Do you have a UK driving license and live in France? Since June 28, 2021, an agreement regarding the continuity of the mutual recognition of driving licenses between France and the United Kingdom has been put in place. Holders of British permits issued before 1it is January 2021 and valid you can continue driving in France. Until now, these people had to exchange their licenses or take the French driving test.
The rules that apply to holders of a British driving license residing in France differ depending on the date of issuance of the license, before or after 1it is January 2021.
You live in France and have a British driving license issued before 1it is January 2021. Your British license is recognized in France, it allows you to continue driving. You do not need to apply to exchange your UK license for a French license. On the other hand, in case of expiration, loss, theft or deterioration of your license or if you request a new category of driving license, you must submit an application on the website of the National Agency for Guaranteed Securities (ANTS)
.
You live in France and have a British driving license issued after 1it is January 2021. Your British license is valid for one year from your move to France. During this period you must apply to exchange your British license for a French license in the website of the National Agency for Guaranteed Securities (ANTS)
. After this period, if you have not applied for the change, you will have to take the French driving license test again. In case of expiration, loss, theft or deterioration, you must request a change on the ANTS website.
UK driving license holders traveling to France for a short stay (tourism or business) may travel with their driving licenses, under the Vienna Convention on road traffic of November 8, 1968, to which France and the United Kingdom are signatories.
Namely: Students or holders of special residence permits issued by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs continue to benefit from the recognition of their British permit for the duration of their studies or mission in France.
People who move to France and who have obtained a French driver’s license before exchanging it for a British one, will be able to continue driving under the same conditions mentioned above (license issued before or after 1it is January 2021). Your driving rights remain registered in the National Driver’s License System (SNPC) once you have obtained the license in France.
A notator: These driving conditions also apply to French license holders residing in the UK.
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