Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step to driving in France is to obtain the French license. This is done online via the ANTS website.
The B license permits you to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and with an maximum of nine seats. This includes standard passenger cars and people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written exam known as the code de la route (road code), and a practical driving test in order to obtain your French driving license. You may be required to attend more driving lessons to prepare for your test. You can also attend an driving school that will teach you. The test can be repeated as many times as you like however it costs EUR30 per session.
You may also take the exam as an independent candidate. However this option is only available to those who possess a driver's licence from their country of origin 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 designed for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the practical driving test you must achieve at least 20 points and no eliminatory error. It is not possible to tell if you have passed or failed the practical driving test by the examiner. However, you can check the results online within 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. Once you've confirmed your success you can download a digital copy of the permit. The France Titres page to order your French driving license allows you to purchase your physical French license online.
A new driver's license in France is valid for five years. After permis b1 , you'll need to renew your driving licence by making a new application to the prefecture. You'll be required to bring your original driving licence, as well as the passport photo and address in France. You may also apply for the renewal of your licence if want to add another category of vehicle or alter the name on your existing driving licence. To be eligible, you must have been living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also have a valid health insurance policy that includes third-party liability protection for vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's license
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 be able to meet. You are able to exchange a licence only when there's an agreement to reciprocate between France and your home country, and it's still valid. Otherwise, you'll have to take an French driving test and be able to pass it. The process could take up to a year or two, but it seems to be moving much more quickly since the application is online.
If you have an international license issued by an country that 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 are able to use it to drive in France. However you must get third-party liability car insurance prior to the time you can drive. These licenses are referred to as "permis de driving". They look like credit cards and include your personal information and the vehicles you are able to drive.
In addition, you must not have any outstanding traffic convictions or fines on your license. You must also be over the legal age for driving in your country. Additionally, there are other 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 name and in your home language, or be accompanied by the translation. It must be valid in the country where you reside and been issued prior to the expiration date of your residence permit or visa.
New drivers in France start with six points on their driving licences. The maximum amount of points they can receive is twelve. Every time you make a mistake, you can either get an amount of money or have points taken off your license. Your license could be suspended dependent on the amount of points you've accrued. If you're planning to stay in France for a long period and you're planning to drive, it's worth the time to learn to drive in France.
Learn to drive in France
If you're moving to France and are looking to learn how to drive, you could enroll in a driving class or learn the entire process on your own. No matter which option you choose, there will be a lot of hurdles to get through. Getting your license in France will take a significant amount of time with waiting times of up to three months due to a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is similar to the two-part theory exam and practical exam taken in the UK.
One of the first things you will need to pass is the "highway code" test, or 'le code' for short. This is a comprehensive exam that should take at the very least two months to complete. Do not rush through it, or your French driver might take you to court. This is basically learning about the highway code and sitting lots of 'mock tests. Once you are confident, you are able to take the real test.
The next step is to complete an hour of accompanied driving with a professional driver. This is known as conduite supervisee in France and you'll have to sign up with a prefecture before being approved as such. You will need to complete at least 20 hours before you're even permitted to take the practical test.
You'll also need keep a log of all your trips. This is to ensure that you don't simply drive to school and back every day (that is 3000 miles but won't get you far). These journeys also have to be varied, so driving around the village for a whole year may not suffice. If you commit an offense such as driving drunk or speeding you'll face a fine and lose points from your French driver's licence.
The left lane should be used to pass cars and not for driving slowly. Be ready to be stopped in the event of driving too fast in the left-hand lane on dual carriageways.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you are planning on driving in France. This license allows drivers to drive vehicles that weigh 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 issue. You may be required to undergo a medical examination to renew your license based on your age or category of vehicle.
You'll also need the third-party liability insurance for your vehicle. The policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an incident or theft. You should also keep your driving licence along with insurance documents and vehicle registration documents at all times. In certain situations you'll need to have your passport on you, too.
Insuring and purchasing your car in France isn't easy however it doesn't need to be. In fact, it can be easy and painless, especially when you already have a foreign driver's license from an EU or EFTA country. This is due to the fact that some states have reciprocal agreements with France that make the process even easier.
A French driving licence (permis de driving) is a legal document that contains your personal information and the kind of vehicle you are allowed to drive, as well as the date of the issue and expiry date. It also serves as an official ID in most locations. It's a pink plastic credit card-sized cards.
It's crucial to know that when your French permit is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately. This can be done by going to the ANTS site. Then, you will receive an interim license that is valid for two months. If you have committed an offence, you could also be fined or removed from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.