Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step in driving in France is to obtain the French license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.
The B license allows you to drive cars weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and with an maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger cars and people carriers.
Driver's license test
You must pass a written test known as the code de la route (road code), and a practical driving test to get your French driving license. You may be required to take more driving lessons to prepare for your test. You can also enroll in an driving school that will prepare and teach you. There are no limitations to the number of times you are able to take the test and it's priced at EUR30 per time.
You can also take the test as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to those 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 for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the driving test on the road you must achieve at least 20 points and have no exclusionary error. The examiner won't tell you immediately if you passed or failed, but you can check your results online at the securite routiere website 48 hours after the test by using your number for the NEPH. After you've verified your success, you can download a digital copy the permit. You can then purchase your physical French driving license online through the France Titres order the driver's license page.
A new driving license in France is valid for five years. After five years, you will be required to renew your driving licence by applying for a new one with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your driving licence from the past, a passport photograph and a French address. You can also apply for an additional licence if you are looking to add a new category of vehicle or change the name on your current driving licence. But you must have been in France for at least six months to be eligible. You must also have an insurance policy for health which includes third-party coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licenses
If you're planning to move to France and already have a driver's licence from your home country, there are a few conditions that you must satisfy. You are able to exchange a licence only in the event of an agreement of reciprocity between France and your home country, and it is still valid. You'll need to pass a French driving test if you do not. The process for applying can take between two and three years, but now that it's online, it appears to be moving faster.
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 in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. However you must get third-party liability insurance on your car before you are allowed to drive. These kinds of licenses are known as "permis D de conduct." They are the shape and size of a credit card and include your personal information as well as the vehicles you are allowed to drive.
In addition, you must not have outstanding traffic convictions or fines on your license. You must also be older than the legal age for driving in your country. There are other requirements that you must meet. For instance, your license must be valid prior to the time you arrived to France. The driving licence must be issued in your name and written in your native 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.
In France new drivers are able to start with six points. They can earn 12 points in total. You could be fined for each offense or lose points from your license. Based on the number of points you have, your licence could be suspended for a certain period of time. If you're planning on staying in France for a long period 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 to drive, you can enroll in a driving school or learn the entire process on your own. Whatever option you pick, it will involve some significant hurdles to get through. The process for getting your driving license in France can be up to 3 months due to a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practice exam that is taken in the UK.
One of the first things you'll need to pass is the 'highway code' test, also known as 'le code' for short. This is a comprehensive exam that should take at the very least two months to complete. Do not take it lightly, or your French driver could be able to give you a slap. This phase involves learning the code of conduct for highways and taking numerous'mock tests'. Once you're confident, you can move on to the real thing.
The next step in the process is to do an hour of driving with a skilled driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you'll need to sign up with a prefecture before being recognized as conduite supervisee. You must pass at minimum 20 hours before you're even allowed to take the test.
You will also have to keep track of all your journeys. This is designed to ensure that you are not just commuting to school and back each day (that could be 3000 kilometres but it won't get you very far!) These journeys also have to be diverse, so driving around your village for a whole year may not cut it. You will be fined and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offence such as drunk driving or speeding.
One other thing to note is that the left lane is only for cars that are passing, not to drive slowly in. If you're on the dual carriageway and you drive slow in the left lane, you will probably get stopped by policemen from France. French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you intend on driving in France. This permit allows you to drive cars that are not more than 3.5 tons. It also permits you to operate vehicles that have fewer than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. You may be required to take a medical exam to maintain your license depending on your age or the category of vehicle you drive.
You will also need a third-party liability insurance policy for your vehicle. This policy will cover you in the case of an accident or theft. In addition, you must carry your driver's license as well as insurance documents and the car registration documents in your vehicle at all times. In certain situations you'll need to carry your passport on you, too.
Insuring and purchasing your car in France can be a daunting task however it doesn't need to be. It's simple and easy, especially in the case of an international driving licence from an EU/EFTA country. Some states have reciprocal agreements that facilitate the process.
A French driving licence (permis de driving) is an official document that contains your personal details, the kind of vehicle you are allowed to drive, and the date of the issue and expiry date. In most places, it also serves as an official identification. It's a pink credit card-sized plastic cards.
You must notify your French permit immediately if it is lost or stolen. This can be done by visiting the ANTS website. You will then be issued temporary licenses that are valid for a period of two months. If you've committed an offense you may also be fined or lose points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.