Driving in France
Exchange of the British Driving Licence in France
According to the European Community Directive (91/439/EEC), since 1 January 1997 British Nationals taking up residence in France for more than a year do not have to exchange their British licence for a French one anymore.
However if British Nationals wish to do so, 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 (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority).
Registration of a private vehicle
If you 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. T o 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.
Nota : " Collection vehicles " having this label in Great Britain have to pass a favourable MOT in France to get the same label. The periodic test will not be necessary in the future. Moreover these vehicles are restricted to be driven in the ‘département’ of their registration or the border ‘départements’. A special authorisation is to be requested from your ‘préfecture’.
For any further enquiries, please contact the Ministère des Transports:
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