Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step to drive in France is to get the French license. This can be done online on the ANTS website.
The B license allows you to drive vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and with an maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Exam for driver's license
If you're an EU driver or not, the process of getting your driving license in France will require passing an exam written (code de la route) and a test on the road. You may be required to take additional driving lessons in order to prepare for the test. You can also enroll in an driving school that will schedule and train you. There are no restrictions to the number of times you can sit for the exam, and it costs EUR30 per time.
You may also take the exam as an independent candidate but this option is only valid for people with a driver's licence from their home country 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 applicants.
To pass the driving test on the road, you must have at least 20 points, and there must be no elimination error. The examiner won't tell you immediately if you've passed or failed the test, however, you can verify your results online at the securite Routiere website for 48 hours following the test using your number for the NEPH. You can download the digital version of your license once you've confirmed your success. The France Titres page to purchase your French driving licence will allow you to purchase your physical French license online.
A new driving license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you will need to renew your driving licence by making a new application to the prefecture. You'll be required to bring your original driving licence, as well as a passport photo and an address in France. You could also apply for a brand new driving licence if your intention is to add a new category of vehicle or change your name on your current licence. To be eligible to apply, you must have living in France for at least six months. You must also have a current health insurance policy which includes third-party liability protection for vehicles.
Exchange of a foreign driving license
There are certain requirements you must meet if you're moving from your home country to France with valid driver's license. For instance you can only exchange your license if your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and if it's still valid. Otherwise, you'll have to take a French driving test and pass it. The process of applying for a license can take between two and three years, but now that it is online, the process appears to be moving faster.
If you have an international license from a country which is a member of EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or if your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you may use it to drive in France. You must first purchase third-party liability insurance before you are permitted to drive. These types of licences are known as "permis de conduire." They are the shape and size like a credit card and include your personal information, as well as the vehicles you're allowed to drive.
Additionally, you should not have outstanding traffic convictions or fines on your license. Additionally, you must be over the legal age to drive in the country you are from. There are other requirements that you must meet. For instance your licence must be valid prior to the time you moved to France. The driving licence must be issued in your name, written in your native language or with an official translation. It must be valid in the country in which you reside and been issued prior to the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.
In France, new drivers start with six points. They can earn a maximum of twelve points. Each time you are found guilty of an offense you could face a fine or have points removed from your licence. Depending on how many you have, your license could be suspended for a certain period of time. If you're going to be in France for a long period of time, you should take the time to learn to drive here.
Learning to drive in France
You can take a driving course or learn to drive on your own if you are planning to move to France. Whatever option you pick, it will involve some serious hoops to jump through. https://www.openlearning.com/u/dalbythorpe-snwmk2/blog/TheTop5ReasonsWhyPeopleAreSuccessfulWithTheMotorcycleDrivingLicensePriceIndustry to obtain your driving license in France can take up to three months due to a shortage in driving examiners. However the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practical exam taken in the UK.
The first thing you'll need to complete is pass the 'highway code test', or 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that will take at least a couple of months to complete, so don't try to rush it or your French driver will probably give you the finger (not that we can tell from personal experiences). This stage is essentially learning the highway code and taking a lot of'mock' tests. Then when you're confident enough you're ready to take on the real test.
The next step is to complete a few hours of accompanied driving with a professional driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you will need to sign up with a prefecture to be certified as such. It is believed that you must spend at least 20 hours before you even think about taking the practical test.
You will also have to keep track of all your travels. This is designed to ensure that you are not just going to school and back each day (that will count for 3000 kilometres, but won't get you very far!) The journeys must be diverse, which means driving around your community for a year might not be enough. If you commit an offense like speeding or drunk driving you'll face a fine and lose points off your French driver's licence.
https://telegra.ph/11-Faux-Pas-That-Are-Actually-Okay-To-Create-Using-Your-Driving-License-Price-2024-12-03 should be used for passing cars and not for driving at a slow pace. If you're on a dual carriageway and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to get stopped by an French traffic policeman, so be prepared.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you intend on driving in France. This permit allows drivers to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons. This permit also allows you to drive vehicles with no more than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years after the date of the issue. You may have to undergo a medical test to maintain your license depending on your age or category of vehicle.
You'll also need an insurance policy that covers third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect you in the event of an accident or theft. Additionally, you should keep your driving license, insurance documents, and car registration papers with you at all times. In some cases you'll have to have your passport with you as well.
It's not difficult to buy and insure your car in France. It's simple and easy, especially if you have an international driving licence from an EU/EFTA country. Certain states have reciprocal agreements which simplify the process.
A French driving licence (permis de conduire) is a legal document that lists your personal details as well as the type of vehicle you're allowed to drive, as well as the date of the issue and expiry. It also serves as an official ID in most locations. It's a pink plastic credit card-sized credit card.
It's important to know that if your French permit is stolen or lost you must notify the police immediately. You can do this online through the ANTS website. You'll then be issued temporary permits that are valid for two months. If you've committed an offense and are found guilty, you'll face a fine or have points removed from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.