Contents of article "Driving in France "

 Exchange of the British Driving Licence in France
 Registration of a private vehicle

---

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 no longer need to exchange their British licence for a French one.

However if British Nationals wish to do so, they should make the request at the nearest "Préfecture". 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 are staying in France for more than 6 months, you will have to re-register your car.

Only residents of France can apply for the registration of their vehicle. To do this, you need to go to the nearest "Préfecture". An export certificate from the DVLA (Tel: 01792 77 21 51) will be required if the vehicle is currently registered in the UK.

More info:
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

---

 Top of the page