If you're moving to France and hold an official driving licence from an EU or EEA country you can swap it for a French licence. There are however some restrictions.
Kentucky, for example is not in reciprocity with France. You will need to pass a written exam and a practical test in order to get your French permit.How do I apply
The process to obtain your French driver's license is somewhat complicated. The process can take anywhere from one and two years. It is required for all who wants to drive in France. The good news is that you can apply online, avoiding some of the hassles.
First, you must ensure that you have all the necessary documents. This includes a valid driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. In addition, you have to pass an exam for driving and writing to obtain the permit. Then, you have to take a medical examination to ensure that you are fit to drive.
You can send the documents to ANTS through an online form. Log in to France Titres and select Nouvelle demand (new application). Then, click on Le permis de conduire (driver's license). Select Je request the production of a cerfa permis De conduire (https://licencefrancexpress.com/) de conduire (I want to request the production of the driver's license). Complete the form by providing all the information you need. You should also indicate if you are applying for minors or not. In the end, you must select No to the question - Is a medical visit required? (Is medical treatment required? ).
Once you have all of the required documents, you can start the process of exchanging your US driver's license to a French one. It is important to complete the process before your American license expires. If you don't, you will have to go through the entire process again.
In France it is crucial to always carry your driving license, insurance and registration papers in your vehicle when you drive. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
If you're not familiar with the process of driving in France It's an excellent idea to get some lessons from an expert. In most cases the lessons cost money, but it's worth it in the long run. When you understand the rules, you'll be able to drive more safely and efficiently.
Requirements
There are a few requirements that you must satisfy in order to purchase a French B driving licence on the internet. First, you must be a European citizen with personal and professional ties in France. You must also pass both parts of the exam: a written test and a driving test. You are able to take the Code test as an independent candidate even if you do not meet these requirements. This is a great option if you're seeking to save money on training fees at a driving academy.
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain an French driving licence. However, you are able to begin learning to drive at the age of 16. This will allow you to prepare for both the theory and practical exams. You will also need to show the medical certificate that certifies your ability to drive. You can find a list of certified doctors in the official document booklet.
The process to exchange your driving license is quite easy. The ANTS website (National Agency for Secured Titles) is responsible for handling the exchange. Log into your ANTS Account and click on Nouvelle Demand in the upper-right corner. Once you are registered, click on Le permis de conduire (Driver's license) and then I request la fabrication d'un titre de permit de conduire (I want to request the production of an driver's license). Choose No for the question"Une visite médicale est-elle nécessaire? Is a medical test required? as category B licences don't require a medical examination.
You will be issued an NEPH number after submitting the form. This is the number on your brand new French driving license. You will then need to register for the theory exam. You can sign up via the ANTS website or at your local Direction Departementale en charge des territoires. To join you will need to provide your NEPH number and a valid photo ID.
After you have received your French driving licence, you should be cautious to avoid traffic violations. If you are found guilty of an offense, your driving record will be slapped with a fine. The Ministry of Interior will send you a letter once your point balance is zero. Then, you will have to pay an amount of penalty.
Documents are required
You will need several documents to apply for the French B license. These include your driving permit from your country of origin, proof of identity, and a medical certificate. The medical certificate must be signed by a physician and confirm that you have a learning disability, mental or physical disability. The certificate should be signed by a doctor and date not later than three months before the application. It is also important to have a copy of your insurance policy. This is essential should you be involved in an accident on the French roads.
If you hold a driver's licence from a European Union or EEA member state, you are able to use it in France without having to pass the French two-part examination. This applies to drivers who drive vehicles in the classes B to D, including motorhomes or campers. Some companies might not allow rent cars to those who have non EU licenses.
The French government has exchange agreements in place with several countries, including Switzerland, Australia, and South Africa. If your country is on the list, you can exchange your driving licence from another country for one that is a French one without having to take the French written and practical tests. However, you must make sure that you have completed all the required documentation and file it within the first year of residency in France.
You can submit your application for an French licence online through the ANTS website. The site will prompt you to sign up for an account and upload the required documents. After you submit your details you can view the status of your application. After you've completed the online application you will receive confirmation via text message or email.
You must immediately notify police immediately if you believe your driving license is stolen or lost. You can report it online or at a police station in your area. The police will then issue you a document that allows you to drive legally in France for the next two months.
Fees
The French B driving license (permis de driving category B) is the official document that allows you to drive in France. It's shaped like credit card, and includes your personal information as well as your driving license number and the date of issue. It also lists the kinds of vehicles you are allowed to drive. It is valid for a duration of 15 years.
The cost of obtaining a driving permit is not cheap. Based on where you live, you might have to pay for 20 hours of driving lessons as well as an Highway Code course and a separate driving test. It's about $1800. If you fail the exam, it will cost you EUR30 to retake the exam, and there is no limit on how many times you may take it back.
Click on Nouvelle demande (new request) in the upper-right corner of the page to apply online for the driving license. Then select Le permis de conduire (driver's license) and choose Je demande la fabrication d'un titre de permis de conduire (I order the production of my driver's license). If you answer yes to the question "une medical check-up is necessary?", you will have to get a medical exam before you can be granted an authorization.
After a period of one year of residency in France, drivers who hold a driving license from a different EU/EEA country or a foreign one can exchange it for a French license. You can drive in France when your license is valid and hasn't yet been suspended or removed.
You should note that your French driver's license will be issued to you as you filled it out on the application form. The name on your permit cannot be changed, even if you alter it later on official documents. You can't use your driving license to obtain a passport or an identity card. It's only valid for driving in France. If you require other documents, you'll have to obtain an official translation from your Etat member or the French Ministry of Justice.
