Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you plan to drive in France the first step is obtaining an French driver's license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.
The B license allows you to drive vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger cars as well as people carriers.
Exam for driver's license
You will need to pass a written exam known as the code de la route (road code) as well as a practical driving test in order to get your driving license in France. In certain situations, you may need to complete additional driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also choose to go to a driver's academy that will take care of the training and scheduling for you. There are no limits on how many times you can take the test, and it costs EUR30 per time.
You can also sit for the test as an independent candidate. However, this option is only available to those who hold 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 for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
You must get at least 20 points to pass the practical driving test. There are no elimination mistakes. The examiner won't tell you right away if you passed or failed, however, you can verify your results online on the secure Routiere website within 48 hours of passing the test with your number from the NEPH. You can download the digital version of your permit once you've confirmed your success. The France Titres page for ordering your French driving license will allow you to buy your physical French license online.
In France the new driving license is valid for five years. After five years, you will have to renew your driving licence by applying for a new one with the prefecture. You'll have to bring your previous driving licence along with the passport photo and address in France. You can also apply for an additional licence if you are looking to add a new category of vehicle or alter 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 vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licence
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 if there is an agreement of reciprocity between France and your home country, and it is still valid. In other cases, you'll need to take an French driving test and pass it. The process can take a year or two however it appears to be moving more quickly now that the application is available online.
If you hold an international license from a country which is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you may use it to drive in France. However you must purchase third-party liability car insurance before you are allowed to drive. These kinds of licenses are referred to as "Permis D de conduct." They're the size and shape like a credit card and they list your personal details, and the cars you're permitted to drive.
You must also be over the legal driving age in the country you are from. You must also be over the legal driving age of your country. There are other requirements that you must meet. For example your licence must have been issued before 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 be valid prior to the date you receive your visa or residence permit.
In France the new drivers begin with six points. They can earn a maximum of twelve points. You could be fined for each offense, or lose points from your license. Your license could be revoked depending on the amount of points you have. If you're going to be in France for a long period, you should take the time to learn to drive here.
Learning to drive in France
If you're planning to move to France and would like to learn to drive, you could enroll in a driving class or learn the process on your own. Whichever option you pick there are many obstacles to overcome. The process for getting your license in France can be up to 3 months long because of a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is similar to the two-part theory and practice exam taken in the UK.
One of the first things you'll need to pass is the "highway code" test, or 'le code' for short. This is a lengthy test which will take at least a couple of months to complete. Do not take it lightly, or your French driver could be able to give you a slap. This stage is essentially learning the code of the road and taking a lot of'mock' tests. When you feel confident, you can take the actual test.
The next step is to perform some time in a supervised driving with a professional driver. This is called conduite supervisee in France and you will need to be registered with a prefecture in order to be certified as such. It is believed that you must do at minimum 20 hours of this before you even consider taking the practical test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you will be required to keep a log of every journey you make. This is to ensure that you're not just going to school and back each day (that will count for 3000 kilometres, but isn't going to get you anywhere!) These trips also need to be diverse, which means driving around your community for a whole year may not cut it. If you commit a major offense like drinking or speeding, you'll face a fine and lose points from your French driver's licence.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the left lane is for cars that are passing, not to drive at a snail's pace in. If you're on a dual carriageway and driving slow in the left lane, you're likely to be stopped by an French traffic policeman, so be ready.
Insurance
If you plan to drive in France you'll require a French B driving license. This permit allows drivers to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons. It also enables you to drive 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 or category of vehicle.
You will also require a policy of third-party liability for your vehicle. This policy will cover your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. You should also keep your driving license, insurance documents and car registration documents at all times. In some instances, you will need to have your passport with you, too.
Buying and insuring your car in France isn't easy but it doesn't have to be. In fact, it can be simple and easy, especially in the event that you already have a driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. Certain states have reciprocal agreements which make the process easier.
A French driving licence (permis de driving) is an official document that contains your personal details as well as the type of vehicle you're permitted to drive, and the date of issue and expiry date. In many places, it also serves as an official identification. It's a pink credit card-sized plastic card.
You must notify the authorities of your French permit immediately if you lose it or stolen. You can report it by going to the ANTS site. You'll receive an interim permit that's valid for two months. If you've committed an offense, you will get an amount of money or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.