Description
The pleasure of driving a car is considered a privilege of wealthy people. Therefore, the French driver’s license in cost “a pretty penny.” First, just to enroll in a driving school, you must immediately spend about 80 euros, and then separately pay for the theory (150-250 euros) and each of the 28 compulsory driving lessons (45 euros) – in addition to paying the exam (100 euros). Secondly, there is no guarantee that the owner of a fresh driver’s license will have it for life – the point system of fines, adopted in France, can quickly deprive the license of fans to violate traffic rules.
The process of training drivers is not too cheap in France: theory and practice cost an average 1,700 euros. In addition to money, one should also spend time and nerves. In this article we will tell you how to get a French driver’s license and what is needed for this.
IF THERE IS NO MONEY, BUT YOU WANT TO DRIVE
Yes, French laws allow you to sit behind the wheel even if you are not able to get a driving license. In this case, you can sit in the driver’s seat only in special cars that don’t accelerate to more than 60 km/h. By the way, such cars have become quite popular and are in demand. There are almost 700 thousand people without license in France.
IF YOU HAVE A RESIDENCE PERMIT AND NATIONAL LICENSE
A year after getting residence permit, all foreigners have to change their national license to French Driver’s License. The exchange is legitimate, if you got a national driver’s license before obtaining a residence permit.
To obtain a French Driver’s license, you must apply to the prefecture at the place of residence, where you will receive an application form. A completed form should be accompanied by a copy of the residence permit, a color copy of the current driving license and a certificate from the national traffic police that issued this license, stating that it is valid, (a French translation must be attached to the certificate). Having collected these documents, you must send the application by letter, better registered one, to the address indicated on the application form issued in the prefecture.
If the initial package of documents is approved, after about 2-3 weeks you receive another letter with a new list of documents – in each case it may differ slightly, but usually there are the following documents: two photos, a copy of the residence permit, the original and the transfer of rights, the original and translation of a certificate from the national traffic police (which is issued in advance), a document confirming the existence of a residence in France, a doctor’s certificate, application forms. You must fill the latter, prepare everything and go to the prefecture.
