Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you're planning to drive in France, the first step is to obtain the French driver's license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.
The B license allows you to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles and people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written exam called the code de la route (road code) and a driving test in order to obtain your French driving license. In certain instances, you may need to take additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also enroll in a driver's training program that will handle the training and scheduling for you. There are no restrictions to the number of times you can sit for the exam and it's only EUR30 each time.
You may also sit for the test as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to people who possess a driver's licence from their home country 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 in the practical, you must have a minimum score of 20 points, and there must be no elimination fault. The examiner will not tell you right away if you've passed or failed the test, however, you can verify your results online at the securite Routiere website for 48 hours following the test with your number from the NEPH. After you've confirmed your pass or fail, you can download a digital copy the permit. You can then buy your physical French driving license online on the France Titres order the driver's license page.
In France, a new driver's license is valid for a period of five years. After that, you'll need to renew it by filing an application for a fresh one with the prefecture. You'll need to bring your old driving licence, as well as a passport photograph and an address in France. You can also apply for an additional licence if you would like to add a different category of vehicle or alter the name of your current driving licence. To be eligible to apply, you must have living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also have a current health insurance policy that includes third-party liability protection for vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licence
There are certain conditions you must meet if you're moving from your home country to France with an active driver's license. You can only exchange a license when there's an agreement of reciprocity between France and your home country, and it is still valid. You'll have to pass a French driving exam in case you do not. The application process could take as long as two years however now that it is online, it appears to be moving faster.
If your license is from a country that is part of the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or in the case of a British or Northern Irish license that was issued before 2013, you are able to use it in France. You must first purchase third-party liability insurance before being allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de driving". They look similar to a credit card and list your personal information as well as which vehicles you are able to drive.
You must also be over the legal age for driving in the country of your origin. You must also be over the legal driving age of your country. Then, there are other requirements you must be able to meet, for instance the fact that your license was issued prior to the time you arrived in France. The driving license must be issued 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 must have been acquired prior to the date of commencement of your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France begin with six points on their driving licences. The maximum amount of points they can receive is twelve. If you commit an offense you can be assessed a fine or have points taken off your licence. Your license could be suspended dependent on the amount of points you have. If you plan to remain in France for a prolonged period of time, it's worth learning how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
You can take a driving school or learn to drive on your own if you are planning to move to France. Whichever option you pick it will require some difficult hurdles to cross. Getting your license in France will take a considerable amount of time and waiting times are of up to three months due to the shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practical exam that is taken in the UK.
The first thing you'll have to do is pass the 'highway code test"lecode" or a similar test. It is a thorough test that should take at least a couple of months to be completed, so don't try 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 about the highway code and completing a number of'mock tests. Then when you're confident enough you're ready to take on the real thing.
The next step is to do a few hours of accompanied by a knowledgeable driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you'll need to be registered with a prefecture to be approved as conduite supervisee. You must pass at least 20 hours before you're even permitted to take the test.
You will also have keep a log of all your trips. This is to ensure that you don't simply go to school and home every day (that would be 3000 km but will not get you anywhere). The route must be varied, so driving around your village every day throughout the year might not be enough. You will be fined and lose points on your French driving licence if you commit a serious offence, such as drunken driving or speeding.
The left lane should be used for passing cars and not for speeding. If you're on a dual carriageway and driving slowly in the left lane you will probably get stopped by a French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
If you plan to drive in France, you will need a French B driving license. This license permits drivers to drive cars up to 3.5 tons. This permit also allows you to drive vehicles that have less than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. You may be required to take an exam for medical reasons to keep your license, depending on your age and vehicle category.
You'll also require a third-party liability insurance policy for your vehicle. This policy will cover you in the case of an accident or theft. You should also keep your driving licence, insurance documents and car registration papers at all times. In some instances you'll need to have your passport on you, too.
It's not difficult to purchase and insure your car in France. In fact, it can be simple and easy, especially when you already have a foreign driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. This is because some states have reciprocal agreements with France that make the process much easier.
The French driving license (cerfa Permis De Conduire d'conduire) is an official document that contains your personal information, as well as the type and date of expiry of the vehicle that you are permitted to drive. It also serves as an official ID in a majority of places. It's a pink plastic ID card that is about the size of credit cards.
It's important to know that if you're French permit is stolen or lost you must notify the police immediately. You can report it online via the ANTS website. You'll receive temporary permits that are valid for two months. If you've committed an offence, you could be fined or lose points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.