It is crucial to understand the driving laws of France before you begin driving. It is also important to know the requirements for obtaining a driving license.Depending on the prefecture, it can take a few weeks to a few months to obtain your French driving license. It is 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 any problems with the police, it's essential to know the rules of driving. Always have your driving licence and proof of insurance. An international driving permit (IDP) is an excellent idea to ensure you are able to travel.
The traffic in France is slower and there are more pedestrians. It is therefore essential to drive defensively, and be on the lookout for drivers who make a left turn in front of you. Also, it is not advisable to drive after having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving under the influence you could be fined as much as 135 euros or lose points on your license.
In France it is not legal in France to use your mobile phone while driving. You are allowed to use hands-free calls when wearing a headset that is integrated into your helmet. If you are stopped by the police, you could be penalized for texting or talking while driving. Also, you must wear a seatbelt both in the back and front seats. If you have children under 10 years old in your vehicle, they should be seated in the back and secured with the use of a seat belt or an approved child seat.
It is also essential to carry a copy of your passport at all times. This is a requirement of the law and will be checked if you're stopped for any reason.
It is important to note that speed limits vary on French roads. Autoroutes for instance, have a higher limit of speed than other roads. You can pay the tolls in cash or with a credit card.
Prioritize a straight line is the most important rule to follow in France. This means that any vehicle entering from your right gets priority. This is the case even if the vehicle is connecting to a busy highway via a tiny village road. This is particularly important on narrow country lanes, where cars often are able to pass each other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
Once you've completed the written exam and passed the written test, you can now take the practical driving test. This is a more challenging part of the process than the theory exam, and you'll need lots of practice before you pass it. You should find a driving instructor who will provide you with a variety of behind-the-wheel sessions before the test. Before you can drive in France, you should have at minimum third party liability insurance on your car.
Register for the written test by going to the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) together with an ID photo. In contrast to American passport photos, French driving license photos must be full-face and in color. You can ask for a translator in the event that you are not a native English speaker. However, you need to request this at least two days prior to the date of the test.
You will receive an CEPC (certificat d'examen de permis de conduire) after passing the driving test. This is what you'll have to show to your local prefecture to apply for an French driving license. Then, you can begin driving in France.
If you fail the driving test, you'll have to wait between two and 45 days before you can take it again. The number of times you can take your driving test again is unlimited, but it is recommended to wait until you're ready to do so.
A driver's license is essential to surviving living in France. If you're an ex-pat who plans on living in France for more than a year, you'll need to get an authorization to legally drive on France's roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive with their US license after the one year mark. This could lead to serious accidents or fines.
Fortunately, a few states have a reciprocal agreement with France. Kentucky is one of them. Kentucky allows its citizens to swap their U.S. drivers' licenses for French ones without undergoing the lengthy, lengthy process of taking a written test and passing a driving test. Some Americans have to go through a long process to obtain their French licenses.
Obtaining an authorization
If you're an expat, or a foreigner who has an active driving license from a country with reciprocity agreements with France, you can exchange it for an French licence without having to pass the driving test. There are some guidelines you need to know. Ensure that you possess a valid driver's licence. You will then need to complete a new application. The form can be found online. Select the option for renewal of the title (driver's license renewal) and then click Etape next step (next step).
Fill in your details and choose the reason you require a license. If you are a licensed driver B, you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tonnes and with a maximum of nine passengers. You'll also be able to tow a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you're driving.
Next, you will need to submit your application to the prefecture of your region. You need to fill in all the necessary information and attach copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID as well as an address proof. You will also be required to submit a medical certificate in the event of a medical need. The licenses for categories A and B last for 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.
In some instances, it is possible to obtain an French license in a few months. This is particularly true for foreign students enrolled in a French university. Those who are not enrolled at an French university will have to wait a lot longer for their license to be formally approved.
If you're looking to learn how to drive in France it is best to learn how to drive at a school that teaches English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving courses in English however this isn't the case in all places. If you live outside 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 follow the proper manners of conduct. Also, you should have a valid driver's license and third-party liability insurance for your car in place. It is a great way to understand the rules of the road and the language by taking driving lessons with an experienced instructor. In addition, you should ensure that your vehicle is maintained and properly fueled before you begin your trip. Additionally, you must be aware of the various speeds for different kinds of roads in France.
In France traffic laws are rigorously enforced. The French have a point system that punishes traffic violations. Beginning with six points, and must accumulate twelve points before their probationary phase is over. If you receive a ticket for a traffic offense the points are taken away. The amount of fine is determined by the category of the offense.
The first step to obtain the French driver's license is passing the theory test. The test is comprised of 40 questions covering the rules of the road and traffic safety. The practical portion of the test is the second step. It requires at least twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, Permis Cepc (licencefrancexpress.com) it's mandatory to wait for a year before you can attempt again.
For an French driving license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical test. Those with disabilities and health issues must undergo a special medical examination.
If you're from an EU or non-EU EEA country, you'll need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. An IDP includes a picture of the driver as well as a translation of their driving license in a dozen languages. It is available at the airport, or from a car rental company.
Driving in France isn't easy, however you can drive safely there with a foreign license in the event that you have an IDP. It is important to be aware of the driving laws in France and to take some driving lessons before attempting to drive on your own.
