15 Terms Everybody In The French Driving License Industry Should Know

How to Get a French Driving License Before you begin driving in France it is crucial to be aware of the driving rules. You should also be aware of licence prerequisites. It can take anything from a few weeks up to several months to obtain your French driving licence. It is a pink credit-card format that 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 excursions. But, it is essential to know the rules of the road in order to avoid a snafu with the police. Always keep your driving license and proof of insurance with you. An international driving permit (IDP) is beneficial to help you get around. Traffic in France moves a lot slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians on the streets. It is therefore important to drive cautiously and be on the lookout for drivers who turn left in front of you. It is also not recommended 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. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in France. 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 can be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. In addition, you have to wear an appropriate seat belt in the front and rear seats. If you have children in your vehicle under the age 10 years they must be seated in the rear of the vehicle and be secured using an infant seat or seat belt. It is also essential to carry a copy your passport at all times. This is a requirement of the law and will be checked if you are stopped for any reason. Another important thing to remember is that speed limits on French roads differ by type of road. Autoroutes for instance, have a higher limit of speed than other roads. You can pay tolls by cash or credit card. Priorite a droite is the most important rule to follow in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right has priority. This is the case even if they join the busy highway from a small village track. This is especially important on narrow country roads, where it is common for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road. Passing the test Once you've passed your written test, you're now ready to take the driving test in the real world. It's a more difficult portion than the theory test and you'll have to do a lot of practice before you pass. You need to find a driving coach who can give you many behind-the-wheel sessions before the test. It is also important to ensure that you have at minimum third-party liability car insurance before driving in France. Sign up for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH (your application number) and a photo ID. The French driving license photo must be in full-face color and in color, unlike the American passport photo. You can request a translator if are not an English native. You must request this at the very least two days before the test. After you've taken the driving test, you'll receive an CEPC, which is your driver's licence examination certificate. This is what you'll need to show the local prefecture to be able to apply for an French driving license. You can then start driving in France. If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five working days for you to retake the test. permis de conduire perdu of times that you can retake your driving test is unlimited, however it is recommended to wait until you are ready to do so. Having a driving license is a must to survive life in France. If you're an ex-pat who intends to stay in France for more than a year, you'll need to obtain a license before you are able to legally drive on the country's roads. While some Americans choose to ignore this requirement and continue driving on their US license beyond the one year date, it could result in serious accidents and fines. Fortunately there are some states that have reciprocal agreements 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 procedure of taking a written test and passing a driving test. Other Americans must, however, to jump through a lot of hoops just to obtain their French licenses. How do you obtain a license? If you're an expat, or a foreigner holding a valid driving licence from a country with reciprocity agreements with France, you can exchange it to a French licence without having to pass the driving test. However, there are some guidelines you must be aware of. Ensure that you have a valid driver's licence. Then, you'll need to complete an application for new license. The form is available online. Choose the option of renewal de titre (driver's license renewal) Then click Etape following (next step). Select the reason you require the license and fill in your driver's information. If you're licensed B, for instance you are able to drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tons in weight and have a capacity of nine or less. You can also choose to pull a trailer that is not heavier than the vehicle you're driving. The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture that is in your area. You need to complete all of the required information and attach copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport, or any other photo ID along with the proof of address. If necessary, you will also need to provide a medical certification. The licences for the categories A and B last 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for five years. In certain cases, a French license can be obtained in a matter of months. This is especially true for foreign students who are enrolled in a French University. Students who are not enrolled at the French University could be expected to wait for a long time for their license to be granted. If you're looking to learn how to drive in France it is best to take a driving course at a school which teaches English. The majority of schools in Paris offer English classes, but not all. Residents who are not in the capital city should contact their local prefecture and ask if there is a driving school that offers lessons in English. Driving in France When driving in France it is crucial to comply with the rules of the road and follow proper etiquette. A valid driver's license and third-party car insurance are also required. It is a great way to learn about the rules of the road as well as the language by having driving lessons with a professional instructor. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and is fueled before your trip. You should also be aware of the different speed limits for different kinds of French roads. In France traffic laws are strictly adhered to. The French utilize a points-based system to punish traffic offenses. Beginning drivers earn six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary period ends. In the event that you receive a traffic ticket the points will be withdrawn and the fine will vary according to the type of the violation. The first step in getting the French driver's license is passing the theory test. This exam is made up of 40 questions on the rules of driving and safety in traffic. The practical part of the test is the second step. This requires a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, you will have to wait a year before trying again. For an French driving license you must be 18 years old and pass a medical examination. Those with disabilities and health issues must undergo a specific medical examination. If you are from a country that is not part of the EU or EEA, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driving license. The IDP includes a driver's photograph and the translation in 12 languages of their driving license. You can get it at the airport or with a car rental company. Driving in France isn't easy, but you can drive safely there with a foreign licence provided you have an IDP. It is essential to understand the driving rules and take some lessons prior to attempting to drive on your own.