Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step to driving in France is to obtain a French license. This can be done online on the ANTS website.
The B license allows the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger cars as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written exam known as the code de la route (road code) as well as a practical driving test to get your driving license in France. In certain situations you might need to take additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also go to a driver's academy, which will handle the scheduling and training for you. The exam can be taken at any number of times you'd like, but it costs EUR30 per session.
You may also take the exam as an independent candidate. However this option is only available to people who possess a driver's licence from their home country 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).
You must get at least 20 points to pass the driving test in a practical manner. There are no elimination mistakes. You will not be told if you have passed or failed the test by the examiner. However you can verify the results online for 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. Once you've confirmed your success, you can download a digital copy of the permit. The France Titres page to order your French driving licence will allow you to order your physical French license online.
A new driving licence in France is valid for five years. After five years, you'll have to renew your driving Licence France Xpress by submitting a new application with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your previous driving licence, along with a passport photo and an address in France. You may also apply for the renewal of your licence if are looking to add a new category of vehicle or change the name on your existing driving licence. However 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 vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licence
There are certain conditions you must satisfy if you're moving from your country of origin to France with a valid driver's license. You can only exchange your license in the event of an agreement to reciprocate between France and your home country, and the license is still valid. Otherwise, you'll have to take a French driving test and pass it. The application process could take as long as two years, but now that it is online, the process seems to be moving faster.
If your foreign licence is from a country an EU member EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or If you have an British or Northern Irish license that was issued before 2013, you are able to use it in France. However you must get third-party liability car insurance before you are allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de driving". They look like a credit card and list your personal details along with the type of vehicle you can drive.
Additionally, you should not have outstanding traffic convictions or fines on your license. You must also be over the legal age for driving in your country. Additionally, there are other requirements you must be able to meet, for instance the fact that your driving license was issued prior to the time you arrived in France. The driving license must be in your name and in your native language, or it can be accompanied by the translation. It must be valid in the country in which you reside and must have been issued prior to the expiration date of your residence permit or visa.
In France the new drivers begin with six points. They can earn up to 12 points. You can get a fine for each offense, or lose points from your license. Depending on the number of points you have, your licence could be suspended for a specified period of time. If you intend to remain in France for a prolonged period of time, it's worth learning how to drive.
Learn to drive in France
If you're moving to France and want to learn how to drive, you can enroll in a driving class or go through the entire process on your own. Regardless of which option you pick it will require some serious hoops to jump through. The process for getting your license in France could be as long as three months due to a shortage in driving examiners. However, the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practice test that is offered in the UK.
The first thing you'll have to pass is an 'highway code", also known as a 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that should take at minimum a few months to complete, so don't try to rush it or your French driver will probably take a swipe at you (not as we have learned from personal experience). This stage involves learning the highway code and taking a lot of'mock tests'. Then when you're confident enough you're ready to take on the real test.
The next step is to perform an hour of accompanied by a knowledgeable driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you'll have to be registered with a prefecture in order to be approved as such. It is believed that you must complete at least 20 hours of this before you can even think about taking the practical test.
Another aspect of accompanied driving is that you be required to keep a record of all the journeys you take. This is to ensure that you don't simply go to school and home every day (that is 3000 miles but will not get you anywhere). The journey must be varied, so driving around your village every day throughout the year may not be enough. You will be penalized and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offence like drunk driving or speeding.
One other thing to note is that the left lane is only for passing cars, not driving at a snail's pace in. If you're on dual carriageways and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to be stopped by policemen from France. French traffic policeman, so be prepared.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you intend to drive in France. This license allows drivers to drive cars up to 3.5 tons. It also enables you to drive vehicles with fewer than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. You may be required to undergo a medical test to keep your license valid based on your age or vehicle category.
You'll also require a third-party liability insurance policy for your vehicle. This policy will cover your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. It is also essential to keep your driving licence as well as insurance documents and registration documents at all times. In certain instances, you might also require carrying your passport.
Buying and insuring your car in France can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. It's easy and easy, especially if you have an international driving license from an EU/EFTA country. This is because certain states have reciprocal agreements with France that make the process even easier.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is an official document that contains your personal information, the date and type of the vehicle you're allowed to drive. It is also used as an official ID in most locations. It's an oversized pink plastic credit card cards.
You must notify the authorities of your French permit immediately if it is lost or stolen. You can report it by going to the ANTS website. Then, you will receive temporary licenses that are valid for two months. If you've committed an offence, you could be fined or lose points from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.