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 is done online via the ANTS website.
The B license permits you to drive vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger cars and people carriers.
Driver's license test
You must pass a written test called the code de la route (road code) as well as a practical driving test in order to get your French driving license. In certain instances, you may need to spend additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also attend an instructor at a driving school who will prepare and teach you. The exam can be repeated as many times as you want, but it costs EUR30 per time.
You can also sit for the test as an independent candidate. However this option is only available to candidates who have a driver's license 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 designed for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
You must get at least 20 points to pass the practical driving test. There is no possibility of elimination errors. You won't be told if you have passed or failed the test by the examiner. However, you can check the results online 48 days after passing the test by using your NEPH. After you've confirmed your pass or fail you can download a digital copy of the permit. You can then buy your physical French driving license online on the France Titres purchase your driver's license page.
A new driving license 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'll have to bring your previous driving licence, along with the passport photo and address in France. You may also apply for a brand new driving licence if you want to add a new category of vehicle, or alter the name of your current licence. To be eligible to apply, you must have living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also hold an insurance policy for health which includes third-party coverage for vehicles.
Exchange of driving licenses from abroad
If you're planning to move to France and already possess a driver's license from your home country, there are some conditions you have to satisfy. For instance you are able to exchange your licence only if your country has a reciprocal arrangement with France and if it's still valid. Otherwise, you'll have to take the French driving test and pass it. The process can take a year or two however, it appears to be moving more quickly since the application is online.
If you hold a foreign license from an country that is a member of EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or if your British or Northern Irish licence was issued prior to 2013, then you may use it to drive in France. You must first purchase third-party liability insurance prior to being permitted to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de conduire International de driving". They resemble an credit card and contain your personal details as well as which vehicles you are able to drive.
In addition, you must not have outstanding fines or traffic convictions on your license. You must also be older than the legal driving age of your country. There are additional requirements you must meet, such as the fact that your driving license was issued prior to the time you arrived in France. The driving license must be issued in your name and in your home language, or be accompanied by the translation. It must also be valid in the country of residence and must have been acquired prior to the date you receive your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France start with six points on their driving licences. The maximum amount of points they can receive is twelve. You can get a fine for each violation or lose points from your license. Your license may be suspended depending on the number of points you've earned. If you intend to remain in France for a long period of time, you should learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
If you're moving to France and want to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving class or do the process on your own. Whatever option you choose it will be a long process with serious hoops to jump through. The process for getting your license in France can take up to 3 months because of a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practical exam that is taken in the UK.
One of the first things you will need to pass is the highway code test, also known as "le code" for short. This is a lengthy test that should take at least a few 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 that we can tell from personal experiences). This is the time to learn the code of conduct for highways, and taking lots of'mock tests'. When you're confident enough, you can go for the real test.
The next step is to perform some time in a supervised by a knowledgeable driver. In France it is known as conduite supervisee. You must register with the prefecture in order to be able to get approval. You must pass at minimum 20 hours prior to being even permitted to take the practical test.
Another aspect of accompanied driving is that you will be required to keep a log of all the journeys you make. This is to ensure that you don't simply drive to school and back every day (that would be 3000 kilometers but won't get you far). The journeys must be varied, so driving around your community for a year might not cut it. If you commit a major offense such as driving drunk or speeding you'll be fined and lose points off your French driver's license.
The left lane should be used for passing cars and not for driving slowly. Be prepared to be pulled over if you are driving slowly in the left-hand lane on dual carriageways.
Insurance
If you intend to drive in France, you will need a French B driving license. This license allows you to drive vehicles not heavier than 3.5 tons. This permit also allows you to drive vehicles with less 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 vehicle type.
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. In addition, you must keep your driving license, insurance documents, and car registration papers with you at all times. In some instances you'll need to carry your passport with you, too.
It's not difficult to purchase and insure your car in France. In fact, it can be simple and easy, especially if you already have a foreign driver's license issued by an EU or EFTA country. Some states have reciprocal agreements that facilitate the process.
The French driving license (permis 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 allowed to drive. It also serves as an official ID in most places. It's an oversized pink plastic credit card credit card.
It's crucial to know that when your French permit is lost or stolen you must notify the police immediately. This can be done by going to the ANTS site. You'll then be issued an interim permit that's valid for two months. In addition, if you've committed an offense you'll be assessed a fine or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.