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Can I drive in France with a foreigner licence?
Verified 01 juillet 2021 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
It depends on the State that issued you the driving licence.
Permit issued in Europe (EEA)
You are concerned if you have obtained a driving licence in a State European.
You can drive in France with your licence European as long as valid.
Exchanging your European driving licence for a French one is not necessary to drive in France.
This is only mandatory in the following 2 cases:
- You are requesting a new licence category (extension)
- In France, you commit a traffic violation, resulting in a loss of points, restriction, suspension or cancellation of your licence
Permit issued in another State
You can drive in France with your licence issued by a state no European during a short stay or during your studies under conditions.
If you settle in France, you must apply to exchange your licence for a french one (except for a british one issued before 2021).