Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step in driving in France is to get an French license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.
The B license allows you to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver’s license test
No matter if you’re an EU driver or not, the process of getting your driving license in France requires passing an exam written (code de la route) and a practical test. You may be required to take more driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also go to an driving school that will schedule and train you. The test can be taken multiple times as you like however, it will cost EUR30 per session.
You can also take the exam as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to people who hold a driver’s license from their country of origin that is 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 take the test in one of the special sessions (examen ETG spécifique) for non-French-speaking candidates.
To pass the driving test in the practical you must achieve an at-least 20 points and have no exclusionary fault. It is not possible to tell if you have passed or failed the test by the examiner. However, you can check the results online within 48 days after passing the test by using your NEPH. After you’ve confirmed your pass or fail you can download a digital copy of the permit. You can then order your physical French driving license online on the France Titres order your driver’s license page.
A new driver’s license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you’ll need to renew your driving license by submitting a new application with the prefecture. You’ll have to bring your previous driving licence, as well as a passport photo and an address in France. You can apply for a new driving licence if you want to add a different type of vehicle or change the name of your current licence. To be eligible to apply, you must have living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also hold a valid health insurance policy that covers third-party insurance for automobiles.
Exchange of a foreign driving license
If you’re moving to France and already have a driver’s licence from your home country, there are certain requirements you must be able to meet. You are able to exchange a licence only in the event of a reciprocal agreement between France and your home country, and the license is still valid. In other cases, you’ll need to take a French driving test and be able to pass it. The process for applying can take up to two years but now that it’s online, the process seems to be moving more quickly.
If you hold an international license issued by a country which is a member of EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you can use it to drive in France. You must first obtain third-party liability insurance before you are permitted to drive. These types of licences are referred to as “permis de driving.” They are the shape and size of a credit card and include your personal details, along with the vehicles you are allowed to drive.
You must also be above the legal age to drive in the country you are from. You must also be older than the legal driving age in your country. There are also other conditions that you must meet. For instance, your license must be valid prior to the time you arrived to France. The license must be issued in your name and in your native language, or be accompanied by a translation. It must be valid in the country in which you reside and been issued before the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France start with six points on their driving licences. They can receive a maximum of twelve points. You can get a fine for each offense or lose points from your license. Based on the number of points you have, your license could be suspended for a specified period of time. If you intend to remain in France for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
If you’re planning to move to France and would like to learn to drive, you can either enroll in a driving school or learn the entire process on your own. Whichever option you pick, it will involve some serious hoops to jump through. The process to obtain your driving license in France could be as long as three months because of a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practical exam taken in the UK.
One of the first things you’ll need to pass is the ‘highway code’ test, or ‘le code’ for short. It is a thorough test that will take you at least a couple of months to complete. Do not rush through it or your French driver might be able to give you a slap. This is basically learning about the highway code and taking a lot of’mock’ tests. Once suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré are confident, you are able to take the actual test.
The next step is to complete a few hours of accompanied by a knowledgeable driver. In France this is known as conduite supervisee and you must register with the prefecture to be approved. You must complete at minimum 20 hours before you’re even allowed to take the test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you will have to keep a log of all the trips you take. This is to ensure that you’re not just going to school and returning each day (that would count for 3000 miles, but it will not get you very far!) This journey also has to be varied, so driving around your village every day throughout the year may not suffice. You could be penalized and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offence like drunk driving or speeding.
The left lane should be used for passing cars and not for speeding. If you’re on dual carriageways and driving slow in the left lane, you’re likely to get stopped by an French traffic policeman, so be prepared.
Insurance
If you want to drive in France you’ll require a French B driving license. This permit allows drivers to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tons. It also enables you to operate vehicles with fewer than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of the issue. You may be required to take a medical exam to keep your license valid based on your age or the category of vehicle you drive.
You’ll also need an insurance policy that covers third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. You must also keep your driving license along with insurance documents and vehicle registration documents at all times. In certain instances, you might also require a passport.
Buying and insuring your car in France isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be easy and painless, especially in the event that you already have a driver’s license from an EU or EFTA country. This is because some states have reciprocal agreements with France that make the process even easier.
The French driving license (permis d’conduire) is a document that contains your personal information, as well as the kind and date of expiry of the vehicle you’re permitted to drive. It can also be used as a proof of identity in most locations. It’s an oversized pink plastic credit card card.
It is important to be aware that should you’re French permit is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. This can be done by visiting the ANTS website. You will then receive an interim license that is valid for a period of two months. In addition, if you’ve committed a crime and are found guilty, you’ll face an amount of money or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.