If you're a foreign national who is moving to France there are a few things you should know before you start driving on French roads. First, you must exchange your driver's license.
The ANTS is the authority for all permits and licenses for foreigners issued in France. The process is not inexpensive, but they can assist.
Legality
The French driving license is an official document issued by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion (Ministere of the transition ecologique et de la cohesion des territories - METTC). The license covers every aspect of driving, from traffic laws to speeding and parking. The license is valid for three years and allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3,500 pounds in weight. The license also contains demerit points that are used to penalize bad drivers and reward good ones.
Before you can obtain your license you must pass a theory exam and take a driving class. The theory test is taken by computer, and you must answer all the questions correctly to pass. If you fail the test, you have to wait two days before attempting it again. You can take the test as many times as you want however, you must have third-party insurance before you drive.
If you have a French driving license and are a French citizen, you must wear a seatbelt all the time. Seatbelts must be worn in the backseat of vehicles with children younger than 12 years old. of age. Additionally, you must always carry your documents along and follow the rules for roadside assistance. You should also have a first-aid kit.
For a period of up to one year, American citizens who move to France can use their American driving license. However they must exchange it for an French one within the timeframe. This rule only applies in the event that the license was suspended or cancelled in the country of origin.
The issuance of the French license requires identification proof and the name of the applicant and their birth date and the nationality. It must be written in French or accompanied by an official translation. The applicant should provide an official medical certificate or document that demonstrates their impairment. This document must be signed and date by a doctor prior to the beginning of their French residency. In addition, they need an official medical certificate from the Prefecture which states they are able to take the ETG exam without restrictions.
Regulations
To be able to drive legally in France you must pass the theory portion of the driving test. You must then complete the practical training with an instructor who is a professional. This part of the driving test requires a minimum 20 hours of instruction with an instructor. If you are confident in your driving abilities, you can take the test in order to obtain your license. After passing the test, you will be granted a three-year permit.
French driving licences are hard plastic cards that resemble to credit cards. They feature the holder's picture name, birth date address, signature and driving licence number. They also provide the type of vehicles that a driver is allowed to operate. The new cards are upgraded with security features that prevent counterfeiting. The most important personal information are laser-engraved beneath the photo and the card has an outer edge that is transparent.
The permit B allows drivers to drive the vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, with a maximum of nine seats. The EU approved a recent change to the maximum weight vehicles that permit B holders to drive. The maximum weight for specific categories of vehicles, like motorhomes and campervans will be increased to 4.25 tonnes.
To obtain a B-category license you must be 18 years old or older and have at least one year of driving experience. If you are younger than 18, you must have an adult or guardian with you on the road. GDL, which is a graduated driving licence is available to young people between the ages of 15 and 17 and one-half. This is only valid for France and requires that the driver be always accompanied by an adult.
You can purchase a French driving licence online on the France Titres site. Once you have a France Titres account then click Nouvelle Demand (new application) and then click Le permis De conduire. Fill in your personal information and select the reason you are getting a driving license for example, a visit to the doctor medicale is-it necessary? (Is an examination by a doctor required?) In contrast to other countries, French driving permits are valid for up to 15 years, but they have to be renewed at a certain point.
Requirements
You may be excited to drive if new to France and live close to the vineyards of Champagne. It is important to be aware of the French driving laws and regulations before you take to the road. This includes the prerequisites for a license as well as the insurance requirements. In addition, you'll be required to carry a copy of your passport and two passport-sized pictures.
The French driver's permit (permis d de conduire or permis B) is a pink plastic card that appears like credit card. It lists your personal details, including age, license date and expiry date, as well as your medical history. In most parts of the country, it serves as a valid identification card. The French license can be valid for a period of 15 years, based on your age, vehicle category and the type.
You can apply for an French license on the internet, or visit an office in person. The process is straightforward and can be completed within 30 minutes. You will need to bring an ID or passport that is valid card as well as a sworn declaration which is typically signed by one of your parents. If you are younger than 18 or have an driving permit from an EU member state, you are required to present a certificate of good conduct from the country that issued your license.
You must pass both the theory and practical exams to earn the driving license. The theory test, called the Code by some, can be taken on your own without the need of a school. If you fail to pass the code you can attempt it again after a period of time, or sign up for training courses provided by driving schools.
Licenses issued by the EU and EEA are valid in France as long as they aren't expired or suspended. If you're temporarily suspended, you can ask for an extension. If you wish to drive in another category than the initial B category, you'll have to exchange your licence. If you're a citizen of a country that is not part of the EU/EEA area, you can only drive with your own licence for a year after establishing residency in France. You will also need to be covered by third-party liability insurance.
Fees
The French driver's license, also known as the permis B, is an emerald-colored plastic card that is the size of credit cards. It contains your personal information and the type of car you can drive, and the date of issue and expiry date. It is an official ID card that allows you access to the majority of public buildings as well as private businesses.
The first time that you order a permit is for free. However, you will be required to pay EUR25 to renew your permit. You can pay with a bank transfer or through the internet. There could be regional fees depending on where you are located.
Log in to your France Titres Account and click on Nouvelle request (new request) in the upper-right corner. Select Le permis de conduire, then Je demande la fabrication d'un titre de permis de conduire (I order the production of my driving licence). You'll need the following information.
Choose a reason to your request. The examiner won't reveal how you performed on the test, but you can review your results within two to four days after it's over. The driving school you use usually arranges the test for you, and will pay the EUR30 fee on your behalf.
If you're an American citizen moving to France, you'll need to change your US driving license for one that is a French one. The process takes around one year, and you must pass the French written and practical tests.
Fortunately, you can cut out some of the hassle and costs by getting an international driving permit while you're in the country. You can get an international driving permit on the France Titres - ANTS website by selecting Je demande un permit de conduire internationale (I need an international driver's license) and then entering your personal data.
You must hold a French B-category driver's license or higher prior to being able to apply for an international driving permit. You must also pass both a theory exam and a practical exam. Driving lessons are expensive in France, with rates ranging between EUR40 and EUR60 per hour. Some schools offer packages that cover a set number of hours.
