Buy the French B Driving License Online
The first step to drive in France is to obtain the French license. This can be done online through the ANTS website.
The B license permits the driver to drive vehicles that weigh less than 3.5 tons and have a maximum of 9 seats. This includes standard passenger vehicles as well as people carriers.
Driver's license test
You will have to pass a written exam known as the code de la route (road code) as well as a practical driving test to obtain your French driving license. In certain instances you might need to take additional hours of driving lessons to prepare for the test. You can also choose to go to a driver's academy that will handle the scheduling and training for you. The exam can be repeated at any number of times you want however, it will cost EUR30 per session.
You may also take the exam as an independent candidate, however this option is only available for those who have a driver's license from their country of origin that has been issued in English. In addition,
permis de conduire français en Cepc (
click over here) you must provide a medical certificate or a document certifying your handicap, known as a "reconnaissance de qualite de travailleur handicape". You can then take the test at one of the special sessions designed for non-French speakers (examen ETG specifique).
To pass the driving test in the practical you must score an at-least 20 points, and there must be no elimination error. The examiner won't inform you immediately if you've passed or failed, but you can examine your results online at the securite Routiere website within 48 hours of passing the test with your NEPH number. After you've verified your success you can download a digital copy of the permit. The France Titres page to order your French driving license will allow you to purchase your physical French license online.
In France the new driving license is valid for a period of five years. After five years, you will need to renew your driving licence by applying for a new one with the prefecture. You'll need to bring along your driving licence from the past as well as a passport photo and an address in France. You can also submit an application for the renewal of your licence if want to add another category of vehicle or change the name of your current driving licence. To be eligible you must be living in France for a minimum of six months. You must also be covered by a current health insurance policy that includes third-party liability coverage for automobiles.
Exchange of foreign driver's license
There are certain conditions you must satisfy if you're moving from your home country to France with an active driver's license. For instance, you are able to exchange your licence only if your country has a reciprocal agreement with France and if it's still valid. You'll need to pass the French driving exam in case you do not. The process can take up to a year or two however,
Permis de conduire perdu it appears to be moving faster now that the application is online.
If you hold an international license from a country which is a member of the EU or European Free Trade Association, (EFTA - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or in the event that your British or Northern Irish licence was issued before 2013, then you are able to use it to drive in France. You must first obtain third-party liability insurance before you are allowed to drive. These licenses are also known as "
permis de conduire français en suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré driving". They resemble a credit card and list your personal details along with the type of vehicle you can drive.
You must also be over the legal age to drive in the country of your origin. You must also be older than the legal driving age in your country. There are additional requirements you must meet. For example your licence must have been issued before you moved to France. The license must be issued in your own name and in your native language, or it could be accompanied by an English translation. It must be valid in the country where you reside and been issued prior to the expiration date of your visa or residence permit.
New drivers in France start off with six points on their driving licences. They can get up to 12 points. If you make a mistake you can be assessed an amount of money or have points removed from your licence. Your license could be revoked dependent on the number of points you've accrued. If you're planning to stay in France for a long time, you should take the time to learn to drive here.
Learn to drive in France
You can enroll in a driving school or learn to drive on your own if you are moving to France. No matter which option you pick, there will be a lot of hurdles to get through. The process of getting your license in France will take a significant amount of time with waiting times estimated to be as long as three months due to a shortage of driving examiners. However the actual test is very similar to the two-part theory exam and practical exam that is taken in the UK.
One of the first things you'll must pass is the highway code test, also known as "le code" for short. This is a lengthy test that will take you at least two months to complete. Don't rush through it or your French driver may give you the finger. This is basically learning the highway code and taking a lot of'mock' tests. Then when you're confident enough you can move on to the real thing.
The next step is to do an hour of driving with a professional driver. This is known as conduite supervisee in France and you'll have to register with a prefecture to be recognized as conduite supervisee. Apparently you will need to complete at minimum 20 hours of this before you even think about taking the test.
You will also have to keep track of all your journeys. This is designed to ensure that you're not just commuting to school and returning each day (that would count for 3000 kilometres, but isn't going to get you anywhere!) These journeys also have to be varied, so driving around your community for a year won't suffice. You will be penalized and lose points on your French driving license if you commit a serious offense, such as drunken driving or speeding.
One other thing to note is that the left lane is for passing cars, not driving slowly in. Be aware that you could be stopped if you are driving slowly in the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway.
Insurance
You'll need a French B license if you plan to drive in France. This permit allows you to drive vehicles that are not larger than 3.5 tons. This permit also allows you to drive cars with not more than nine seats. The permit is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. You may have to undergo a medical examination to maintain your license depending on your age or the category of vehicle you drive.
You'll also need an insurance policy that covers third party liability for your vehicle. This policy will protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. Additionally, you should keep your driving license as well as insurance documents and the car registration documents in your vehicle at all times. In some instances you'll have to carry your passport on you, too.
The process of purchasing and insuring your vehicle in France isn't easy however it doesn't need to be. In fact, it can be easy and painless, especially if you already have a foreign driver's license issued by an EU or EFTA country. This is because certain states have reciprocal agreements with France and France, which makes the process even simpler.
A French driving licence (
suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré de conduire) is an official document that contains your personal information, the type of vehicle you're permitted to drive, as well as the date of issue and expiration date. It also serves as an official ID in most places. It is a pink plastic card which is similar to a credit card.

You must report your French permit immediately if you lose it or stolen. You can do this on the ANTS website. You will then be issued temporary licenses that are valid for a period of two months. If you have committed an offence, you could be fined or removed from your license. The maximum number of points is twelve.