Driving in France
If you're from the UK, you will be aware that the French drive on the other
side of the road! It is an obvious point, I know, but it does make roundabouts and junctions very confusing
at first. There are other things to worry about too though:
Exchange of the British Driving Licence in France
According to the European Community Directive (91/439/EEC), British
Nationals taking up residence in France for more than a year no longer have to exchange their
British licence for a French one.
Nationals of countries outside the EU will need to exchange their licenses though (and EU nationals can also
do so if they wish) and the request must be done at the Préfecture of
your place of residence. The issuing of a French driving licence implies the withdrawal of
the national driving licence, which is sent back to the issuing authority.
Note points on a French driving licence work in exactly the opposite way to the British system
.A "clean" French has 12 points. Between 1 and
6 points may then be taken off depending on the driving offence. When all 12 points have
gone your driving licence is automatically cancelled and you must then re-take your driving test.
Registration of a private vehicle
If you intend to take your UK registered car over and stay in France for more than 6 months,
you will have to change the registration of your car.
Only residents can apply for the registration of their vehicle. You have to apply at the
Préfecture of the place of your residence. To obtain a list of the required documents,
please contact your Préfecture.
An export certificate from the DVLA (01792 77 21 51) will be required if the vehicle is
currently registred in the UK.
Contrôle Technique (MOT)
All new cars (registered after 1/1/1990) must undergo this test 4 years at the
latest after first registration and every 2 years thereafter. Necessary repairs must
be carried out within 2 months. The test usually costs between €50 and €70. Failing to get
this test done can incur not only a heavy fine but the withdrawal of your log book (carte grise)
for 7 days. Special exceptions exist for "vintage vehicles".
For any further enquiries, please contact the Ministère des Transports (ministry of transport):
ARCHE DE LA DEFENSE
DSCR
Sous-direction de la Formation du Conducteur
92055 PARIS LA DEFENSE CEDEX 04
Tel : 00.33.1.40.81.82.48 /82 12 /81.87
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