Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step in driving in France is to get an French license. This is done online on the ANTS site.
The B license permits the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written test, called the code de la route (road code), and a practical driving test to get your French driving license. In certain situations, you may need to complete additional driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also attend an instructor at a driving school who will teach you. The test can be repeated multiple times as you'd like however, it will cost EUR30 per time.
You may also sit for the test as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to candidates who possess 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 then take the test in one of the special sessions designed for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the driving test in the practical, you must have at least 20 points, and there must be no elimination error. You won't be told whether you passed or failed the practical driving test by the examiner. However you can examine the results online for 48 days after passing the test by using your NEPH. You can download the digital version of your license once you have confirmed your test's success. The France Titres page to purchase your French driving license allows you to purchase your physical French license online.
A new driver's license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you will have to renew your driving license by making a new application to the prefecture. You'll be required to bring along your old driving license along with a passport photo and an address in France. You can apply for a 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 have a valid health insurance policy which covers third-party liability for automobiles.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
If you're moving to France and already possess a driver's license from your home country, there are a few requirements you must satisfy. For instance, you can only exchange your license in the event that your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and if it's still valid. In other cases, you'll need to take the French driving test and be able to pass it. The process for applying could take as long as two years however now that it is online, the process appears to be moving faster.
If you hold a foreign license from one of the countries that is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued prior to 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. However, you must take out third-party liability insurance on your car before you can drive. These kinds of licenses are called "permis de conduct." They have the shape and size like a credit card and they list your personal information as well as the cars you're permitted to drive.
You must also be over the legal age to drive in the country you are from. You must also be older than the legal driving age of your country. Then, there are other requirements that you have to be able to meet, for instance the fact that your driving license was issued before you arrived in France. The driving license must be in your name and be written in your home language, or accompanied by an official translation. It must also be valid in the country of residence, and it must have been acquired prior to the date you receive your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France start with six points on their driving licences. They can get up to 12 RéCupéRer Des Points Sur Le Permis De Conduire. Every time you commit an offense you can be assessed an amount of money or have points taken off your license. Your license could be suspended according to the amount of points you have. If you're planning to stay in France for a long period of time it is worth the trouble to learn how to drive in France.
Learn to drive in France
If you're moving to France and are looking to learn to drive, you can either enroll in a driving school or do the process on your own. Whatever option you choose there will be a lot of obstacles to overcome. The process of getting your license in France will take a considerable amount of time, with waiting times of up to three months due to a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practical exam taken in the UK.
One of the first things you'll have to do is pass the highway code test, also known as "le code" for short. This is a lengthy test that will take at minimum a few months to complete, so don't attempt to rush it or your French driver will probably give you the finger (not as we have learned from personal experiences). This stage is essentially learning the code of the road and taking a lot of'mock tests. Then when you're confident enough you can move on to the real test.
The next step in the process is to do some hours of driving with a professional driver. In France, this is called conduite supervisee and you must sign up with the prefecture to be approved. You must complete at least 20 hours before you're even permitted to take the test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you have to keep a log of all the trips you make. This is to ensure that you don't just drive to school and home every day (that would be 3000 km but will not get you anywhere). The journey must be varied, meaning that driving around your village every day throughout the year may not suffice. If you commit a big offense like driving drunk or speeding you will get a fine and lose points from your French driver's licence.
The left lane should be used for passing cars and not for driving slowly. Be aware that you could be stopped when you drive slowly in the left-hand lane on a dual carriageway.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you are planning to drive in France. This permit allows drivers to drive cars up to 3.5 tons. This permit also permits you to drive vehicles that have 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 examination to maintain your license depending on your age or the category of vehicle you drive.
You will also need an insurance policy for third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. Additionally, you should carry your driving license along with insurance documents and car registration papers with you at all times. In certain situations, you may also need to carry your passport.
Insuring and purchasing your car in France isn't easy however it doesn't need to be. It can be simple and easy, especially in the case of a foreign driving license from a country that is an EU/EFTA member. This is because certain states have reciprocal agreements with France, which makes the process much easier.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is an document that includes 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 an official ID in most locations. It's a pink plastic ID card that is about the size of credit cards.
You must notify the authorities of your French permit immediately if it is lost or stolen. You can do this online via the ANTS website. You'll receive temporary permits that are valid for two months. In addition, if you've committed an offense 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.