France Driving Licence or Driver Permit

France Driving Licence : Obtaining a driver’s license in France allows you to legally operate vehicles on public roads.

This guide covers how to get a new or renew an existing French driver’s license, change your address, take the driver exam, pay traffic fines, and understand driving laws in France.

Getting a New France Driving Licence

To get your first driver’s license in France, you must:

Meet Age Requirements

• Be at least 16 to apply for an A1 motorcycle license.
• 18 for a regular car license.

Provide Required Documents

• Completed license application form.
• Proof of identity like passport or residence card.
• Proof of address in France.
• 2 passport photos.
• Medical certificate of aptitude.
• Applicable license fees.

Pass Necessary Exams

• Theory test on road safety and rules.
• Hazard perception test.
• Practical on-road driving test.

Receive Your License

• Once you pass all exams, you’ll receive a photo driver’s license.
• Allows legal operation of vehicles in France.
• Licenses must be renewed every 10-15 years.

Renewing a French Driver’s License

To renew an expiring French driver’s license:

• Apply within 2 months of your license expiring.
• Complete and submit renewal application.
• Provide updated ID and proofs of address if changed.
• Get new medical certificate.
• Pay license renewal fees.
• New photo may be required.

Failure to renew on time can result in fines and need to retake driver exams.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen French License

If your French driver’s license is lost or stolen:

• Immediately report it to the police and get an incident report.
• Apply for replacement at your local prefecture.
• Show police report and confirmation of identity.
• Pay fees for replacement license.
• Have new photo captured.

Prompt reporting gives you the best chance of avoiding re-testing.

Changing Your Address on a French Driver’s License

After moving to a new permanent address in France, you must update your driver’s license:

• Notify your local prefecture in-person or by registered letter.
• Provide proof of your new address in France.
• Pay fees to have updated license issued.
• New plastic card will show changed address.

Some agencies allow address changes online with proper documentation.

Taking the Driver Exam in France

To qualify for a new French driver’s license, you must pass:

Theory Test

• Computer-based exam testing road safety knowledge.
• Hazard perception test.
• Vision screening.

Practical Driving Test

• On-road evaluation of driving skills by examiner.
• Assesses ability to control vehicle and obey traffic laws.

Practice theory tests can help prepare. Most people need multiple attempts to pass.

Paying Traffic Fines in France

If you receive a citation for violating French traffic laws, you can pay the fines:

• Online via internet or mobile app using reference number.
• In-person at the court listed on the ticket.
• By mail sending cheque or money order.

Fines have a due date before late fees apply. Unpaid fines can lead to license suspension.

Overview of Traffic Laws in France

When driving in France, you must obey these essential rules:

• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Obey posted speed limits (130km/hr highways, 50km/hr urban).
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Mandatory seat belt use by driver and passengers.
• Strict drunk driving laws – maximum 0.05% BAC.
• Use headlights and turn signals properly.
• Obey all traffic signs, signals, and police officers directing traffic.

Violating French traffic laws can lead to fines, arrest, and licence suspension. Always drive safely and legally.

FAQs on France Driving Licence