If you plan to drive in France the first step is obtaining the French driver's license. This is done online on the ANTS site.
The B license permits the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written exam called the code de la route (road code), and a practical driving test in order to get your French driving license. You may have to attend more driving lessons in order to prepare for your test. You can also go to a driver's academy, which will take care of the training and scheduling for you. There are no limitations on how many times you can take the exam, and it costs EUR30 each time.
You may also take the test as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to those who possess a driver's licence from their country of origin that is issued in English. In addition, you must provide a medical certificate or a document certifying your handicap, known as a "reconnaissance de qualite de travailleur handicape". You can then take the test at one of the special sessions for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the driving test in the practical you must score an at-least 20 points and have no exclusionary fault. It is not possible to tell whether you passed or failed the test by the examiner. However you can examine the results online 48 hours after the test using your NEPH. After you've verified your success, you can download a digital copy of the permit. The France Titres page for ordering your French driving licence will allow you to order your physical French license online.
A new driver's license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you'll need to renew your driving license by making a new application to the prefecture. You'll be required to bring your original driving licence, as well as a passport photograph and an address in France. You may also apply for a brand new driving licence if you want to add a different type of vehicle or change your name on your current licence. But you must have been in France for at least six months in order to be eligible. You must also have a valid health insurance policy which includes third-party coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
If you're planning to move to France and already possess a driver's license from your home country, there are a few conditions you have to meet. You are able to exchange a licence only when there's a reciprocal agreement between France and your home country, and it's still valid. You'll need to pass a French driving test in the event that you don't. The application process can take between two and three years, but now that it is online, the process seems to be moving faster.
If your license is from a country that is an EU member EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or in the case of a British or Northern Irish license that was issued prior to 2013, you can drive with it in France. However you must purchase third-party liability insurance on your car before you can drive. These licenses are referred to as "permis a – permis a2 de driving". They resemble an credit card and contain your personal details along with the type of vehicle you are able to drive.
You must also be above the legal age for driving in your country of origin. Additionally, you must be over the legal age for driving in the country you are from. There are additional requirements you must satisfy, like the fact that your licence was issued prior to your arrival in France. The driving license must be in your name and be written in your home language, or accompanied by an official translation. It must also be valid in your country of residence, and it must have been acquired prior to the date of commencement of your visa or residence permit.
In France new drivers are able to start with six points. They can get a maximum of twelve points. Each time you commit an offense you could face a fine or have points removed from your license. Depending on how many you have, your licence could be suspended for a certain period of time. If you intend to stay in France for a prolonged period of time, it's a good idea to learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
If you're planning to move to France and want to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving school or go through the entire process on your own. Regardless of which option you choose it will be a long process with serious hoops to jump through. The process of getting your driving license in France will take a considerable amount of time with waiting times estimated to be as long as three months due to an absence of driving examiners. The actual test is similar to the UK's two-part theory test and a practical test.
The first thing you'll need to do is pass an 'highway code', or 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that will take you at least a couple of months to complete. Don't hurry through it, or your French driver could give you the finger. This is the time to learn the highway code and taking numerous'mock tests'. Once you are confident, you can take the real test.
The next step in the process is to do a few hours of accompanied driving with a skilled driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you will need to sign up with a prefecture before being certified as such. You will have to do at minimum 20 hours of this before you even think about taking the practical test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you will be required to keep a log of all the journeys you make. This is to ensure that you're not just going to school and back each day (that will count for 3000 kilometres, but will not get you very far!) The journey must be varied, which means driving in your community every day for a whole year might not be enough. If you commit a major crime such as driving drunk or speeding you'll be fined and lose points off your French driver's license.
The left lane should only be used for passing cars and not for driving slowly. If you're on the dual carriageway and you drive slowly in the left lane you will probably get pulled over by an French traffic policeman, so be ready.
InsuranceYou will need to have a French B license if you are planning to drive in France. This permit allows drivers to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons. It also enables you to drive vehicles with nine seats or less. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of the issue. You may need to take a medical exam to maintain your license, based on your age and vehicle category.
You will also need an insurance policy for third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect you in the event of an accident, or theft. In addition, you must carry your driving license as well as insurance documents and car registration papers on you at all times. In some instances, you will need to have your passport with you at all times.
The process of purchasing and insuring your vehicle in France can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, it can be simple and easy, especially if you already have a driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. This is because certain states have reciprocal agreements with France and France, which makes the process much easier.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is a document that contains your personal information, along with the type and date of expiry of the vehicle that you are permitted to drive. It is also used as a proof of identity in most places. It's a pink plastic card which is similar to credit cards.
You must notify the authorities of your French permit immediately if you lose it or stolen. You can report it by going to the ANTS site. You'll then receive a temporary permit that's valid for two months. If you've been found guilty of an offense and are found guilty, you'll face a fine or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.
