Driving on a UK licence in France?

[traveller1]

Hi,

I'm an ex pat UK citizen, currently living in South Africa and thinking of moving to France where I would have right of residency as it's part of the EU.

If I did make the move, would I be able to drive on my UK licence or would I need to get a French one and if so, what would I have to do to get it?

In other words, is it just shuffling paperwork or would I have to sit the test etc again.

[JA13I]

Google is your friend, mate. A quick search shows this link- http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Dr ... G_10023103

You may use your GB licence for driving in other European Community/European Economic Area [EC/EEA] member states. However, you should note that while the minimum age for driving a car in GB is 17 individual member states may apply their own age restrictions for entitlements. The member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden. Check with a motoring organisation if you want to drive in a non-EC/EEA country. They will advise you whether you need an International Driving Permit.

[traveller1]

Thanks

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

That is also true for anyone moving to another EU country. So German driver's license is fine in the UK, or any other EU member state.

[watsonlew]

The citizens of EU countries are allowed to drive within Germany on the driving licence issued by their country of origin. UK driving licence holders moving to live in Germany ought to be aware that the DVLA in the United Kingdom do not permit foreign addresses on UK licences. In case you tell them that you have a foreign address they will send you a form which you can use to receive a French licence. You ought to also note that in case you commit a driving offence .