When settling in France, it is essential to know how to drive legally. Depending on the origin of your license, the procedures and obligations differ.
European Licenses
If your license was issued in a European Union country, you can drive in France indefinitely, as long as your license remains valid.
More information here: Service-Public
Specific point for British licenses: only those obtained before 2021 are still directly valid.
Non-European Licenses
For licenses issued outside the EU, the first step is to check if your license is exchangeable:
Service-Public – Check license exchange
Case 1: Exchangeable License
If your license is exchangeable, you must apply for an exchange via the ANTS website. If your nationality differs from the country where you received your driving license, the procedure may be more complex.
Sofime can assist you with the procedures to obtain it within the first year following the acquisition of your normal residence in France.
Contact our teams for assistance
Case 2: Non-Exchangeable License
If your license is not exchangeable, you will need to retake the French driving test. It is advisable to find a driving school offering courses in English.
Advice from SOFIME Immigration & Relocation
- Start the process as soon as possible: in 2025, the average time to obtain a French license varies between 6 months and 1 year.
- You are not allowed to drive with a foreign license if you have been in France for more than one year (from the validity date of your residence permit).
- The exchange or renewal of the license must be done within the first year of your stay.
