Buy the French B Driving License Online
You should be aware of certain things before driving on French roads if you're an international resident moving to France. First, you'll need to exchange your driver's licence.
The ANTS is the authority for all permits and licenses for foreigners issued in France. They can assist you in the process but it's not cheap.
Legality
The French driving license is legal document issued by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion. The license covers every aspect of driving, from traffic laws to parking and speeding. The license is valid for three years and allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3,500 pounds in weight. It also includes a number of demerit points. These are used to penalize violators and reward good drivers.
Before you can obtain your license, you must pass a theory test and take a driving class. The theory test is conducted by computer, and you must answer all of the questions correctly to pass. If you fail the test, you will have to wait two days before attempting the test again. There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, however you must be covered by third-party liability insurance before you can drive.
If you have a French driving license, you are required to wear a seatbelt at all time. Seatbelts must be worn in the backseats of vehicles that have children who are less than 12 years old. In addition, you must always carry your documents along and follow the guidelines for roadside assistance. Also, you should have a first aid kit.
People who are moving to France from the United States can use their American license for up to a year. However, they must exchange it within the year for a French license. The only exception to this rule is when their license was cancelled or suspended in the country of their origin.
The issue of the French license requires proof of identity as well as the name of the applicant, their date of birth and their nationality. The license must be in French or accompanied with an official translation. The applicant must submit a medical certification or a document that acknowledges their disability. This must be signed by a doctor and dated before the beginning of their French residency. They also need medical certificates from the Prefecture which states that they are able to use the ETG without restrictions.
Regulations
To drive legally in France you must pass the theory portion of the driving test. You must then pass the practical test with an experienced instructor. This part of the driving test requires at least 20 hours of instruction by an instructor. When you are confident in your driving abilities you can take the test to obtain your license. After passing the test, you will be granted an initial three-year probationary permit.
French driving licences are hard plastic cards that are similar to credit cards and feature the holder's photograph name, birth date, name address, signature and driving licence number. They also indicate the kind of vehicles that a driver is permitted to drive. The new cards include security features to stop counterfeiting. The card's outside edge is transparent, while the primary personal information is LASER engraved under the photo.
The permit B permits drivers to drive a vehicle with the maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes and a maximum of nine seats. The EU approved an amendment to the maximum weight vehicles that permit B holders can drive. The maximum weight for certain categories of vehicles, like motorhomes and campervans, will be increased to 4.25 tonnes.
To purchase a B-category permit you must be 18 years old or older and possess at minimum one year of driving experience. If you're under 18 years old, a parent or guardian needs to accompany you when you drive. GDL, which is a graduated driving licence, is available for young drivers between 15 and 17 and one-half. This is only valid for France and requires that the driver is constantly accompanied by an adult.
You can purchase a French driving permit online on the France Titres website. Once you have an account, click Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right-hand corner and then choose Le permis of driving. Fill in your personal information and choose the reason for getting a driving license for example, a visit to the doctor medicale is it necessary? (is a medical visit necessary). Contrary to other countries, French driving permits are valid for up to 15 years, but they have to be renewed at some point.
Requirements
As a newcomer to France, you may be excited to begin driving, especially if you're new home is near the vineyard-lined roads of Champagne country. It's important that you are familiar with French driving laws and regulations before you take to the road. This includes the requirements for a license and insurance requirements. You will also need a copy your passport and two passport-sized photographs.
The French driver's license (permis B or permis de driver) is a pink plastic credit card. It lists your personal information including your age, license issue date and expiry, and your medical records. It also functions as an official ID card everywhere in the country. The French license can be valid for 15 years depending on your age, vehicle category and type.
You can apply online for an online application for a French driving license, or visit a local office. The process is quite simple and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. You will need to bring an ID or passport that is valid card and a sworn statement that is usually signed by one of your parents. If you are under 18 or have a driver's licence from another EU country, you'll also require a certificate of good conduct from the country which issued your license.
You must pass both the theoretical and practical exams to earn a driving license. The theory test, referred to as the Code by some, can be taken on your own without the need of a school. If you fail to pass the code you can attempt it again after a period of time, or you can sign up for training courses at driving schools.
In France, EU and EEA licenses are valid in the event that they have not expired or been suspended. If you are temporarily suspended, you can ask for an extension. If you plan to drive in another category other than the initial B category, you will have to change your licence. If you're a resident of a nation outside the EU/EEA area, you can only drive with your own license for a year following having established residency in France. You will also be required to carry third party liability insurance for your car.
Fees
The French driver's license, also referred to as the permis B, is an emerald-colored plastic card that is the size of credit card. It holds your personal information along with the date and type of expiration of your driving license and the vehicle you are allowed to drive. It also serves as an official ID that permits you to gain entry into the majority of public places and private businesses.
The first time that you purchase a permit is for free. However, you will be required to pay EUR25 to renew your permit. You can pay via bank transfer or through the internet. There may be additional regional fees dependent on the location you are in.
To apply for a license, sign into your France Titres account and click Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right corner. Select Le suspension du permis de Conduire et permis retiré de conduire, then Je demande la fabrication d'un titre de permis de conduire (I order the production of my driving licence). You'll need the following details.
Choose a reason to your request. The examiner will not tell you how you did on the test, however you can examine your results within two to four days after it's over. The driving school you go to will usually book the practical exam for you, and pay the EUR30 fee on your behalf.
If you're an American citizen relocating to France and want to live in France, you'll need change your US driving license to a French one. The process usually takes approximately a year. You must pass both the written and practical French tests.
You can save money and ease the burden by using an international permit while in the country. You can get an international driver's license by visiting the France Titres ANTS site and selecting "I request an International Driver's License".
You must possess a French B-category driving licence or higher prior to being able to apply for your international driving permit. You will also need to pass both a theory exam and a practical exam. Driving lessons are expensive in France and prices range between EUR40 and EUR60 per hour. Some schools do offer packages for the duration of a certain amount of time.