Buy the French B Driving License Online
If you're a foreigner moving to France there are some things you need to know before you start driving on French roads. First, you must change your driver's license.
ANTS is the organization that handles all foreign licenses and permits in France. They can assist you with the process, but it's not cheap.
Legality
The French driving license is an official document issued by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion (Ministere de la transition ecologique and de la cohesion des territories - METTC). It covers all aspects of driving from traffic laws to parking and speeding. The license is valid for three years, and allows you to drive a vehicle that weighs up to 3,500 kilograms in weight. It also provides a variety of demerit points. These are used to punish violators and reward good drivers.
Before you can get your license you must pass a theory test and attend a driving course. The theory test is conducted by computer, and you must be able to answer all the questions correctly to pass. If you fail the test then you must wait two days before taking it again. There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, but you must be covered by third-party liability insurance before you are allowed to drive.
If you have a French driving license and are a French citizen, you must wear a seatbelt all the time. Also, you must wear a seatbelt on the back of your car if you have children younger than 12 years old. In addition, you must always carry your paperwork with you and adhere to the guidelines for roadside assistance. Also, carry a first-aid kit.
For a period of up to one year, American citizens who move to France can use their American driving license. They must, however, exchange it within the calendar year to obtain an French license. This only applies when the license was suspended or revoked in their country of origin.
The French license is issued only after the applicant has proved their identity, date of birth, and nationality. The license must be issued in French or accompanied with an official translation. The applicant should provide an official medical certificate or document that demonstrates their impairment. The document must be signed and date by a physician before the beginning of their French residency. They also must have an official medical certificate from the Prefecture which states that they are able to take the ETG without restrictions.
Regulations
To be able to drive legally in France you must pass the theory portion of the driving test. You will follow up with a practical driving course with a professional. This part of the test requires at least 20 hours of accompanied driving with an instructor. If you are confident that you are able to drive and pass the test, you are allowed to take the test and receive your license. After passing the test you will be issued a three-year license.
French driving licenses come in hard plastic cards that resemble credit cards. They include the holder's photo, name and birth date, as well as their address, signature and driving licence number. They also list the type of vehicle a driver is allowed to drive. The new cards are upgraded with security features that prevent counterfeiting. The card's outside edge is clear, and the main personal data are LASER engraved under the photo.
Currently, the permit B authorizes drivers to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, with an maximum of nine seats. However the EU recently approved a change to the weight limit of vehicles that permit B holder is able to drive. The maximum weight for certain categories of vehicles, like motorhomes and campervans will be increased to 4.25 tonnes.
You must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of driving experience to get B category license. If you are younger than 18, you must have an adult or guardian with you on the road. GDL, also known as a graduated driving licence is available to young drivers between 15 and 17 and a half. It is only valid in France and requires that the driver is accompanied at all times by an adult.
You can buy an French driving license online through the France Titres site. Once you have an account, click on Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right corner, and then click Le permis of driving. Fill in your personal details and select the reason you'd like to apply for a driving license, for instance "Is an appointment for medical treatment necessary?" (Is a medical examination necessary) Unlike some countries, French driving permits are valid for up to 15 years, however they will need to be renewed every few years.
Requirements
You might be eager to drive if new to France and live close to the vineyards of Champagne. It is important to be aware of French driving laws and regulations prior to hitting the road. This includes the requirements for a licence as well as insurance requirements, and many more. Additionally, you'll require copies of your passport as well as two passport-sized pictures.
The French driver's permit (permis de conduire, also known as cerfa permis de conduire B) is a pink plastic card that appears like an credit card. It lists your personal information including your age, the license date and expiry, and your medical history. It also acts as an ID card that is valid for most areas of the country. The French license is valid for up to 15 years, subject to your age and category of vehicle.
You can apply for a French license online, or visit an office in person. The process is fairly straightforward and can be completed in under 30 minutes. You will need to bring an ID or passport valid card as well as a sworn declaration that is usually signed by one of your parents. If you are younger than 18 or hold an driving permit from an EU member state, you will also need to be able to show a certificate of good behavior from the country which issued your license.
You must pass both the theoretical and practical tests to get a driving license. The theory test, called the Code by some, is able to be taken by yourself without having to go through an educational institution. If you fail the code you have two options: repeat the test after a period of time or enroll in an instruction course at a driving school.
In France, EU and EEA licenses are valid for as long as they have not expired or been suspended. If you're temporarily suspended, you can ask for an extension. If you wish to drive in a different category other than the initial category B, you'll have to exchange your licence. If you're a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you are able to only drive with your existing licence for a year after establishing residency in France. You will also need to be covered by third-party liability insurance.
Fees
The French driver's license, also referred to as the permis B is a pink plastic card with the size of a credit card. It includes your personal information, the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, as well as the date of issue as well as expiry. It is an official ID card that grants you access to most public places as well as private businesses.
The first time you purchase a permit, the cost is not a problem, but it will cost EUR25 to renew. You can pay online or via bank transfer. There could be regional fees dependent on where you are located.
Log in to your France Titres Account and click on Nouvelle request (new request) in the upper-right corner. Select Le permis 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 information.
Choose a reason to back your request. The examiner won't tell you how well you performed on the test. However, you can check the results two to four working days following. The driving school will schedule your test for you and pay the EUR30 fee for you.
If you're an American citizen who is moving to France and want to live in France, you'll need exchange your US driving license for one that is a French one. The process can take about one year and involves passing the French written and practical tests.
Fortunately, you can avoid some of the hassle and cost by using an international driving permit while you are in the country. You can apply for an international license through the France Titres - ANTS website by selecting Je veux un permis for driving internationally (I request an international driver's license) and then entering your personal data.
You must hold at least a French B-category driving license or higher prior to being able to apply for your international driving permit. You'll also need to pass a theory and a practice test. Driving lessons are costly in France with rates that range between EUR40 and EUR60 per hour. However, some schools offer packages for the duration of a certain amount of time.