Why We Do We Love French Driving License (And You Should Also!)
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat and has recently moved to France you may require an French driving license. To get one, you must pass a driving theory and practical test. The best way to accomplish this is to go to an instructor at a driving school. They will do the paperwork for you and book the test.
Valid for 3 years
The French driving licence is valid for a period of three years after the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink credit card-sized document that has the photo of the holder, their date and place of birth and driving rights. It can also contain various limitations and conditions. Some of these restrictions can include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a minimum age for driver's licencie.
The prefecture (or area) issues the French driving license. The licenses are valid for every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country in addition to Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Some licenses are only valid for five years. For instance, the ones for heavy vehicles or passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your country of origin. You must pass a written and a practical exam in order to get the renewal.
You could be able to exchange your US driver's license for a French license without taking any tests if you're an American. This program is available for Americans who have lived in France for more than a year and possess a carte de sejour. The process usually takes within one year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. It may take six months to complete the process, so begin early.

You can only get an French license if you are over 18 and have not lost the right to drive in your country of origin. You'll need a medical certificate and a third-party liability insurance along with 30 hours of instruction at an auto ecole. There are cerfa permis de conduire like these all over Toulouse, and they offer practice tests and lessons in French. If you want to pass the French test it is recommended to take an additional course of basic French classes.
You can check your points balance on the Ministry of Interior website or through a letter sent by the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. Follow permis de conduire international on the website to reclaim any points taken due to an offence. A French driving licence is in the name of the holder at birth. Women who are married can use their maiden name on their driving licence should they wish to do so.
It has 12 points
If you want to drive in France you will require to have a French driving license. To get one, you must pass an exam on driving theory and an exam in the practical. You also must be able to pass a medical test. The theory test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving techniques and rules of road safety. You may also be required to take a written exam, depending on your age. Then, you must finish a minimum of twenty hours of driving with a driver under the supervision of a teacher.
After passing the theory and the practical driving test, you'll receive your licence within three months. The license is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed when you are driving. In addition to the points, it must have an image of the driver as well as the date of issue. If you lose points they are deducted from your driving license. Moreover, in the event that you lose 12 points, your driving licence is suspended for a period of six months or more.
You can enroll in an instruction course to regain lost points. These courses are known as stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by centers that have been approved. They cost around EUR200 for a two-day duration. You are only able to recover up to four points per year. You can also get back your lost points by avoiding further traffic offenses for at least two or three years.
After a year after one year in France, you cannot drive with your foreign driving licence unless you are a diplomat or a student. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need to exchange your driving license from abroad to a French license.
It is important to be aware that driving laws in France are extremely strict. The BAC limit in France is lower than that in the United States and police conduct random tests of sobriety. Drivers are also required to use headlights when driving at night and in emergency situations or construction zones. They should also use them if it is raining or snowing. It is essential to be aware of the local rules as they vary from region to region.
It is exchangeable for an French driving license
If you are an American citizen and have 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 one year without having to take the French driving test. If you're involved in an accident and your insurance company finds that you are at fault and they deny your claim. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your driver's license to a French one once you have arrived in the country.
You could apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process differs between regions. Certain sub-prefectures aren't able to handle licence exchanges, so it is essential to confirm before you go. You'll also require a French translation, which can be done by an embassy or a sworn interpreter.
The application must contain the proof that you've resided in France for at minimum six months. A tax notice or French medical certificate can confirm this. You also need to provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport, and a photo of your identity. The photos must be in the format that is used for French ID cards, which differ from American passport photos. The application will be submitted to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take several months to be issued.
Once you've successfully completed the exchange, you'll undergo a probationary phase until your French license is permanent. You will also have to pass an "auto ecole" or ETG, which is a theory-practical exam. Those with disabilities and certain medical conditions may require pass additional tests.
While you may study and prepare for the test on your own, it's best to attend an institution that can help you in French and will take care of all the paperwork. Some schools will offer you some driving practice hours before your exam.
It is issued by ANTS
If you've recently moved to France then having a French driving license is necessary to possess. The country has a reciprocal agreement with many countries around the world, so it's quite simple to swap your license for one. You can apply online, but you'll need to bring additional documents, such as a valid passport and residence card, or another proof of identity.
You can also get a French driving licence after passing the behind-the wheel test. You can download your driver's licence (CEPC) following the test. This number is required to order a physical license.
Before you travel on French roads, make sure your license is up-to-date and you've passed a medical exam. The ANTS website has a list of approved doctors and hospitals. You can also schedule an appointment with your GP.
If you've passed the behind the wheel test You can apply for your physical license on the ANTS website. To start, log into your ANTS account and select "Je would like to report an error sur mon permis de conduire for a period of less de 6 mois." Complete the required details, upload any necessary documents, and then submit your application.
The application process will take between 2 and 45 days to process. In the meantime, you can drive on a temporary permit issued by your city hall or your prefecture. The cost of this permit is different based on region. You may also purchase a driving insurance policy that covers you in the case of an accident.
To avoid any future issues, it is best to learn how to drive at a school. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are certified. Find out their costs, and if they have English-speaking instructors.
You can also request an French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To obtain this license you'll need to provide an original copy of your current driving license and a certificate of residency. Some sub-prefectures aren't able to process license exchanges, so it's important to confirm this prior. If you have to go to the prefecture office, be sure to check the deadline to submit your application.