Currency Converter
Driving Licence Issued Outside the EU or EEA
What happens if you carry a licence issued in one of the major English-speaking countries outside the EU? Find out here what to do if you have an American, Canadian, Australian or other driving licence...
Drivers 18 years and over may drive in France on a valid foreign licence for up to one year. It then becomes obligatory to hold a French driver's licence obtained either through a licence exchange (where permitted) or by taking a French driver's test.
At one year from the date marked on the carte de séjour or residency permit, any foreign driving licence becomes invalid. As a result, the driver is uninsured.
Agreements exist with certain countries and states (including Australia, South Africa, and some US states and Canadian provinces), whereby an exchange may be made providing that it is done within your first year of legal residency in France. This is where a reciprocal agreement exists between France and that country or state. The list of countries with which France has a reciprocal agreement does change.
- For a full list of complying countries and states, where the licence can be exchanged for a French one: Click here and scroll to heading "Liste des pays avec lesquels il existe une pratique d'échange réciproque des permis avec la France"
- Or contact the issuing country's Consulate or Embassy in France.
- For information from the French government on driving in France with a valid non-EU/EEA licence: Click here (in French)
Australian, South African driving licences
Holders of valid South African and Australian (all States and Territories) licences are entitled to exchange them in the same way as holders of valid EU licences provided the application is made within the first 12-months months of residence.
Australians note: As the Australian licence does not have a "valid from" date noted on it, a document from the Australian authorities stating when the licence was issued may be required.
Canadian licences
Drivers holding licences from Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and Ontario may exchange their licence for a French one within the first year after arrival in France. A driver with a licence issued in Ontario may exchange a their category G licence for the equivalent (B or E) in France. In addition, they must have held that licence for at least 24 months in the previous three years. Canadians are advised by the Consulate to report this exchange to the provincial authority that issued the driver’s licence in Canada.
If the exchange is not made within one year, a full French theory and practical driving exam must be taken to obtain a French licence.
- For information from the Canadian Embassy in France on exchanging a licence: Click here
Canadians with licences from provinces other than Alberta, Manitoba, New-Brunswick, Ontario, Prince Edward Island or Quebec may drive on their Canadian licence for three months, but must register with a French driving school and take a French driving test within that time.
- For further information from the Canadian Embassy in France: Click here
New Zealand licences
Prior to June 2009, New Zealand had no reciprocal licence swap agreement with France. However, since then, holders of a valid New Zealand-issued driving licence who have been resident in France less than one year may exchange their licence for a French one. This is done in the same way as holders of valid EU licences provided the application is made within the first 12-months months of residence. It is recommended to take a copy of the official agreement in case the Préfecture is not aware of the agreement.
- To download a French-language copy of the official circular: Click here
- Further information from the New Zealand Embassy: Click here
New Zealand licence holders who have been resident in France longer than a year must take a full French theory and practical driving exam to obtain a French licence.
American-issued licences
A driver 18 years and over may drive in France on a valid US driver's license for one year from the time of receiving a residency permit. It is recommended to attach a French translation by a sworn translator (traducteur expert-juré) to the US driver's license. Contact details of translators available at the Mairie and Préfecture.
If the licence was issued by any of the following states it may be exchanged in the same way as EU and EEA member licences provided application is made within nine months of being issued a residency permit:
- Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky and Texas (check with a US Consulate or Embassy as this list is subject to change)
If the driver's license is not from one the states mentioned above, the French driving examination must be taken within the first year of residence in France.
- For information from the French Embassy in Washington: Click here
US students: The US licence is valid for the full duration of the studies.
US temporary visitors: Visitors on a holiday visa (under 90 day visit) may use a valid US driving licence, an International driving licence is recommended but not essential.
When a Licence Exchange is Not Permitted
If the licence may not be exchanged, a full French theory and practical driving exam must be taken.
- See the Driving Licences in France INFOrmation page on AngloINFO
Looking for an international business opportunity? Why not run an AngloINFO site?
AngloINFO is growing fast and is looking for the right people to take on regional AngloINFO franchises around the world - click here to find out more!
AngloINFO Franchising: Be your own boss - where you want to be!
