French Driving License Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Get a French Driving License
It's important that you understand the driving rules of France before you can drive. It is also important to be aware of the requirements for a licence.
It could take from a few weeks up to a couple of months to get your French driving licence. It is issued in a pink credit card format and is valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
With its stunning countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road trips. It is crucial to understand the rules of the road in order to avoid a snafu with the police. You must always have your driving licence and proof of insurance. An international driving permit (IDP) is also beneficial to make it easier for you to travel.
The traffic in France is slower and there are more pedestrians. This is why it is important to drive defensively and keep your eyes peeled for drivers who turn left in the direction of you. Also, it's not advisable to drive when having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving while impaired, you can be penalized up to 135 euros or lose points on your license.
It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in France. You can only make hands-free calls if you are wearing a headset that is integrated into your helmet. You may also be punished for texting or talking while driving if stopped by an officer of the police. In addition, you have to wear a seat belt in the rear and front seats. If you have children under the age of 10 in your vehicle, they must be seated in the back and secured with an approved seat belt or approved child seat.
You should also carry a copy of your passport at all times. This is legally required and will be scrutinized by the police if you are stopped for any reason.
It is important to note that speed limits vary on French roads. For example, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay tolls with cash or credit card.
Prioritize a right is the most important rule to follow in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right has priority. This is true regardless of whether the vehicle joining a busy road through a small village road. This is particularly important on country lanes that are narrow where cars frequently pass each other in middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed the written test, it's time to take the practical driving exam. It's a more difficult portion than the theory test and you'll have to do a lot of practice before you pass. You need to find a driving coach who will give you a number of driving lessons before you take the test. It is also important to ensure that you have at least third-party liability insurance on your vehicle prior to attempting to drive in France.
Register for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with a photo ID. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color, unlike the American passport photo. You can request a translator if are not a native English speaker. However, cerfa permis de conduire need to make the request at least two days in advance of the test.
You will be issued a CEPC (certificat d'examen de permis of driving) after you've passed the driving test. This is what you'll need to show to your local prefecture to apply for the French driving license. Then, you can begin driving in France.
If you fail the driving test, you'll need to wait between two and 45 days before attempting to take it again. There's no limit on the number of times you may retake the driving test, but it's recommended to wait until you are at ease enough to retake the test.
The possession of a driver's license is essential to surviving life in France. If you're an expat and plans on living in France for more than one year, you'll need to get an authorization to legally drive on the country's roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive with their US license even after they reach the one-year mark. This could result in serious accidents or fines.
Fortunately, a few states have a reciprocal agreement with France. Kentucky for instance, allows its citizens the option to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the long and tiring process of passing a written exam and a practical driving exam. Other Americans must, however, to go through a series of hoops in order to obtain their French licenses.
How do you obtain a license?
If you're an expat or a foreigner who has a valid driving licence from a country that has reciprocity agreements with France you can exchange it for a French licence without needing to pass the driving test. But there are a few guidelines you must be aware of. First, you must ensure that your driver's license was issued while you were legally in the country where it was issued. Then, you must fill out an application for the renewal of your license. The form is available on the internet. Select the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence.
Complete your information and select the reason why you need a licence. If you have a licence B you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons, and with the maximum of nine passengers. You can also tow a vehicle less than yours.
The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture in your area. You must fill out all the required information and attach copies your identity documents. Include your passport or another photo ID along with an address proof. You will also need to provide an official medical certificate in the event of a medical need. The licences for the categories A and B last 15 years. The licences for categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.
In some cases, it is possible to get an French license in only a few months. This is particularly true for foreign students studying at an French University. Those not enrolled in a French University can expect to wait for a long time for their license to be granted.
If you are looking to learn how to drive in France it is best to learn how to drive at a school that offers English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving courses in English, but this is not the case everywhere. People who live outside Paris should contact their local prefecture and inquire if there is a driving school that provides lessons in English.
Driving in France
It is crucial to observe the rules of the roads and proper etiquette when driving in France. You must also possess a valid driver's license and third-party liability car insurance in place. Driving lessons with a professional driving instructor is a great way to learn the rules and language of the road. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and is fuelled prior to your trip. You should also be aware of the various speeds on different types of French roads.
In France, traffic laws are strictly followed. The French have a point system that punishes traffic violations. New drivers start off with six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary period ends. If you are ticketed for a traffic violation, your points are withdrawn. The amount of fine is determined by the type of the violation.
The theory test is the first step towards getting the French driving license. This exam consists of 40 questions that cover the rules of the road and traffic safety. The practical portion of the test is the second step. It requires a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, it is required to wait a year before attempting again.
You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a French driver's licence and have medical examination. Those who have health or disability issues must undergo an exam for medical reasons.
If you are from a country outside of the EU or EEA you will require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. An IDP includes a picture of the driver as well as a translation of their driving license in a dozen languages. You can get it at the airport or a car rental company.
Driving in France isn't easy, but you can safely drive in France with a foreign license as long as your IDP. It is crucial to know the driving laws in France and to take some lessons before you attempt to drive by yourself.