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How to Get a French Driving License Before you can drive in France, it's important to know the driving rules. You should also be aware of the requirements to obtain a driving license. 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 and valid for 15 years. Rules of the Road France is a well-loved road trip destination, thanks to its beautiful countryside and vibrant urban landscapes. To avoid problems with the police, it's essential to be aware of the rules for driving. Always have your driving licence and proof of insurance. An international driving permit (IDP) is also an excellent idea to make it easier for you to travel. The traffic in France moves a lot slower than in the United States, and there are more pedestrians walking the streets. It is therefore essential to drive defensively, and watch out for drivers who turn left in front you. It is also not advisable to drive after having consumed alcohol. If you're caught driving while impaired, you can be fined as much as 135 euros or lose points on your license. It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving in France. You may only use hands-free phone calls if wearing a headset integrated into your helmet. If you are stopped by police, you could be penalized for texting or speaking while driving. You must also wear a seatbelt in both the front and back seats. If you have children in your car that are younger than 10 years old they must be seated in the rear of the vehicle and be secured by an infant seat or seat belt. You should also keep a copy of your passport at all times. This is a requirement of the law and will be checked if you are stopped for any reason. Another thing to keep in mind is that the speed limits on French roads differ by kind of road. For instance, Autoroutes have a higher speed limit than other roads. There are also tolls when driving on view publisher site and you can pay in cash or a credit card. The most important rule in France is priorite a droite which means that any vehicle entering from your right has right of way. This is the case regardless of whether the vehicle joining a busy highway via a tiny village road. This is especially true on country lanes that are narrow, where cars often pass each other in middle of the road. Passing the test After you have passed the written exam, it is time to take the driving test in the real world. This is a more difficult portion of the test than the theory exam, and you'll need to do lots of practice before passing it. It's essential to find a driving school that can give you lots of driving lessons prior to taking the test. It is also important to ensure that you have at the very least third-party liability car insurance before driving in France. You can sign up for the test by visiting the ANTS site and entering your NEPH (your application number) along with a photo ID. Contrary to American passport photographs, French driving license photos must be in full-face color. If you're not a native English speaker you can request an interpreter for your test. However, you must request this at minimum two days before the date of the test. After passing the driving test, you'll be issued a CEPC, which is your driver's licence examination certificate. You'll have to show this to the local prefecture when you apply for a French license. You can then start driving in France. If you fail the driving test, you'll need to wait between two and 45 days before you can retake it. There's no limit to the number of times you can retake the driving test However, it's recommended to wait until you're at ease enough to retake the test. A driving license is a necessity to live in France. If you intend to stay in France for more than a year, you will need a driving license before you can drive on French roads. Some Americans ignore this requirement, and continue to drive on their US license even after they reach the one-year mark. This could result in serious accidents or fines. Fortunately, a few states have a an agreement of reciprocity with France. Kentucky, for example, allows its citizens to exchange their U.S. drivers' licenses for French ones without going through the long, drawn-out process of taking a written test and passing a practical driving test. Some Americans have to go through a lengthy process to get their French licenses. The process of obtaining a license If you are an expat or a foreign national with a valid driver's licence from a country with whom France has an agreement of reciprocity You can exchange your licence to a French one without taking the driving test. There are some rules you should know. You must ensure that you have a valid driver's licence. Then, you'll need to complete a new application. The form can be found online. Choose the option of renewal de titre (driver's license renewal) Then click Etape following (next step). Fill in your details and select the reason you require a license. If you have a licence B, for example, you can drive vehicles up to 3,5 tons in weight and that seat nine people or less. You'll also be able to haul a trailer not heavier than the vehicle you're driving. The next step is to submit the application to the prefecture of your area. You need to fill in all of the necessary information and attach copies of your identity documents. Include your passport or other photo ID, as well as an address proof. You'll also require an official medical certificate in the event of a medical need. The licenses for categories A and B last 15 years. The categories C, CE, DL, and D are valid for 5 years. In certain cases, it is possible to get an French licence in just a few months. This is especially applicable to foreign students who are who are enrolled in an French University. Students who aren't at a French university will have to wait a lot longer for their license to be formally approved. Those who want to learn to drive in France should think about taking a driving course with a school that teaches English. The majority of schools in Paris offer driving courses in English however it's not the case in all places. Those who live outside of the capital should contact their local prefecture to inquire if they have a driving school that offers classes in English. Driving in France It is essential to adhere to the rules of the roads and proper etiquette when driving in France. A valid driver's license and third-party insurance for cars are required. It is a great way to understand the rules of the road and language by taking driving lessons with a professional instructor. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and is fueled before your trip. Be aware of the different speed limits on various types of French roads. In France traffic laws are strictly followed. The French have a point-based system to penalize traffic violations. New drivers begin with six points and must accumulate 12 points before their probationary period has ended. In the event that you are cited for a traffic violation, your points will be taken away and the amount of fine will be different according to the type of the offense. The theory test is the first step towards getting the French driving license. This test consists of 40 questions about the rules of driving and traffic safety. The practical portion of the test is the next step. It requires a minimum of 20 hours of driving under the supervision of an instructor. If you fail the practical part of the test, it is mandatory to wait for a year before you can attempt again. You must be at minimum 18 years old to be eligible for a French driver's licence and have medical examination. For those who have health or disability issues are required to undergo an examination for medical conditions. If you are from an EU or non-EU EEA country, you'll require an International Driving Permit in addition to your regular license. An IDP includes a picture of the driver and the translation of their driving licence in a dozen different languages. It is available at the airport, or from an agency for car rental. Driving in France isn't easy, however you can drive safely there with a foreign licence as long as your IDP. It is essential to understand the rules of driving and to take a few driving lessons prior to attempting to drive by yourself.