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How to Get a French Driving License Before you begin driving in France, it's important to be aware of the driving regulations. It is also important to be aware of the requirements for a licence. Depending on the prefecture, it can take a few weeks to a few months to get your French driving license. It is a pink credit-card format that is valid for 15 years. Rules of the road With its vast stretches of breathtaking countryside and lively cities, France is a popular destination for road trips. It is crucial to understand the rules of the road in order to avoid being in trouble with the police. Always keep your driving license and proof of insurance with you. A driving permit for international travel (IDP) is beneficial to ensure you are able to travel. The traffic in France is slower and there are many more pedestrians. It is therefore essential to drive defensively, and watch out for drivers who turn left in front of you. Also, it's not recommended to drive after having consumed alcohol. You can be fined up to 135 euros and lose points on your licence when you are found driving under the impaired. It is not legal to use a mobile while driving in France. You are allowed to use hands-free phone calls if wearing a headset that is integrated into your helmet. If you are stopped by police, you could be penalized for texting or talking while driving. In addition, you have to wear a seat belt in the rear and front seats. If you have children in your car under the age 10 years they must be seated in the rear of the vehicle and be secured by an infant seat or seat belt. In addition, you must carry a copy passport with you 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 keep in mind is that the speed limits on French roads vary by kind of road. For instance, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. There are also tolls for driving on these roads, which can be paid with cash or credit card. Priorite a droite is the most important rule to observe in France. This means that any vehicle coming from your right gets priority. This is true even if they are joining the busy highway from a small village track. This is particularly important on country lanes that are narrow which are where cars usually are able to pass each other in the middle of the road. Passing the test Once you've passed the written test then it's time to take the practical driving test. This is a more difficult part of the process than the theory exam, and you'll need to do lots of practice before you pass it. You need to find a driving coach who will give you a number of driving lessons prior to the test. You should also make sure you have at minimum third-party liability car insurance prior to driving in France. Sign up for the written test by visiting the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) and an ID photo. The French driving license photo must be full-face and in color unlike the American passport photo. You can request a translator if you are not a native English speaker. It must be requested at the very least two days before the test. After passing the driving test, you'll receive a CEPC, which is your driver's license exam certificate. You'll have to show this to your local prefecture whenever you apply for the French license. After that, you'll be able to begin driving in France. If you fail your driving test, it'll take between two and forty-five days for you to take the test again. The number of times that you can retake your driving test is unlimited, but it is recommended that you wait until you are ready to take the test. A driving license is a necessity for living in France. If you're an expat and plans on living in France for more than a year, you'll need to get a license before you are able to legally drive on France's roads. Some Americans disregard this requirement and continue to drive with their US license after the one-year mark. This could lead to serious accidents or fines. Luckily there are some states that have reciprocal agreements with France. Kentucky for instance, gives its citizens the chance to exchange their U.S. driver's licenses for French ones, without having to undergo the long and tiring process of passing a written test and a practical driving test. Some Americans need to go through a long process to get their French licenses. How do I obtain a license If you are an expat or a foreign citizen that has an active driver's license from a country with whom France has a reciprocity agreement you can exchange your licence to one that is a French one without having to pass the driving test. However, there are certain guidelines you must know. Ensure that you possess a valid driver's licence. You will then need to fill out a new application. The form is available online. Follow the next step after selecting Renewal of Driver's Licence. Choose the reason why you require the license and fill in your driver's info. If you hold a licence B you can drive vehicles up to 3,5 tons and with the maximum of nine passengers. You can also choose to tow 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 fill in all of the necessary information and attach copies of your identity documents. Make sure you include your passport or other photo ID along with an address proof. If required, you will also be required to provide an official medical certificate. The licenses for categories A and B last 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a French license in only a few months. This is especially applicable to students from abroad who are in the French university. Those who are not enrolled at an French university can expect to wait longer to be approved. If you are looking to learn to drive in France it is best to enroll in a driving school at a school which teaches English. Many schools in Paris offer English classes, but not all. If you are not in the capital, contact the local prefecture and ask whether driving schools offer lessons in English. Driving in France When driving in France, it is important to observe the rules of the road and adhere to proper etiquette. A valid driver's license and third-party car insurance are also required. It is a great way to understand the rules of the road and the language by taking driving lessons with a professional instructor. Also, you should ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and fueled before your trip. Be aware of the various speed limits on various types of French roads. In récupérer des points sur le permis de conduire are strictly followed. The French have a point-based system to punish traffic offenses. New drivers start off with six points and must earn 12 points before their probationary period is over. If you are issued a ticket for a traffic infraction your points are removed. The fine is determined by the type of the offense. The theory test is the initial step to getting a French driving license. The test consists of 40 questions about the rules of driving and traffic safety. The second part 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 part of the test, it is required to wait a year before attempting again. You must be at minimum 18 years old in order to get a French driver's licence and have medical examination. For those with disabilities and health problems must undergo a medical exam. If you're from an outside of the EU or EEA country, you'll need an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. An IDP includes a photograph of the driver as well as the translation of their driving license in a dozen different languages. It can be obtained at the airport or at a car rental company. Driving in France isn't easy, but it is possible to drive there without any problems with a foreign license, provided you have an IDP. It is essential to understand the driving laws in France and take some lessons before you attempt to drive by yourself.