Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you plan to drive in France, the first step is obtaining the French driver's 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 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) as well as a practical driving test in order to get your driving license in France. You may be required to attend more driving lessons in order to prepare for the test. You can also go to an instructor at a driving school who will prepare and teach you. There are no limitations to the number of times you can sit for the exam and it's priced at EUR30 every time.
You may also take the test as an independent candidate but this option is only applicable for those who have a driver's licence from their home country that was 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 practical driving test, you must have a minimum score of 20 points and no eliminatory fault. The examiner will not tell whether you passed or failed, but you can examine your results online on the securite Routiere website for 48 hours following the test with your NEPH number. Once you've confirmed your success, you can download a digital copy the permit. The France Titres page for ordering your French driving licence will allow you to purchase your physical French license online.
In France, a new driver's license is valid for five years. After that, you'll need to renew it by submitting an application for a fresh one with the prefecture. You will be required to bring along your old driving license, a passport photograph and a French address. You can also submit an application for an additional licence if you want to add another category of vehicle or change the name on your current driving licence. However you must have been in France for at least six months in order to be eligible. You must also have a current health insurance policy that provides third-party liability coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of foreign driving license
There are certain conditions you must meet if you're moving from your home country 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 arrangement with France, and if it's still valid. If not, you'll need take an French driving test and pass it. The process could take a few years or more however, it appears to be moving more quickly now that the application is available online.
If your foreign licence is from a country that is part of the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or if you have an British or Northern Irish license that was issued before 2013, you are able to use it in France. However you must purchase third-party liability car insurance before you are allowed to drive. These kinds of licenses are known as "permis de conduire." They are the size and shape of a credit card, and include your personal details, as well as the vehicles you're allowed to drive.
You must also be above the legal age for driving in your country of origin. Additionally, you must be over the legal age to drive in the country you are from. There are additional conditions that you must satisfy, like the fact that your licence was issued prior to the time you arrived 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 visa or residence permit.
In France the new drivers begin with six points. The maximum amount of points they can receive is twelve. If you are found guilty of an offense you could face a fine or have points removed from your license. Based on the number of points you've got, your license could be suspended for a specific period of time. If you are planning to remain in France for a prolonged period of time, you should learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
You can enroll in a driving course or learn to drive on your own if you are moving to France. Whatever option you pick, it will involve some significant hurdles to get through. The process to obtain your driving license in France could be as long as three months because of a shortage of driving examiners. The actual test is similar to the UK's two-part theory test and practical test.
The first thing you'll need to do is pass an 'highway code', or 'lecode'. It is a thorough test that takes at least a few months to complete, so don't attempt to rush through it, or your French driver is likely to take a swipe at you (not as we have learned from personal experiences). This stage is essentially learning the code of the road and sitting lots of 'mock' tests. When you're confident enough, you can move on to the real thing.
The next step in the process is doing an hour of driving with a professional driver. In France this is known as conduite supervisee. You must sign up with the prefecture in order to be approved. You will need to complete at minimum 20 hours before you're even permitted to take the test.
You'll also need keep a log of all your journeys. This is to make sure that you don't simply drive to school and home every day (that is 3000 miles but will not get you anywhere). These journeys also have to be varied, so driving around the village for a year won't suffice. You'll be penalized and lose points on your French driving license if commit a serious crime such as drunk driving or speeding.
Another thing to remember is that the left lane is for cars that are passing, not to drive at a snail's pace in. If you're on dual carriageways and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to be stopped by a French traffic policeman, so be prepared.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you are planning on driving in France. This license permits you to drive vehicles not more than 3.5 tons. This permit also permits you to drive cars with less than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of the issue. You may need to take an exam for medical reasons to keep your license, depending on your age and vehicle category.
You'll also need a policy of third-party liability for your vehicle. This policy will cover you in the case of an accident or theft. You must also carry your driving licence as well as insurance documents and registration papers at all times. In some cases, you will need to have your passport with you as well.
Insuring and purchasing your car in France can be a daunting task however it doesn't need to be. In fact, it can be simple and easy, especially in the event that you already have a foreign driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. This is because some states have reciprocal agreements with France, which makes the process even simpler.
A French driving licence (permis de conduire) is a legal document that contains your personal information, the type of vehicle you're permitted to drive, as well as the date of the issue and expiry. It can also be used as a valid ID in a majority of places. cerfa permis de conduire 's a pink plastic ID card which is similar to a credit card.
It is important to be aware that should your French permit is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. You can report it online via the ANTS website. You'll receive an interim permit that's valid for two months. If you have committed an offence, you could be penalized or lose points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.