Pay Attention: Watch Out For How French Driving License Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It

How to Get a French Driving License It is essential to know the driving regulations of France before you start driving. You should also be aware of the requirements for a licence. It could take from a few weeks to several months to get your French driving licence. It is issued in the form of a pink credit-card and is valid for 15 years. Rules of the Road With its swathes of stunning countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road trips. To avoid any issues with the police, it's important to be aware of the rules of driving. It is crucial to keep an official driving license and insurance documents at all time. A driving permit is also essential to travel. The traffic in France is much slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians walking the streets. It is therefore important to drive defensively, and keep an eye out for drivers who turn left in front you. It is also not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. If you are found driving under the influence and are penalized up to 135 euros or lose points on your license. In France it is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. You are only able to make calls using hands-free technology when your helmet has an integrated headset. If you are stopped by police, you may be penalized for texting or talking while driving. Also, you must wear a seat belt in both the back and front seats. If you have children in your vehicle younger than 10 years old, they must sit in the back of the vehicle and be secured by the child seat or seat belt. Additionally, you should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by law and will be scrutinized by the police if you are stopped for any reason. It is important to know that speed limits differ on French roads. For example, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay for tolls with cash or credit card. The most important rule in France is to prioritize a straight, which means that any vehicle approaching from your right has the right to use the right of way. This is true even if they are joining an important highway from a tiny village track. This is particularly crucial on narrow country roads, where it is commonplace for cars to pass one other in the middle of the road. Passing the test After you have passed the written exam, it is time to take the practical driving test. This is a more challenging part of the process than the theory test, and you'll need to do a lot of practice before you pass it. It's essential to find a driving school that offers plenty of behind-the-wheel instruction prior to taking the test. Also, make sure you have at the very least third-party liability insurance on your vehicle prior to trying to drive in France. You can sign up for the exam by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH number (your application number) along with the photo ID. Unlike American passport photos, French driving license photos must be full-face and in color. If you're not a native speaker, you can request a translator for your exam. However, Permis Cepc need to make the request at least two days prior to the date of the test. You will be issued a CEPC (certificat of examination de permit de conduire) after you have passed the driving test. This is the document you'll need to show to your local prefecture to apply for a French driving license. You can then start driving in France. If you fail the driving test, you'll need to wait between two and 45 days before you can retake it. There's no limit on the number of times you can take the test again however, it's advised to wait until you feel at ease enough to retake the test. A driver's license is a necessity to live in France. If you intend to stay in France for longer than a year, you will need a driving license before you can drive on French roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive with their US license after the one-year mark. This could result in serious accidents or even fines. Fortunately, a few states have a an agreement of reciprocity with France. Kentucky for instance, allows its citizens to exchange their U.S. drivers' licenses for French ones without undergoing the long, drawn-out procedure of passing a written exam and passing a driving test. Other Americans are required to go through a series of hoops just to obtain their French licenses. How do I obtain a license If you're an expat or a foreigner with an active driving license from a country with reciprocity agreements with France you can exchange it to the French licence without having to pass the driving test. There are a few rules to be aware of. Ensure that you possess a valid driver's licence. You will then need to fill out a new form. You can find the form online. Click on the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence. Select the reason you need the licence and fill in your driver's info. If passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ have a licence B, for example you are able to drive vehicles that are up to 3,5 tons in weight and have a capacity of nine or less. You can also tow a vehicle no heavier than yours. Next, you will need to submit your application to the prefecture of your region. You need to fill in all the required information, and include copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID along with a proof address. If necessary, you will also need to provide an official medical certificate. Licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years while licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for five years. In some instances it is possible to obtain an French licence in just a few months. This is particularly the case for students from abroad who are studying at the French university. Students who are not enrolled at the French University can expect to wait longer for their license to be granted. Anyone who wants to learn how to drive in France ought to consider taking a driving lesson at a school that offers English. The majority of schools in Paris offer driving lessons in English, but it's not the case in all places. If you are not in the capital, contact the local prefecture and ask whether driving schools offer lessons in English. Driving in France When driving in France it is crucial to follow the rules of the road and observe the proper manners of conduct. Also, you should possess a valid driver's licence and third-party liability insurance for your car in place. It is a great way to understand the rules of the road and language by having driving lessons with an experienced instructor. In addition, you should ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and fueled prior to your departure. Also, be aware of different speed limits on various types of French roads. In France traffic laws are strictly enforced. The French utilize a points-based system to punish traffic violations. New drivers start with six points and must earn twelve points before their probationary phase is finished. If you receive a ticket for a traffic infraction, your points are withdrawn. The amount of fine is determined by the category of the violation. The first step in getting a French driver's license is passing the theory test. This exam is made up of 40 questions about the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The second part is the practical part of the exam. This requires a minimum of twenty hours of driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it is mandatory to wait for a year before you can attempt again. For the issuance of a French driving licence you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination. People with disabilities or health issues must undergo a medical exam. If you are from a country outside of the EU or EEA, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. An IDP includes a photograph of the driver and the translation of their driving license in a dozen different languages. You can get it at the airport or a car rental company. Driving in France isn't easy, but you can drive legally with a foreign licence in the event that you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the driving rules and learn a few lessons prior to attempting to drive by yourself.