Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you plan to drive in France the first step is to obtain a French driver's license. This is done online on the ANTS website.
The B license allows the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and can accommodate up to 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles and people carriers.
Driver's license test
Whether you're an EU driver or not the process of obtaining your driving license in France requires passing an exam written (code de la route) and a practical test. In certain instances, you may need to complete additional driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also attend an driving school that will schedule and train you. The exam can be taken multiple times as you'd like however, it will cost EUR30 per session.
You can also take the code exam as an independent candidate, however, this option is only valid for drivers with a valid driver's licence from their country of origin that has been 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 at one of the special sessions for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
You must score at least 20 points to pass the driving test in a practical manner. There is no possibility of elimination errors. The examiner will not tell you immediately if you've passed or failed the test, but you can check your results online on the secure Routiere website within 48 hours of passing the test with your NEPH number. You can download the digital version of your permit after you've verified your passing. You can then order your physical French driving license online through the France Titres purchase your driver's license webpage.
A new driving licence in France 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 as well as a passport photo and an address in France. You may also apply for an additional licence if you want to add another category of vehicle or change the name of your current driving licence. To be eligible you must be living in France for at least six months. You must also hold an insurance policy valid for health which includes third-party coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licenses
If you're moving to France and already possess a driver's license from your home country, there are a few conditions you have to satisfy. You can only exchange a license in the event of an agreement of reciprocity between France and your home country, and the license is still valid. If not, you'll need take the French driving test and pass it. The process can take a year or two however it appears to be moving much more quickly now that the application is online.
If your foreign licence is from a nation 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 can drive with it in France. However you must get third-party liability insurance on your car before you are allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de driving". They resemble credit cards and include your personal information and the vehicles you are able to drive.
You must also be above the legal age for driving in the country you are from. You must also be over the legal age for driving in your country. There are additional requirements you have to meet. For example, your license must have been issued before you arrived in 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 must be valid prior to the start date of your residence permit or visa.
In France the new drivers begin with six points. The maximum amount of points they can receive is twelve. You can get a fine for each offense or lose points from your license. Depending on the number of points you have, your licence could be suspended for a specified period of time. If you're going to be 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 planning to move to France and are looking to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving school or do the entire process on your own. Whichever option you choose it will be a long process with difficult hurdles to cross. The process to obtain your license in France can take up to 3 months long due to a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory and practical exam taken in the UK.
One of the first things you'll must pass is the 'highway code' test, or 'le code' for short. This is a comprehensive exam that will take you at least two months to complete. Don't rush through it or your French driver may be able to give you a slap. This stage is essentially learning the highway code and completing a number of'mock tests. Once you're confident, you can go for the real thing.
The next step is to complete a few hours of accompanied drive with an experienced driver. In France it is known as conduite supervisee and you must register with the prefecture to be approved. You will need to complete at least 20 hours prior to being even allowed to take the practical test.
You'll also need to keep a record of all your travels. This is designed to ensure that you're not just going to school and back every day (that would count for 3000 kilometres, but will not get you very far!) The route must be varied, meaning that driving around your village every day throughout the year may not be enough. You'll be fined and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offense like drunk driving or speeding.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the left lane is reserved for cars passing by, not for driving slowly in. Be prepared to be pulled over if you are driving slowly in the left lane on a dual carriageway.
Insurance
You will need to have a French B license if you are planning to drive in France. This license permits drivers to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tons. It also enables you to operate vehicles with 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 and the category of vehicle you drive.
You'll also require an insurance policy for third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect you in the event of an accident, or theft. You must also carry your driving licence, insurance documents and car registration papers at all times. In some cases you'll need to have your passport with you at all times.
It's not impossible to buy and insure your car in France. It's easy and easy, especially in the case of an international driving licence from an EU/EFTA country. Certain states have reciprocal agreements which simplify the process.
The French driving license (prix du Permis de Conduire 2024 - licencefrancexpress.com, d'conduire) is a document that contains your personal information, along with the type and date of expiry of the vehicle that you are permitted to drive. In many places it's also used as an official identification. It is an attractive pink plastic card that is about the size of a credit card.
You must notify the authorities of your French permit immediately if it's lost or stolen. You can do this online through the ANTS website. You'll then be issued a temporary permit that's valid for two months. In addition, if you've committed an offense you'll be assessed an amount of money or have points removed from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.