When you want to settle in France, there are several ways to obtain a valid driver's license. Foreign nationals will then have to find the best option for their own situation, and for their projects.
Exchanging a foreign driver's license for a French license
Whether you are a European citizen or not, you can exchange your driving license for a French title. This can be done under certain conditions.
Conditions of exchange of driving license
Foreign nationals who have recently settled in France and who have a non-European driving license are obliged to exchange it for a French license. This allows them to move and to drive legally on French soil.
The exchange request must be made within a certain time limit which depends on the nationality of the person who initiated it. To exchange a driving license, you must:
- Have a driving license from a country that trades licenses with France;
- Have a valid driving license;
- Fulfill the conditions of the recognition of the foreign license in France.
To formulate this request, it is imperative to go to the prefecture or sub-prefecture.
The formalities to be completed to exchange his driving license
There are many supporting documents to provide in the context of a foreign driving license exchange:
- Proof of identity and address;
- Proof of the legality of the stay in France. It can be a resident card, a temporary residence card, etc. ;
- Cerfa forms n ° 14879 * 01 and 14948 * 01 completed and signed;
- The original driver's license;
- Proof of residence in the country of origin (of issue) on the date of issue. This is not valid if the applicant has only the nationality of the country;
- Four photographs;
- Official translation of the driving license (made by an authorized translator);
- Certificate of driving rights of less than three months from the country that issued the license. This is not valid for refugees and beneficiaries of international protection. This certificate verifies that the applicant is not in a situation of suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of the driving license.
When these exchange conditions are met, the original driving license must be sent. A certificate valid for a maximum of eight months is then issued to the applicant. The deadline for obtaining the French license varies.
Driving license exchange obtained in Europe
Persons who have a driving license issued in one of the European Union member countries or a country that is part of the European Economic Area Agreement may request the exchange of their driving license for a French license .
Nationals concerned
This measure is not mandatory, but it can become so when the person concerned is restricted, canceled, suspended or lost points.
The exchange of the European driving license is compulsory only when an offense is committed in France and involves direct action on the license. The nationals concerned must therefore be domiciled in France and fulfill the conditions of use of a driving license in the territory.
The steps to take
This exchange request must be made by mail only. It is necessary to provide certain documents to the administration:
- Proof of identity and proof of address;
- A color copy of the driving license concerned by the exchange request;
- Proof of residence in France;
- A copy of the residence permit;
- Forms 14879 * 01 and 14948 * 01 completed and signed.
- Three official photos;
- A postage-paid envelope with the applicant's address and name.
Obtaining the French license requires a generally variable delay. This is not a probationary license unless the driver's license collected on the exchange application has a delivery date of less than three months.
Pass the driving license in France
To drive in France, it is possible to pass the examination of the standard driving license. Registration for this exam requires to be at least 17 years old. It is possible to go through a driving school to register, or by a free application.
The steps to take
To pass the driving license in France, you must collect a number of documents:
- Proof of identity and address;
- A digital identity photo;
- Copy of the permit examination certificate;
- ASSR 2 or ASR (declaration on honor in the event of loss);
- Proof of payment of the regional tax (non-existent depending on the locality);
- Foreigners must justify the regularity of their stay or proof of the presence in France of less than six months if they are exempted.
Examination tests
The examination of the driving license in France breaks down into two tests. One is theoretical while the second is practical. This is the examination of the Highway Code which is in the form of a questionnaire, and the driving test.
The examination of the Highway Code is done in a center approved by the French State. The driving test will be conducted by a local service responsible for organizing such tests.
Foreign nationals who do not have a driving license can take it in France. It suffices to fulfill certain conditions such as:
- Have a driving license application form, which can also be a certificate of registration for the driving license;
- Have a learning booklet;
- Be under the supervision of an attendant;
- Circulate on the road network then national highway.
The escort must therefore be the owner of the driving license for at least five years. He must not ask the plaintiff for any compensation.
To conclude
It is quite possible to continue driving when you arrive in France for a longer or shorter stay. It is important to take the necessary steps to get your driver's license, or exchange the one you have against a French title. This allows to move freely and legally on the French territory as a foreign national. The steps to be taken depend on his situation and his nationality. The deadlines for obtaining are then very variable, and the steps more or less easy.
