The Most Common French Driving License Debate Isn't As Black And White As You Might Think

How to Get a French Driving License It is essential to know the driving regulations of France before you can drive. You should also know the requirements to obtain a driving licence. It can take anything from a few weeks to a couple of months to get your French driving license. It's a pink credit card format and valid for 15 years. Rules of the Road With its swathes of stunning countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road excursions. To avoid problems with the police, it's essential to know the rules of driving. It is vital to have a valid driving licence and insurance documents with you at all time. A driving permit is essential to travel. Traffic in France is a bit slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians on streets. It is therefore important to drive with caution and keep an eye out for drivers who turn left in front you. Also, it is not advisable to drive after having consumed alcohol. You could be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your driving licence If you are caught driving while under the under the influence. In France it is against the law to use your mobile phone while driving. You are only able to make phone calls hands-free if your helmet has an integrated headset. You can also be punished for texting or talking while driving if stopped by police officers. Also, you must wear a seat belt in both the front and back seats. If you have children in your car younger than 10 years old, they must sit in the rear of the vehicle and be secured using the child seat or seat belt. Additionally, you should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by the law and will be checked in the event of a stop for any reason. It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. For instance, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. There are also tolls for driving on these roads that you can pay with cash or a credit card. Prioritize a right is the most important rule to follow in France. This means that any vehicle approaching from your right will be given priority. This is the case even if the vehicle is connecting to a busy highway through a small village road. This is particularly important when driving on country roads where it is commonplace for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road. Passing the test After you've passed the written test and passed the written test, you can now take the practical driving test. This is a more difficult part than the theory test and you will require a lot of practice before you pass. It's essential to find a driving school that offers plenty of behind-the-wheel lessons before taking the test. Also, make sure you have at least third-party liability car insurance before attempting to drive in France. Sign up for the written test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) and an ID photo. In contrast to American passport photographs, French driving license photos must be full-face and in color. If you're not a native English speaker you can request a translator for your exam. Permis Cepc must request this at least two days prior to your test. After passing the driving test, you will be issued an CEPC which is your driver's licence exam certificate. You'll have to show this to your local prefecture whenever you apply for the French license. Then, you can begin 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 recommended to wait until you feel at ease enough to retake the test. A driving license is a necessity for living in France. If you're an expat who intends to stay in France for more than a year, then you'll need to get an authorization to legally drive on the country's roads. While some Americans decide to disregard this obligation and continue to drive with their US license after the one-year mark, doing so could lead to serious accidents and fines. Luckily, some states have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky for instance, allows its citizens the option to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the long and tiring process of passing a written exam as well as a practical driving test. Some Americans need to go through a long process to obtain their French licenses. How do I obtain a license If you are an expat or a foreign citizen that has a valid driver's licence from the country with which France has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange your licence to a French one without having to take the driving test. However, there are certain guidelines you must be aware of. Make sure you have a valid driver's licence. Then, you need to submit an application to obtain a new licence. The form can be found on the internet. Choose the option of renewal of the title (driver's license renewal) and then click Etape next step (next step). Fill in your details and select the reason you require a licence. If you're a licensed driver B, for instance you are able to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons in weight and that have a capacity of nine or less. You can also choose to haul a trailer not heavier than the vehicle you're driving. The next step is to submit your application to the prefecture in your region. You must fill out all the required information and include copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport or another photo ID along with a proof of address. Also, you will be required to submit medical certificates should you require it. The licences for the categories A and B are valid for 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for five years. In certain cases the need for the French license can be obtained in just a few months. This is particularly applicable to foreign students enrolled at an French university. Students who aren't enrolled at an French university will have to wait much longer for their license to be granted. If you are looking to learn to drive in France it is best to learn how to drive at a school that offers English. The majority of schools in Paris offer driving lessons in English, but this is not the case everywhere. If you live outside of the capital, contact your local prefecture to inquire 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. A valid driver's licence and third-party insurance for cars are required. It's a great opportunity to understand the rules of the road and the language by having driving lessons with a professional instructor. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and is fuelled prior to your trip. Be aware of different speed limits for different types of French roads. In France traffic laws are rigorously enforced. The French have a point system for traffic violations that is penalized. New drivers begin with six points, and must earn twelve points before their probationary phase is over. In the event that you receive a traffic ticket, your points will be withdrawn and the amount of fine will be different according to the type of the violation. The first step to obtain the French driver's license is passing the theory test. The test consists of 40 questions regarding the rules of driving and traffic safety. The second phase is the practical portion of the test. It involves a minimum of 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, you must wait a year before trying again. To obtain Permis Cepc driving license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination. People with disabilities or health issues must undergo a specific medical examination. If you're from a non-EU or EEA country, you will need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. The IDP includes a driver's photo and an English translation of their driving licence. It is available at the airport, or from a car rental company. Driving in France isn't easy however, it is possible to drive there safely with a foreign license, provided you have an IDP. It is crucial to know the driving regulations in France and take some lessons before attempting to drive by yourself.