How to Get a French Driving License
Before you begin driving in France it is essential to be aware of the driving regulations. You should also be aware of the requirements for a driving licence.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks up to a couple of months to obtain your French driving licence. It is a pink credit-card format and valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
With its swathes of stunning countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid any problems with the police, it's important to be aware of the rules of driving. It is vital to have a valid driving licence and insurance documents at all times. A driving permit can also be important to travel with.
Traffic in France is a bit slower than it does in the United States, and there are more pedestrians on the streets. This is why it is important to drive defensively and be alert for motorists turning left in the direction of you. Also, it's not advisable to drive after having consumed alcohol. You can be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your license If you are caught driving under the influence.
In France it is against the law to use your mobile while driving. You are only able to make hands-free phone calls when your helmet has an integrated headset. If you are stopped by the police, you can be fined for texting or talking while driving. In addition, you must wear a seat belt in both the front and rear seats. If you have children in your vehicle younger than 10 years old, they must sit in the back of the vehicle and be secured with an infant seat or seatbelt.
In addition, you must carry a copy passport with you at all times. This is required by law and will be checked if you're stopped for any reason.
It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. For example, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay tolls by cash or credit card.
The most important rule in France is to prioritize a straight, which means that any vehicle coming from your right has right to use the right of way. This is the case even if they join the busy highway from a tiny village track. This is particularly crucial when driving on country roads where it is commonplace for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed your written test, you're now ready to take the practical driving exam. This is a much more difficult portion of the test than the theory test and you'll need to do lots of practice before passing it. It's important to locate a driving school that offers plenty of behind-the-wheel instruction prior to taking the test. Before driving in France you must have at least third party liability insurance on your car.
You can sign up for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with a photo ID. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color, unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native English speaker you can request the help of a translator to take your exam. But, you must make this request at least two days in advance of the test.
After passing the driving test, you'll receive a CEPC which is your driver's licence examination certificate. This is the document you'll need to show your local prefecture to apply for the French driving license. You'll then be able to drive in France.
If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five days for you to take the test again. There's no limit on the number of times you can take the test again however, it's advised to wait until you feel confident enough to take it again.
A driving license is a must to live in France. If you are planning to stay in France for more than one year, you'll require a license to drive before you can drive on French roads. While some Americans opt to ignore this requirement and continue to drive with their US license after the one-year mark, this could lead to serious accidents and fines.
Fortunately, a few states have a an agreement of reciprocity with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky permits its citizens to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the lengthy and exhausting process of passing a written exam and a practical driving exam. Other Americans are required to jump through a lot of hoops to get their French licenses.
Obtaining an authorization
If you're an expat or a foreigner who has an active driving license from a country with reciprocity agreements with France you can exchange it for a French licence without having to pass the driving test. However, there are some rules you need to be aware of. Make sure licencefrancexpress possess a valid driver's licence. Then, you need to fill out an application for a new licence. The form can be found online. Follow the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence.
Complete your information and select the reason why you require a license. If you hold a licence B, you are able to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tonnes and with up to nine passengers. You can also tow a vehicle that is not heavier than yours.
Next, you will need to submit your application to the prefecture in your region. Fill in all the necessary information and attach copies your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID along with an address proof. If necessary, you will also be required to provide a medical certification. The licences for the categories A and B last for 15 years. Those for the categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.
In certain cases, it is possible to get an French license in only several months. This is especially applicable to foreign students in the French university. Students who aren't enrolled in the French University could be expected to wait longer for their license to be approved.
If you're looking to learn how to drive in France it is best to learn how to drive at a school which teaches English. The majority of schools in Paris offer driving courses in English however it's not the case everywhere. If you live outside the capital, you can contact the local prefecture and ask whether driving schools offer lessons in English.
Driving in France
When driving in France, it is important to comply with the rules of the road and follow proper etiquette. You must also have a valid driver's license and third-party liability insurance for your car in place. It's a great opportunity to learn about the rules of the road as well as the language by having driving lessons with an experienced instructor. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and is fueled before your trip. Also, be aware of different speed limits for different types of French roads.
In France the traffic laws are strictly enforced. The French have a point system that penalizes traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points and must accumulate 12 points before their probationary period is over. If you are cited for a traffic violation the points will be removed and the fine will vary depending on the nature of the offense.
The first step to obtain a French driver's license is passing the theory test. The test consists of 40 questions about the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The practical portion of the test is the final step. It requires a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, you must wait for a year before attempting again.
You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a French driver's licence and have a medical exam. For those with disabilities and health problems must undergo a special medical examination.
If you're from a country that is not part of the EU or EEA you will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photo and an English translation of their driving license. It can be obtained at the airport, or from an agency for car rental.
Driving in France can be a challenge but it is also possible to drive without any problems with a foreign license, provided you have an IDP. It is important to learn the driving rules and to take a few driving lessons prior to attempting to drive on your own.