10 Essentials About French Driving License You Didn't Learn At School
How to Get a French Driving License
Before you begin driving in France it is essential to know the driving regulations. Also, you should be aware of licence prerequisites.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to obtain your French driving licence. It's a pink credit-card format that is valid for 15 years.
Rules of the Road
France is a well-known road trip destination due to its beautiful countryside and vibrant urban landscapes. To avoid problems with the police, it is essential to know the rules of driving. You must always keep your driving license and proof of insurance. A driving permit is also essential to travel.
The traffic in France is more sluggish and there are more pedestrians. This means that it is essential to drive cautiously and keep an eye out for motorists turning left in the direction of you. It is also not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. You could be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your licence if you are caught driving while under the under the influence.
It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in France. You can only make phone calls hands-free if your helmet has an integrated headset. You could also be penalized for texting or talking while driving if stopped by police officers. You must also wear a seat belt in both the back and front 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 with the child seat or seatbelt.
You should also carry a copy of your passport at all times. This is legally required and will be scrutinized by the police if stopped for any reason.
It is important to know that speed limits vary on French roads. For example, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. You can pay tolls in cash or with a credit card.
The most important rule in France is priorite a droite which means that any vehicle coming from your right has the right of way. This rule applies regardless of whether the vehicle joining a busy road via a tiny village road. This is particularly crucial on narrow country roads, where it is normal for cars to pass each other in the middle of the road.
Passing the test
After you have passed the written exam and passed the written test, you can now take the driving test in the real world. This is a much more difficult test than the theory exam and you will require a lot of practice before passing. It's important to locate a driving school that offers plenty of behind-the-wheel lessons before taking the test. Before driving in France, you should be covered by at least third party liability insurance for your vehicle.
You can register for the test by visiting the ANTS website and entering your NEPH number (your application number) along with an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be full-face and in color, unlike the American passport photo. If you're not a native English speaker you can ask for the help of a translator to take your exam. But, you must make the request at minimum two days before the date of the test.
You'll receive an CEPC (certificat d'examen de permis of driving) after passing the driving test. You'll need to show this to the local prefecture when you apply for a French license. Then, you can begin driving in France.
If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five days to allow you to take the test again. The number of times that you can retake your driving test is unlimited, however it is recommended to wait until you're ready to do so.
The possession of a driver's license is a must to survive living in France. If you are planning to stay in France for more than one year, you will require a license to drive before you can drive on French roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive on their US license after the one year mark. This could result in serious accidents or fines.
Fortunately, a few states have a an agreement of reciprocity with France. Kentucky for instance, allows its citizens to swap their U.S. drivers' licenses to French ones without going through the lengthy, lengthy procedure of taking a written test and passing a practical driving test. Other Americans, however, have to jump through a lot of hoops just to obtain their French licenses.
How do you obtain a license?
If you are an expat or foreign citizen that has a valid driver's licence from a country with whom France has an agreement of reciprocity You can exchange your licence for one in French one without having to take the driving test. However, there are some rules that you need to be aware of. Ensure that you possess a valid driver's licence. Then, you need to fill out an application for the renewal of your license. The form can be found online. Select the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's License.
Choose the reason why you require the license and then fill in your driver's information. If you hold a licence B you can drive vehicles that weigh up to 3,5 tonnes and with the maximum of nine passengers. You can also tow a vehicle no heavier than yours.
The next step is to submit your application to the prefecture in your area. Fill in all the required details and attach copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport, or any other photo ID, as well as an address proof. If required, you will be required to submit a medical certification. Licenses for categories A and B are valid for 15 years, whereas licences for categories C, CE, and DL are valid for 5 years.
In some cases it is possible to get a French license in a few months. This is particularly applicable to foreign students who are who are enrolled in an French university. Permis Cepc who aren't enrolled in the French University could be expected to wait longer for their license to be granted.
If you want to learn how to drive in France, it is best to learn how to drive at a school which teaches English. The majority of driving schools in Paris offer driving courses in English however it's not the case in all places. If you live outside the capital city, contact the local prefecture and ask if a driving school offers classes 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. A valid driver's license as well as third-party insurance for cars are required. Driving lessons with an experienced driving instructor is an excellent method to master the language and rules of the road. You should also make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained and fuelled prior to your trip. Additionally, you must be aware of the different speed limits for various kinds of roads in France.
In France, traffic laws are strictly adhered to. The French have a point-based system to punish traffic violations. New drivers start off with six points, and must earn 12 points before their probationary period is over. If you receive a ticket for a traffic infraction the points are taken away. The fine is determined by the type of the offense.
The theory test is the first step to getting the French driving license. The test consists of 40 questions regarding the rules of driving and traffic safety. The second step is the practical part of the exam. This requires a minimum of twenty hours of accompanied driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical portion of the test, it's necessary to wait one year before you can attempt again.
You must be at minimum 18 years old in order to be eligible for a French driver's license and pass a medical exam. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues must undergo an exam for medical reasons.
If you're from an EU or non-EU EEA country, you will need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. The IDP includes a photo of the driver and the translation in 12 languages of their driving license. It is available at the airport, or from a car rental company.
Driving in France isn't easy, but it is possible to drive in France in a safe manner with a foreign driver's license if you have an IDP. It is essential to understand the driving rules and to take a few driving lessons before you try to drive alone.