your request. The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you are able to drive on a temporary permit issued by your prefecture or city hall. The cost of this permit varies by region. You may also purchase a driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident. If you're a new driver, it's recommended to learn at an accredited driving school to avoid any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are qualified. Ask about their prices and whether they have English-speaking instructors. You can also request a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You'll need your current driving licence and proof of residency. Certain sub-prefectures do not handle license exchanges, therefore it's crucial to verify this before you go. Be sure to check the deadlines for submission when you need to visit the prefecture.