Your driving licence in France

Driving licence in France When you move to France, you need consider how you'll get around!

It's most likely that you'll be in a rural area, with fewer transport links than the UK, so you need to make sure that you're eligible to drive.

Find out more about changing your driving licence and buying a car here.

Is my driving licence valid in France?

You will be able to use your UK driving licence until 31st December 2021. After this it will no longer be valid, and you will need to exchange it for a French licence. Your application to make the switch will need to be in process before the deadline.

How to apply for a French driving licence

You'll need to be able to prove that you've been living in France for at least six months before you can apply to exchange your driving licence. You can provide this proof by supplying an attestation (a health certificate), or proof of paying income tax. d Europe, where it may be needed.

You will apply to exchange your licence online, via the Permis de Conduire, and supply documentation including a copy of your driving licence, passport, proof of residence in France and proof of address.

Taking your car to France

Cars are generally a lot more expensive to buy in France - even the most basic car in France can be twice the price of a comparable vehicle in the UK, and it’s something many British retirees don’t realise until they get out to France. Many take their British cars with them at first, but after six months they must either re-register their UK vehicle or take it back to the UK and sell it. Many expats buy left hand drive cars in the UK (where they are cheaper) and then register them in France.