From Around The Web: 20 Fabulous Infographics About French Driving License

How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat who has recently relocated to France and is in need of an French driving license. To get one, you must pass a driving theory test and a practical test. This can be done by a driving school which will take care of the paperwork and schedule the test for you.

Valid for 3 years.

The French driving licence is valid for three years following the date of issue. The French driving license is an image of a pink credit card with the holder's name, photo as well as date of birth, and driving rights written on it. The French driving licence may contain a variety of restrictions and conditions. These restrictions may include driving while under the influence.

French driving licenses are issued by the prefecture (or region). They are required to be renewed every 15 years, and can be used across all EU countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories have a validity of only five years, like the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You may apply for a renewal of your standard French driving license in your country of origin or in France. You must pass a written and practical exam to qualify for the renewal.

You may be able exchange your US driver's license for a French license without taking any tests if an American. This program is only open to Americans who have lived in France for a longer period of time and possess 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. The process could take anywhere from six to a year, so it's best to start the process early.

Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving rights in their country of origin can obtain the French license. You will require a medical certification and third-party liability insurance, along with 30 hours of education at an auto ecole. These schools are located throughout Toulouse and provide French lessons and practice tests. If you're hoping to pass the French test, it's a good idea to take an additional course of beginning French classes.

You can check your points balance on Ministry of Interior's website or through an official letter from the prefecture referencing 48N/48M. You can recoup points that were withdrawn for infractions by following the guidelines on the website. A French driving licence is under the holder's name at birth. Women who are married may use their maiden name on their driving licence should they wish to do so.

It carries 12 points

If you plan to drive in France you will require to have a French driving license. You must pass an exam in theory and a practical test to obtain the French driving license. You also have to pass a medical test. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test tests driving skills and road safety rules. Depending on your age, you might also be required to take an examination written. Then, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of driving with an instructor.

After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll be granted your license in three months. The licence is valid for 15 years and must be displayed whenever you are behind the wheel. In addition to the points, it must include an image of the driver and the date of issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving licence, and in the event that you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for six months or more.

You can attend a class to recover lost points. These courses, also known as stages de recuperation des points du permit that are offered by accredited centres and cost about EUR200 for two days. But, you can only gain four points each year. You can also recover points that you have lost by avoiding additional traffic violations for a minimum of two or three years.

After one year within France after which you are not able to drive with a foreign driving license unless you are a diplomat or a student. Even if you have passed the French driving test, you will need to exchange your license for one in French one if you will be residing in the country for longer than a year.

It is crucial to be aware that driving laws are very strict in France. The BAC limit in France is lower than in the United States and police conduct random sobriety tests. Additionally, drivers must wear headlights at night and they must use them when passing the tunnel or in an emergency construction zone. It is also required to wear them when it rains or snows. The rules differ for each region, so it's essential to study your local rules.

It is exchangeable for a French driving license

If you are an American citizen and possess an approved license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for an entire year without having take the French driving test. However, if you have an accident while driving with this type of license and you are held accountable for the crash, your insurance company could reject your claim. To avoid this, swap your license to one that is a French driver's license once you arrive in France.

You can change your license by calling your local Prefecture de Police (or Mairie). Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The procedure varies from region to region. It is essential to check with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also require a French translation of your licence, which can be done at the embassy, or by a sworn translator.

The application must include an acknowledgment that you've been resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate will prove this. You should also present evidence of your identity such as a passport, and a photo of your identity. The photos must be taken in the format used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS, the agency which issues French drivers licenses. It could take several months for the license to be issued.

Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll be granted a period of probationary time before your French license is made permanent. You'll also have to pass a theory and practical test, referred to as an "auto ecole" or ETG. For those with disabilities or medical conditions may be required to pass extra tests.

You can prepare for the test by yourself, but it is usually better to enroll in an educational institution. They will help you prepare in French and also handle the paperwork. Some schools will give you some driving time before the test.

It is issued by ANTS

If you've just moved to France, a French driving license is essential to have. The country has a reciprocal arrangement with most countries in the world, so it's fairly simple to exchange your license for one. You can apply online however you'll need evidence of your identity, such as a passport, residence card or other proof of identity.

You can also obtain an French driver's licence by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. After passing the test you can download your driver's licence certificate (CEPC). You will need this number to order your physical license.

Before you take a drive on French roads, be sure your license is up-to-date and that you've passed a medical examination. The ANTS website contains a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also call your GP to make an appointment.

Once you've passed the behind-the-wheel test, you can apply for a physical license through the ANTS website. To begin, sign into your ANTS account and choose "Je want to signal an error regarding my driver's license granted for less of 6 months." Fill in the required details, upload any necessary documentation, and submit your application.

Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you can 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 insurance policy for driving that will protect you in the event of an accident.

To avoid future problems, it is best to take driving lessons at a school. The driving school should be able to provide you with a list of reputable instructors. Make sure to ask about their rates and if they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also apply for a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. You will need to present your current driving license as well as proof of residency.  Permis Cepc -prefectures do not process license exchanges, so it's important to confirm this prior. Check the deadlines for submission when you need to visit the prefecture.