If you're moving to France, and you have a valid driving licence from an EU/EEA member country, you can easily exchange that for a French license. There are some limitations.
For instance, Kentucky does not have an agreement of reciprocity with France. You will need to pass a written exam and an exam in order to get your French permit.
How to Apply
The process of getting your French driver's license can be a bit complex. It takes between one year and two to get the license, and it is necessary for anyone who wants to drive in France. The good news is that you can now apply online, which will help you avoid some of the delays.
It is essential to first confirm that you have all the necessary documents. You will require a valid driving permit and identity proofs as well as proofs of residence. You must also pass a written and a driving test in order to get the permit. Then, you have to take a medical examination to confirm that you are fit to drive.
You can upload your documents online to ANTS. Log into your France Titres account and select Nouvelle demande (new application). Then, click on Le permis de conduire (driver's license). Select Je demande la fabrication of a permit to drive. Complete the form and include all the required information. It is important to indicate if you are applying on behalf of minors. Choose No to the question: Une visite médicale est-elle nécessaire? Is a medical checkup necessary? ).
Once you have all the required documents, you can start the process of converting your US driver's license to one in French one. It is important to complete the process before your American license expires. You'll need to go through the entire process again If you don't.
In France it is crucial to always have your driving licence along with your insurance and registration papers in your vehicle when you drive. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
It's a good idea take driving lessons with an expert if you're not familiar with the way driving in France operates. In most cases, these lessons will cost you money, but they're worth it in the end. You'll be better able to drive and safely if you have an understanding of the rules.
Requirements
There are a few requirements that you must satisfy when you are looking to purchase a French B driving license online. You must first be a European citizen with professional and personal connections to France. You must also pass two sections of the test which are a written test and a practical driving test. If you don't meet these requirements, you can still take the Code exam as an independent candidate, without having to go through a driving course. This is especially beneficial when you are looking to cut down on the cost for training at a driving school.
You must be 18 years old to get a French driving licence. You can begin learning how to drive at 16 years old. This lets you practice for both the theoretical and practical exams. You will also need to show an official medical certificate that proves your fitness to drive. The official document booklet includes a list of doctors that are certified.
The process of exchanging your driving license is fairly simple. The ANTS website (National Agency for Secured Titles) is responsible for managing the exchange. Log into your ANTS Account and click on Nouvelle Demand in the upper-right corner. Once you are signed in, select Le permis de conduire (Driver's license) and then I request the production of a document called a permis of driving (I demand the production of a driver's license). Choose No for the question: A medical visit is it required? (Is a medical visit necessary?) as category B licences don't require a medical examination.
After submitting the form you will be issued an NEPH number. This is your application number, and will be your new French driving license number. Next, you must register for the test session. You can register on the ANTS site or at your local Direction Departementale en Charge récupérer des points sur le Permis de conduire Territories. To sign up you will need to provide your NEPH number and a valid photo ID.
After you have received your French driving license You must be cautious to avoid traffic violations and accidents. You will lose points on your driving record when you commit an offence. The Ministry of Interior will send you a letter when your points balance is zero. You'll then need to pay a penalty.
Documents are required
You will need a few documents in order to apply for the French B license. You'll need your driving license from the country of birth, identification proof and a health certificate. The medical certificate has to be signed by a doctor and declare that you suffer from an intellectual disability, physical or mental impairment. The document should be dated no later than three months prior to the date of your application. It is also recommended to have a copy your insurance policy. This is essential if you are involved in an accident on the French roads.
If you have a driving licence from a European Union or EEA member state, you can use it in France without needing to take the French two-part exam. This is applicable to drivers of vehicles ranging from the class B up to the class D, which includes motorhomes and campers. Some companies may refuse to rent cars to individuals who have non EU licenses.
The French government has exchange agreements in place with a variety of countries, including Switzerland, Australia, and South Africa. If your country is listed, you are able to exchange a driving license from another country for an French licence without having to pass the French written and practical tests. You must submit all required paperwork within one year of residence in France.
You can make a request for an French licence online through the ANTS website. The site will ask that you create an account and upload the necessary documents. You can view the status of your application once you have submitted your details. You will receive an email or text message confirmation once you have completed the online application.
You must immediately notify police immediately if you believe your driving license is stolen or lost. You can report the issue via the internet or in person at your local police station. The police will issue a document allowing you to drive legally for the next two month in France.
Fees
The French B driving license (permis de driving category B) is the official document that permits you to drive in France. It's shaped like credit card, and contains your personal details as well as your driving license number and date of issue. It also shows the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive. It is valid for 15 years.
The cost of obtaining a permit are not inexpensive. Based on the location you live in, you might have to pay for 20 hours of driving lessons and the Highway Code course and a separate practical driving exam. The average cost is EUR1,800. If you fail the exam, it will cost you EUR30 to take it again, and there is no limit to how many times you may take it again.
You can apply for a driving licence online through the France Titres website by clicking Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right corner of the page. 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 answered yes to the question "une visite medicale est-elle necessaire?", you will need to undergo an examination for medical reasons prior to being granted the permit.
If you already have a permit from another EU/EEA member state or a foreign country, it's possible to exchange it to one that is a French one after at least one year of living in the country. If you do this, you will be able to drive in France for as long as your license is valid and it hasn't been taken away or cancelled.
Note that your French driving license will be issued under the name you entered on the application. The name on your permit will not be changed, even if you alter it later on official documents. You cannot use your driving licence to obtain a passport, or an identity card. It's only for driving in France. If you require these other documents, you'll need obtain an official translation from your Etat member or the French Ministry of Justice.
