Moving to France » Motoring

Driving in France

Published: 6 January 2011

Driving in FranceUnder French rules, as soon as you know that you will live in France, you should re-register your vehicle.

More generally you can use foreign-registered cars here for up to six months.

There is no obligation to swap a valid British (or EU) licence to a French one, unless a driving offence has been committed which would involve loss of points or restriction or suspension of the licence.

You should also check what insurance cover you have before your trip. Typical UK policies will give you minimum cover in France for up to 90 days’ travel, but some policies are invalid if you become resident in France.

Useful tip

  • Unlike in the UK, where the MOT is annual, the French version (contrôle technique) is every two years.

In the full Moving to France helpguide, we explain:

  • How to register an imported car
  • Checking your insurance cover
  • Driving rules and the safety equipment you need
  • Documents you must carry when driving
  • How to obtain a French driving licence
  • The licence points system and regaining them
  • Making sure your car is roadworthy
  • Repairing problems if you fail the French MOT
  • Problems with UK police and French cars

Download the guide as a PDF now from this link
…or ask a question about this topic in the comment box below.

6 Comments »

  • Amanda Roberts said:

    Although you say there is no obligation to change from a British to French licence (other than the situations quoted), is it not the case that when your British Photo licence expires after 10 years, that you can not re-apply for a British licence if you no longer live in the UK, therefore, you must apply for a French licence?

    I’ve not seen any comments anywhere on this scenario. Its worth noting that when I applied for an exchange it took 4 months, and for my husband 5 months. Please allow sufficient time that you are not driving without a valid licence.

    [Reply]

    # 4 November 2011 at 7:56 pm
  • howerd wilkins said:

    Hi,
    Have lived and worked here (Morzine) now for 6 years as a fully paid up member of French society I notice an incresing number of long term UK reg cars on the road.
    Mostly these have no UK road tax discs ,no French ins or Controle teq displayed on windscreen. So we could assume that these are totally illegal.

    Do you no the reason why the French Police seem to ignore these perpatrators ?.

    Is there a simular problem in other Tourist areas i would be interested to know.

    Thanks.

    [Reply]

    # 4 November 2011 at 3:33 pm
  • eileen Brown said:

    Does your guide include regulations regarding the carrying of small children in the car ie child seats, boosters etc this is for when our grandson flies out to us

    [Reply]

    # 4 November 2011 at 1:54 pm
  • Mike Miles said:

    I have diabetes and am approaching 70 years old. I was told by Swansea that I need to obtain a French Licence which I did. It is a 5 years licence.
    I therefore don’t understand the comment that you can keep your English licence.
    It may be that because of age and illness restrictions you have to have a licence in the country that you are residing, and with your ‘foreign’ address?

    [Reply]

    # 4 November 2011 at 12:23 pm
  • Wendy Golding said:

    Can I order this guide as I am not able to download it. I would also like a guide for a friend. I myself am particularly interested in information on registering a British Camper here and if any makes are not registerable in France.

    Thanking you.

    Wendy Golding

    [Reply]

    Moving to France editor Reply:
    February 7th, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    For the moment the guide is only available for download, but we are planning to make physical copies available soon due to demand. We will update this site once they are available.

    [Reply]

    # 4 February 2011 at 4:29 pm

Any questions or comments on this subject?