Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you plan to drive in France, the first step is to obtain an French driver's license. This can be done online via the ANTS website.
The B license permits you to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes and with the capacity of up to nine seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
Whether you're an EU driver or not, the process of getting your driving license in France requires passing a written test (code de la route) and a practical test. In certain instances you might need to spend additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also choose to go to a driver's academy, which will take care of the scheduling and training for you. The test can be taken multiple times as you'd like, but it costs EUR30 per time.
You may also take the code exam as an independent candidate however this option is only available for those who have a driver's licence from their home country 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 take the test at one of the special sessions (examen ETG spécifique) for non-French speaking candidates.
You must attain a minimum score of 20 points to pass the driving test in a practical manner. There are no elimination mistakes. You will not be told if you have passed or failed the test by the examiner. However, permis b1 can check the results online within 48 hours after your test using your NEPH. Once you've confirmed your success you can download a copy of the permit. You can then buy your physical French driving license online at the France Titres order your driver's license page.
A new driving licence in France is valid for five years. After that, you'll need to renew it by filing an application for a new one with the prefecture. You'll be required to bring along your driving licence from the past along with a passport photo and a French address. You can apply for a new driving licence if your intention is to add a new category of vehicle, or alter your name on your current licence. To be eligible you must be living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also have an insurance policy for health that covers third-party insurance for vehicles.
Exchange of foreign driver's licence
There are certain conditions you must satisfy if you're moving from your home country to France with valid driver's license. You can only exchange your license when there's an agreement of reciprocity between France and your home country, and it is still valid. You'll need to pass the French driving exam in case you do not. The process could take a few years or more, but it seems to be moving much more quickly now that the application is available online.
If your licence comes 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. However you must get third-party liability car insurance prior to the time you can drive. These types of licences are called "permis de conduire." They have the shape and size of a credit card, and include your personal information, as well as the vehicles you're allowed to drive.
You must also be over the legal age to drive in your country of origin. 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 licence was issued before you arrived in France. The driving license must be issued in your name, written in your native language or accompanied by an official translation. It must be valid in the country where you reside and must have been issued prior to the expiration date of your residence permit or visa.
In France, new drivers start with six points. The maximum number of points they can receive is twelve. You can get a fine for each offense or lose points from your license. Your license may be suspended according to the amount of points you've earned. If you intend to stay in France for a prolonged period of time, you should learn how to drive.
Learn to drive in France
If you're planning to move to France and want to learn how to drive, you can either enroll in a driving school or learn the whole process yourself. Whichever option you choose, there will be many hurdles to get through. The process to obtain your license in France could be as long as three months because of a shortage of driving examiners. However, the actual test is similar to the two-part theory exam and practical exam that is taken in the UK.
One of the first things you will have to do is pass the highway code test, also known as "le code" for short. This is a lengthy test that should take at the very least two months to complete. Do not hurry through it, or your French driver could give you the finger. This phase involves learning the rules of the road, and taking lots of'mock tests'. Once you are confident, you can take the actual test.
The next step is to do a few hours of accompanied driving with a professional driver. In France it is known as conduite supervisee. You have to sign up with the prefecture to be able to get approval. You will have to complete at least 20 hours before you are able to consider taking the test.
Another part of the accompanied driving is that you have to keep a log of all the journeys you take. This is to ensure that you are not just going to school and back each day (that could be 3000 miles, but it isn't going to get you anywhere!) The journey must be varied, which means driving in your village every day throughout the year might not be enough. If you commit a big offense like drinking or speeding, you will get a fine and lose points off your French driver's licence.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the left lane is for cars passing by, not for driving slowly in. If you're on the dual carriageway and you drive slowly in the left lane you're likely to be stopped by an French traffic policeman, so be prepared.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you intend on driving in France. This license permits you to drive vehicles not heavier than 3.5 tons. It also permits you to drive vehicles with nine seats or less. The permit is valid 15 years from the date of the issue. You may have to pass a medical exam to maintain your license, based on your age and vehicle type.
You'll also need the third-party liability insurance for your vehicle. The policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. Additionally, you should keep your driving license along with insurance documents and car registration papers on you at all times. In certain situations, you may also require carrying your passport.
It's not impossible to buy and insure your car in France. In fact, it's easy and painless, especially if you already have a foreign driver's license issued by an EU or EFTA country. This is because some states have reciprocal agreements with France, which makes the process even simpler.
The French driving license (permis d'conduire) is an official document that contains your personal information, along with the date and type of the vehicle you are allowed to drive. It also serves as a proof of identity in most locations. It is a pink plastic ID card that's about the size of credit cards.
It is important to be aware that should your French permit is stolen or lost You must report it immediately. This can be done by visiting the ANTS website. You'll then be issued an interim permit that's valid for two months. In addition, if you've committed an offense and are found guilty, you'll face a fine or be stripped of points from your license. The maximum amount is twelve points.