Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you're planning to drive in France, the first step is obtaining the French driver's license. This can be done online via the ANTS site.
The B license permits the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles and people carriers.
Driver's license test
No matter if you're an EU driver or not the process of obtaining your driving license in France will require passing a written test (code de la route) and a practical test. In certain instances you might need to complete additional driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also enroll in an driving school that will schedule and train you. There are no limitations on the number of times you are able to take the test and it's only EUR30 per time.
You can also take the test as an independent candidate, but this option is only applicable for people with 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 at one of the special sessions for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the driving test in the practical you must achieve an at-least 20 points and have no exclusionary error. You won't be told whether you passed or failed the practical driving test by the examiner. However you can verify the results online 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. You can download the digital version of your permit once you have confirmed your passing. You can then buy your physical French driving license online on the France Titres order your driver's license page.
A new driving licence in France is valid for five years. After five years, you will have to renew your driving licence by making a new application to the prefecture. You'll have to bring your driving licence from the past as well as a passport photo and a French address. You can also apply for a brand Licencefrancexpress.Com new driving licence if you wish to add a different category of vehicle or change the name on your current licence. But, you must have lived in France for at least six months to be eligible. You must also be covered by a current health insurance policy that provides third-party liability protection for vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licence
If you're moving to France and already have a driver's licence from your home country, there are a few 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 it's still valid. You'll need to pass the French driving test if you do not. The process can take up to a year or two however it appears to be moving more quickly since the application is available online.
If your foreign licence is from a country 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 prior to 2013, you can drive with it in France. You must first purchase third-party liability insurance before you are permitted to drive. These licenses are also known as "permis de driving". They look like credit cards and include your personal details as well as which vehicles you are able to drive.
Additionally, you should not have any outstanding fines or traffic convictions on your license. You must also be over the legal age for driving in your country. There are additional requirements that you have to satisfy, like the fact that your driving license was issued prior to your arrival in France. The driving license must be in your own name and in your native language, or it can be accompanied by a translation. It must be valid in the country where you reside and must have been issued before the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France begin with six points on their driving licences. They can get up to 12 points. You could be fined for each offense, or lose points from your license. Your license could be suspended according to the number of points you've earned. If you intend to stay in France for a prolonged period of time, you should learn how to drive.
Learning to drive in France
If you're moving to France and are looking to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving class or do the entire process on your own. Regardless of which option you pick, it will involve some significant hurdles to get through. The wait to get your license in France could be as long as 3 months due to a shortage in driving examiners. However the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practice test that is offered in the UK.
The first thing you'll need pass is a 'highway code test", also known as a 'lecode'. This is a lengthy test that should take at least a couple of months to complete, 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 the code of the road and sitting lots of 'mock tests. Once you are confident, you are able to take the actual test.
The next step is to do a few hours of accompanied driving with a skilled driver. This is known as conduite supervisee in France and you'll have to be registered with a prefecture in order to be approved as conduite supervisee. Apparently you will need to do at least 20 hours before you are able to consider taking the practical test.
Another aspect of accompanied driving is that you be required to keep a log of all the trips you make. This is intended to ensure that you're not just going to school and returning each day (that will count for 3000 miles, but it isn't going to get you anywhere!) The journey must be varied, which means driving in your village each day for the entire year may not be enough. If you commit a big offense like drinking or speeding, you'll face a fine and lose points from your French driver's license.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the left lane is only for cars passing by, not for driving at a snail's pace in. If you're on dual carriageways and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to be pulled over by policemen from France. French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you plan to drive in France. This license permits drivers to drive cars up to 3.5 tons. It also allows you to drive vehicles with fewer than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of the issue. You may be required to undergo a medical examination to renew your license based on your age or vehicle category.
You will also need a third-party liability insurance policy for your vehicle. The policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an incident or theft. It is also essential to keep your driving license, insurance documents and car registration documents at all times. In some cases you may also need to carry your passport.
It's not difficult to buy and insure your car in France. It can be simple and straightforward, particularly when you hold an international driving license from an EU/EFTA country. This is due to the fact that some states have reciprocal agreements with France, which makes the process even simpler.
A French driving licence (permis de driving) is a legal document that lists your personal details as well as the type of vehicle you're allowed to drive, and the date of the issue and expiration date. It is also used as a proof of identity in most places. It's a pink plastic credit card-sized credit card.
It's crucial to know that if your French permit is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. You can report it on the ANTS website. Then, you will receive 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 points.