15 Terms That Everyone Working In The French Driving License Industry Should Know
How to Get a French Driving License
You might require to obtain a French license if you are an expat who has recently moved to France. To obtain one, you'll need pass both a theory and a practical driving test. This can be done by a driving school which will take care of the paperwork and arrange the test for you.
It is valid for three years

A French driving license is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving licence is an image of a pink credit card with the name of the person who holds it, their photo as well as date of birth, and driving rights printed on it. It also contains several limitations and conditions. This could include driving under the influence.
French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). Licenses have to be renewed every 15 years and can be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, they are valid for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew a standard French license in France or in your home country. You must pass a written and practical exam in order to get the renewal.
You may be able exchange your US driver's license to an French license without having to take any tests if an American. This program is available only to Americans who have lived in France for a longer period of time and have a carte de sejour. The process usually takes within a year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It could take up to up to six months to complete the process, so start early.
You can only get 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 certification and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. There are schools like these throughout Toulouse and they provide test-taking and instruction in French. It's a great idea take some introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're looking to pass the French test.
You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or by a letter issued by the prefecture, with reference 48N or 48M. You can recover points withdrawn for a violation by following the guidelines on the website. The name on the French driving license is the same as that of the holder when born. Married women can use their maiden names on their licences should they wish to.
It has 12 points
If you wish to drive in France you will require an French driving license. You must pass both a theory and practical test in order to get an French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The theory test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test tests driving skills and road safety regulations. Depending on your age, you may be required to pass an exam written. You will then need to take a minimum of 20 hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of an instructor.
After having passed the theory and practical driving test, you'll receive your license within three months. The licence is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed when you are driving. In addition to the points, it must have a photo of the driver and the date of issue. Points lost will be taken from your licence. If you lose 12 points, your license will be suspended for at minimum six months.
You can take a course to recover the points that were lost on your license. These courses, referred to as stages of recuperation des points du licence that are offered by accredited centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. You can only recover up to four points each year. You may also be able to recover your lost points if you refrain from committing any further traffic offenses for a period of two or three years.
It is important to know that you will not be able to drive with your foreign licence after one year of living in France, unless you are a student or a diplomat. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll have to change your driving licence from another country to one that is a French license.
It is important to know that driving laws in France are very strict. For instance, the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police set up random sobriety checkpoints. Drivers must also wear headlights when driving at night and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. It is also required that they use them when it snows or rains. The rules differ for each region, so it's important to research your local regulations.
It is possible to exchange it for the French license
If you're an American citizen and possess an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin you are able to drive legally in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. However, if you're involved in an accident while driving with this kind of license and are blamed for the accident your insurance company may deny your claim. To avoid this, exchange your license to one that is a French driver's one once you arrive in France.
You can transfer your license by contacting your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process varies between regions. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior to your travel. You'll also require a French translation of your licence that can be obtained at the embassy, or by an official translator.
The application must include a statement that you have resided in France for at least six months. This can be proved by a tax notice or French health certificate. You should also present evidence of your identity such as the passport, or a photo of your identity. The photos must be in the format that is used for French ID cards that differ from American passport photos. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license could take as long as several months to be issued.
After you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be granted a period of probationary time before your French license is made permanent. permis de conduire français en 'll also have to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG which is a practical-theory exam. People with disabilities or other health conditions may have to pass extra tests.
You can prepare for the exam by yourself, but it is recommended to enroll in an educational institution. They will train you in French as well as handle the paperwork. Schools will even allow you a few hours of driving practice prior to the actual test.
The ANTS is the issuer
A French driving license is mandatory if you have just moved to France. France has a reciprocal arrangement with a number of countries around the world, which makes it relatively easy to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, but you will need to provide supporting documents such as an identity card, passport or other proof of identity.
You can also obtain 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 purchase a physical license.
Before you travel on French roads, make sure your license is current and you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of licensed hospitals and doctors. You can also make an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test, you can apply for your physical license by visiting the ANTS website. Log into your ANTS Account and click "Je voudrai signaler une erreur sur mon permis d'conduire recu it's less than 6 months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, and then submit your request.
The processing time for your application will be between 2 and 45 working days. In the meantime, you may drive with a temporary permit issued by your city hall or prefecture. The cost of this permit varies by region. You can also purchase a special driving policy that will cover you in the case of an accident.
If you're a learner driver, it's best to learn at a driving school to prevent any issues in the future. The driving school should have a list of teachers who are certified. Be sure to inquire about their rates and whether or not they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To do this, you must present an original copy of your current driving license and the proof of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to process license exchanges, so it's important to confirm this prior. Make sure you know the deadlines for submitting if you have to visit the prefecture.