It is crucial to understand the driving laws of France before you begin driving. You should also be aware of the license requirements.
Depending on the prefecture, it could take a few weeks or a few months to get your French driving license. 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. But, it is essential to understand the rules of the road to avoid getting into trouble with the police. It is essential to carry an active driving licence and insurance papers with you at all at all times. An international driving permit (IDP) is also beneficial to make it easier for you to travel.
The traffic in France is slower and there are many more pedestrians. It is therefore important to drive defensively, and watch out for drivers who turn left in front of you. It is also not advised to drive after having consumed alcohol. You can be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your driving licence when you are found driving while under the influence.
In France it is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. It is only possible to make hands-free phone calls if your helmet has an integrated headset. If you are stopped by police, you can be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. In addition, you have to wear a seat belt in both the front and rear seats. If you have children under 10 years old in your car, they must be sitting in the back of the vehicle and secured with the use of a seat belt or an approved child seat.
It is also essential to keep a copy of your passport at all times. This is required by law and will be checked by the police if you are stopped for any reason.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the speed limits on French roads differ by kind of road. Autoroutes for instance, have a higher limit of speed than other roads. You can pay the tolls with cash or credit card.
Priorite a droite is the most important rule to adhere to in France. This means that any vehicle approaching from your right gets priority. This is true even if they are joining the busy highway from a tiny village track. This is particularly important on country lanes that are narrow where cars frequently pass each other in middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've passed your written test, you're now ready to take the practical driving test. This is a much more difficult portion than the theory test, and you'll require a lot of practice before you pass. It's important to locate a driving school that offers plenty of behind-the-wheel instruction prior to taking the test. You should also make sure you have at minimum third-party liability car insurance before driving in France.
You can register for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH number (your application number) along with an ID photo. Unlike American passport photos, French driving license photos must be in full-face color. You can request a translator if you are not a native English speaker. You should request this at the very least two days before your test.
After passing the driving test, cerfa permis De conduire you'll receive a CEPC, which is your driver's license examination certificate. This is what you'll have to show to your local prefecture in order to apply for an French driving license. You'll then be able to drive in France.
If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five days for you to take the test again. There's no limit on the number of times you can retake the driving test however, it's advised to wait until you're at ease enough to retake the test.
A driver's license is a must to survive life in France. If you plan to live in France for longer than a year, you'll require a driving license before you can drive on French roads. Some Americans disregard this requirement and continue to drive with their US license after the one year mark. This could lead to serious accidents or fines.
Fortunately there are a few states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky allows its citizens the option to exchange their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the lengthy and exhausting process of passing a written test and a practical driving exam. Other Americans must, however, to jump through a lot of hoops in order to obtain their French licenses.
How do you 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 needing to pass the driving test. There are some rules you should know. First, ensure that your driver's license was issued while you were legally living in the country where it was issued. Then, you need to submit an application to obtain new license. The form is available online. Select the option d'un renouvellement of the title (driver's license renewal) Then click Etape suivante (next step).
Choose the reason why you require the license and fill in your driver's details. If you're a licensed driver B, for instance you are able to drive vehicles up to 3,5 tons in weight and seat nine people or less. You can also choose to tow a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you are driving.
The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture that is in your area. You must fill in all the required information, and include copies of your identity documents. Make sure that you include your passport, or any other photo ID along with the proof of address. Also, you will be required to submit a medical certificate, if necessary. The licences for the categories A and B last for 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.
In some cases, a French license can be obtained in just a few months. This is especially true for foreign students studying at a French University. Those who are not enrolled at a French university can expect to wait longer for their license to be granted.
Those who want to learn to drive in France ought to consider taking a driving lesson with a school that teaches English. Many schools in Paris offer English courses however, not all. If you are not in the capital, contact your local prefecture to inquire whether a driving school provides lessons in English.
Driving in France
It is essential to adhere to the rules of the road and to follow the correct etiquette while driving in France. A valid driver's license as well as third-party car insurance are required. Learning to drive with an experienced driving instructor is an excellent way to learn the rules and language of the road. In addition, you should ensure that your vehicle is maintained and properly fuelled before you begin your trip. You should also be aware of different speeds on different types of French roads.
In France, traffic laws are strictly adhered to. The French use a point-based system to penalize traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points, and must earn 12 points before their probationary period is over. If you are cited for a traffic violation your points will be taken away and the fine will vary according to the type of the offense.
The theory test is the initial step to obtaining an French driving license. The test consists of 40 questions on the rules of driving and traffic safety. The practical portion of the test is the next step. This involves at least 20 hours of driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, it's mandatory to wait for a year before attempting again.
You must be at minimum 18 years old in order to be eligible for an French driver's licence and have a medical exam. Those with disabilities or health problems are required to undergo a special medical exam.
If you're from an EU or non-EU EEA country, you will need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. An IDP contains a photo of the driver as well as the translation of their driving licence in a dozen languages. It can be obtained at the airport, or from a car rental company.
Driving in France is challenging, but you can drive safely there with a foreign driver's license as long as your IDP. It is important to be aware of the driving laws in France and to take a few lessons before attempting to drive on your own.
