When starting to drive in a new country, it is important to take care, especially if driving practice differs from that in your native country - the French drive on the right, so be aware if you are used to driving on the left.

Your existing driving licence may be fine for use in France, so check this with your local "Prefecture" - for example, British Nationals who take up residence in France for over a year no longer need to exchange their UK driving licence for a French one.

If you prefer to obtain a French licence, you will need to return your UK licence to the DVLA once your new licence has been issued.

To obtain a French driving licence, you need to apply at the nearest "Prefecture" to where you live.

If you take your own car over to France with you and stay for more than 6 months, you must change the registration of your car. Only a resident can apply for this, again you need to go to your local "Prefecture" and they will advise which documentation you need to provide.

NOTE - if the vehicle is registered in the UK you will need an expat certificate from the DVLA.

Further enquiries relating to driving in France should be directed to the "Ministere des Transports" at the following address:

Arche de la Defense
DSCR
Sous-direction de la Formation du Conducteur
92055 PARIS LA DEFENSE CEDEX 04

Telephone: 00 33 14081 82 48 (or 82 12 or 81 87)