20 Myths About French Driving License: Busted

How to Get a French Driving License Before you begin driving in France it is essential to understand the country's driving regulations. Also, you should be aware of the requirements for a licence. It can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months to obtain your French driving license. It's a pink credit-card format and valid for 15 years. Rules of the Road France is a well-loved road trip destination, thanks to its beautiful countryside and vibrant cityscapes. But, it is essential to be aware of the rules of the road in order to avoid being in trouble with the police. You must always have your driving licence and proof of insurance with you. A driving permit can also be important to travel with. The traffic in France is more sluggish and there are more pedestrians. Therefore, it is important to drive cautiously and watch out for drivers who turn left in front you. It is also not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. You could be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your driving licence if you are caught driving under the under the influence. In France, it is illegal to use your mobile phone while driving. You may only use hands-free calls if you are wearing a headset integrated into your helmet. If you are stopped by police, you can be penalized for texting or talking while driving. In addition, you have to wear a seat belt in the rear and front seats. If you have children under 10 years old in your vehicle, they must be sitting in the back of the vehicle and secured by an approved seat belt or approved child seat. Additionally, you should keep a copy of your passport at all times. This is required by law and will be scrutinized by the police if you are stopped for any reason. It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. Autoroutes, for example, have a higher limit of speed than other roads. You can pay tolls with cash or credit card. The most important rule in France is priorite a droite, which means that any vehicle approaching from your right has the right to use the right of way. This is the case even if they join an important highway from a small village track. This is particularly important on country roads that are narrow, where it is normal for cars to pass one other in the middle of the road. Passing the test After you have completed the written exam, it is time to take the practical driving test. It's a more difficult part than the theory test and you will have to do a lot of practice before passing. You should find a driving instructor who will give you a number of driving lessons prior to the test. It is also important to ensure that you have at least third-party liability insurance on your vehicle prior to driving in France. Sign up for the test by going to the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be full-face and in color unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native speaker, you can request an interpreter for your test. You should request this at least two days prior to the test. After passing the driving test, you'll be issued an CEPC which is your driver's licence exam certificate. This is what you'll need to show to the local prefecture to be able to apply for the French driving license. You can then start driving in France. If you fail the driving test, you'll have to wait between two and 45 days before attempting to retake it. The number of times you can take your driving test again is unlimited, but it is recommended that you wait until you are ready to do so. A driver's license is a must to survive life in France. If you're an expat who plans on living in France for more than one year, then you'll need to get a license before you can legally drive on the country's roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive with their US license even after they reach the one-year mark. This could result in serious accidents or even fines. Luckily, some states have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky allows its citizens to swap their U.S. drivers' licenses to French ones without undergoing the long, drawn-out process of passing a written exam and passing a practical driving test. Some Americans need to undergo a lengthy process to get their French licenses. How do I obtain a license If you are an expat or foreign national with an active driver's license from a country with which France has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange your licence for one in French one without taking the driving test. However, there are some guidelines you must be aware of. First, ensure that your driver's license was issued when you were legally residing in the country where it was issued. You will then need to fill out a new application. The form is available on the internet. Select the option for renewal of the title (driver's license renewal) and then click Etape next step (next step). Enter your details and select the reason why you need a licence. If you hold a licence B you can drive vehicles up to 3,5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine passengers. You can also choose to haul a trailer not heavier than the vehicle you're driving. The next step is to submit your application to the prefecture that is in your region. You must complete all the required details and attach copies your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID along with an address for proof. Also, you will be required to submit a medical certificate, if necessary. Licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years while licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for 5 years. In some instances, it is possible to get a French license in several months. This is particularly true for students from abroad who are in a French university. Those who are not enrolled at an French university can expect to wait much longer for their licence to be approved. Anyone who wants to learn how to drive in France should consider taking a driving lesson at a school that offers English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving lessons in English however this isn't the case in all places. Those who live outside of the capital should contact their local prefecture and inquire if there is a driving school that offers classes in English. Driving in France It is essential to adhere to the rules of the roads and to follow the correct etiquette while driving in France. You should also possess a valid driver's licence and third-party liability insurance for your car in place. It's a great opportunity to learn about the rules of the road and the language by having driving lessons with a professional instructor. Additionally, you must ensure that your car is maintained and properly fueled prior to your departure. You should also be aware of different speed limits for different types of French roads. In France traffic laws are strictly adhered to. The French have a point system that punishes traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary phase is finished. In the event that you are cited for a traffic violation your points will be removed and the fine will differ depending on the category of the violation. The first step to get a French driver's license is passing the theory test. The test is comprised of 40 questions that examine the rules of the road and traffic safety. The second part is the practical portion of the test. It involves 20 hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it's necessary to wait one year before attempting again. To obtain an French driving license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination. People who have health or disability issues are required to undergo a special medical exam. If you are from a country outside of the EU or EEA You must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photograph and a translation in 12 languages of their driving licence. It can be obtained at the airport or from a car rental agency. cerfa permis de conduire in France isn't easy but it is also possible to drive in France in a safe manner with a foreign driver's license, provided you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the rules of driving and take some lessons before you attempt to drive on your own.