Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step to driving in France is to get a French license. This can be done online on the ANTS website.
The B license permits the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and can accommodate up to 9 seats. This includes standard passenger cars as well as people carriers.
Driver's license exam
Whether you're an EU driver or not, the process of getting your driving license in France will require you to pass a written test (code de la route) and a practical test. You may have to attend more driving lessons to prepare for your test. You can also go to a driver's academy that will take care of the training and scheduling for you. There are no limitations on the number of times you can take the test and it's priced at EUR30 every time.
You may also take the code exam as an independent candidate, but this option is only applicable for drivers with a valid driver's license 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 candidates.
You must attain a minimum score of 20 points to pass the practical driving test. There are no elimination errors. It is not possible to tell whether you passed or failed the test by the examiner. However you can examine the results online 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. You can download the digital version of your permit once you have confirmed your success. You can then order your physical French driving license online on the France Titres order your driver's license webpage.
A new driver's license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you'll have to renew your driving licence by applying for a new one with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your previous driving licence, along with the passport photo and address in France. You may also apply for a brand new driving licence if your intention is to add a new category 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 be a holder of an insurance policy for health which includes third-party coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
There are certain conditions you must satisfy if you're moving from your country of origin to France with valid driver's license. For instance you are able to exchange your licence only in the event that your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and it's still valid. If not, you'll need take a French driving test and be able to pass it. The process of applying for a license can take between two and three years but now that it's online, the process seems to be speeding up.
If you hold an international license from one of the countries that is a member of the 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 can use it to drive in France. However you must purchase third-party liability insurance on your car before you can drive. These types of licences are called "permis de conduire." They're the shape and size like a credit card and they list your personal information and the cars you're permitted to drive.
Additionally, you should not have outstanding fines or traffic convictions on your license. Additionally, you must be above the legal age to drive in your country of origin. There are additional conditions that you must be able to meet, for instance the fact that your driving license was issued prior to your arrival in 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 must have been issued prior to the expiration date of your residence permit or visa.
In France, new drivers start with six points. They can earn 12 points. You could face a fine for each offense, or lose points from your license. Your license may be suspended depending on the number of points you've accrued. If you're going to be in France for a long period of time and you're planning to drive, it's worth the time to learn to drive in France.
Learn to drive in France
If you're moving to France and want to learn how to drive, you could enroll in a driving school or go through the process on your own. Whatever option you pick it will be a long process with difficult hurdles to cross. The wait to get your license in France can be up to 3 months long because of a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practical exam taken in the UK.
The first thing you'll need to do is pass a 'highway code test", also known as a 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that will take at least a few months to complete, so don't try to rush it or your French driver might be a bit harsh with you (not that we can tell from personal experiences). This is basically learning the code of the road and taking a lot of'mock tests. When you feel confident, you can take the real test.
The next step in the process is to do some hours of driving with a skilled driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you will need to sign up with a prefecture before being recognized as conduite supervisee. It is believed that you must spend at least 20 hours before you are able to consider taking the test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you be required to keep a log of all the journeys you take. This is intended to ensure that you're not just going to school and returning each day (that could be 3000 miles, but it will not get you very far!) The journey must be varied, which means driving around your village every day for a whole year may not be enough. You will be fined and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offense such as drunk driving or speeding.
One other thing to note is that the left lane is for cars that are passing, not to drive slowly in. If you're on the dual carriageway and you drive slowly in the left lane you're likely to be stopped by policemen from France. French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
If you want to drive in France you'll need a French B driving license. click this link now permits you to drive vehicles that are not larger than 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 issue. You may be required to undergo a medical test to keep your license valid based 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 cover you in the event of an accident, or theft. In addition, you must carry your driver's license as well as insurance documents and car registration papers in your vehicle at all times. In some cases you'll have to have your passport on you as well.
It's not difficult to purchase and insure your car in France. In fact, it's easy and simple, particularly if you already have a foreign driver's license issued by an EU or EFTA country. This is due to the fact that some states have reciprocal agreements with France that make the process even easier.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is an document that includes your personal information, along with the kind and date of expiry of the vehicle you are permitted to drive. It also serves as an official ID in most places. It's a pink plastic credit card-sized cards.
It's important to know that if you're French permit is stolen or lost, you must report it immediately. You can do this online via the ANTS website. Then, you will receive a temporary license that is valid for a period of two months. If you've committed an offense you'll be assessed an amount of money or get points removed from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.