20 Fun Informational Facts About French Driving License

20 Fun Informational Facts About French Driving License

How to Get a French Driving License

Before you can drive in France it is crucial to know the driving rules. It is also important to know the requirements for obtaining a driving licence.

It can take anything between a few weeks to a couple of 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

France is a popular travel destination due to its stunning countryside and vibrant urban landscapes. To avoid any problems with the police, it's essential to be aware of the rules for driving. Always carry your driving licence and proof of insurance. A driving permit for international travel (IDP) is also a good idea to ensure you are able to travel.

Traffic in France is much slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians on the streets. This makes it essential to drive with caution and keep an eye out for drivers who turn left in the direction of your. It is also not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. If you are found driving under the influence you could be fined as much as 135 euros or lose points on your license.

It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in France. You may only use hands-free calls when using an integrated headset in your helmet. You can also be punished for talking or texting while driving if stopped by a police officer. You must also wear a seatbelt in both the front and back seats. If you have kids under 10 years old in your vehicle, they should be sitting in the back of the vehicle and secured by a seat belt or an approved child seat.

You should also carry a copy of your passport at all times. This is required by law and will be scrutinized by the police if stopped for any reason.

It is important to note 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 and you can pay in cash or credit card.


The most important rule in France is to prioritize a right which means that any vehicle entering from your right has right to use the right of way. This is the case even if they are joining the busy highway from a small village track. This is particularly crucial when driving on country roads where it is normal for cars to cross each other in the middle of the road.

Passing the test

Once you've completed the written exam then it's time to take the driving test in the real world. This is a more difficult portion than the theory test, and you'll require a lot of practice before passing. You need to find a driving coach who will give you a number of driving lessons before you take the test. Before you can drive in France you must have at minimum third party liability insurance for your vehicle.

Register for the written test by visiting the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) and a photo ID. Unlike American passport photographs, French driving license photos must be full-face and in color. You can request a translator if are not a native English speaker. It must be requested at least two days prior to the test.

You will be issued a CEPC (certificat of examination de permit of driving) after passing the driving test. This is the document you'll need to show the local prefecture to be able to apply for a French driving license. Then, you can begin driving in France.

If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five days for you to retake the test. The number of times that you can take the test again is unlimited, but it is recommended that you wait until you are ready to take the test.

A driver's license is a must to be able to reside in France. If you are planning to stay in France for more than one year, you'll require a driving license before you are allowed to drive on French roads. While some Americans choose to ignore this requirement and continue to drive with their US license after the one-year mark, doing so could result in serious accidents and fines.

Fortunately there are a few states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky for instance, gives its citizens the chance to swap their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones without having to go through the lengthy and tedious process of passing a test written as well as a practical driving test. Other Americans are required to go through a series of hoops to get 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 for an French licence without needing to pass the driving test. There are a few guidelines you need to know. First, ensure that your driver's license was issued while you were legally living in the country in which it was issued. Then, you'll need to complete a new application. The form can be found on the internet. Select the option for renewal of the title (driver's license renewal), then click on Etape suivante (next step).

Select the reason you need the licence and then fill in your driver's info. If you're a licensed driver B, for instance, you can drive vehicles up to 3,5 tons in weight and that have a capacity of nine or less. You can also tow a vehicle that is not heavier than yours.

The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture of your area.  permis b1  must fill in all of the necessary information and attach copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport or another photo ID along with a proof of address. If necessary, you will also need to provide a medical certification. The licenses for categories A and B last 15 years. The licences for categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years.

In some instances it is possible to obtain the French license can be obtained in a matter of months. This is particularly applicable to foreign students who are studying at the French University. Those who are not enrolled at an French university can expect to wait a lot longer for their license to be formally approved.

If you're looking to learn to drive in France it is best to enroll in a driving school at a school that teaches English. Many schools in Paris offer English courses however, not all. Those who live outside of Paris should contact their local prefecture and ask if there is a driving school that offers classes 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 licence and third-party car insurance are required. Driving lessons with an experienced driving instructor is a great method of learning the language and rules of the road. Additionally, you must ensure that your car is properly maintained and 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 strictly enforced. The French use a point-based system to penalize traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points and must accumulate 12 points before their probationary period has ended. If you receive a ticket for a traffic offense the points are taken away. The fine is determined by the category of the offense.

The first step in getting the French driver's license is passing the theory test. This exam is made up of 40 questions regarding the rules of driving and traffic safety. The practical part of the test is the next step. It requires at least twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, you must wait a year before trying again.

To obtain the issuance of a French driving license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical test. For those with disabilities and health problems need to undergo a special medical examination.

If you're 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. An IDP includes a photograph of the driver and the translation of their driving licence in a dozen different languages. You can obtain it at the airport or a car rental company.

Driving in France isn't easy but it is also possible to drive there safely with a foreign license as long as you have an IDP. It is important to be aware of the driving rules in France and to take a few lessons before you try to drive by yourself.