Photocard Driving Licence

[securespark]

I cannot find a definitive answer on the web: do you need the above to drive in France?

I have one, but Mrs Secure still has a green paper one...

 

[snico]

You can use either to drive in France....just remember to keep your insurance, licence and vehicle documents with you. It is law in France to have these with you when driving.

 

[seco services]

You can still use a paper licence here and abroad as it's still a valid licence.
Don't forget your hi-vis.

 

[securespark]

Yeah, I did think so, but wondered how the Gendarme will attempt to prove the licence is hers without a piccy of her attached to it.

 

[alumni]

As i understand it, the Card is not the actual licence, the pink? sheet is the important bit. In that respect, it's not disimilar to the old green licence.

 

[seco services]

you mean the green sheet.

 

[securespark]

Thanks for the other tips.

Yup, I've got hi-viz (for the kids, too).

I also have:

Headlamp deflectors
Spare lamp & fuse kit
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Hazard Triangle
GB sticker

and I'll carry the spare car key as well, JIC.

In case anyone else reading this is driving in France soon, I've found out a couple of useful facts.

Kids under 10 cannot travel in the front of the car, which is a shame in our FR-V.

There is a "Good Samaritan" law in France. If someone needs help and it is safe to do so, you must pull over and offer assistance. (Hence the FE and FAK).

Also, don't forget a coupla weird road laws.

Some minor roads joining a major road from the right have priority, usually out in the sticks. So watch out for cars ambling onto the carriageway in front of you!

Also, traffic entering some roundabouts has prority over traffic already on the roundabout.

Unless the sign says "Vous n'avez pas la priorite", in which case treat it like a roundabout in the UK. Except you go round it the other way, of course....!

The autroroute speed limit is 130 dry and 110 in the wet.

And if you get stopped for speeding it's usually an instant fine & they often ask for immediate cash payment. It has been known for motorists to be accompanied to ATM's. Make sure you get a receipt from the Gendarme.

 

[alumni]

you mean the green sheet.

Yer
that's pink on one side - just looked.

 

[securespark]

Yes, you need the counterpart as well.

 

[cumbriahandyman]

Check to see that your licence has not expired, the photocard has to be replaced (at your expence) every ten years.

£1,000.00 fine if caught, and the possibility that your insurance will be invalidated.

 

[joinerjohn]

Check to see that your licence has not expired, the photocard has to be replaced (at your expence) every ten years.

£1,000.00 fine if caught, and the possibility that your insurance will be invalidated.

Excellent point CHM. Loads of people get caught out with this as DVLA, don't send reminders, when your licence has to be renewed.

 

[Burnerman]

Beware French driving at around 3pm Sundays......often returning home after a boozy lunch
Enjoy your hols, securespark - France is a teriffic country to be and drive in, and the people are great too.
Very expensive just now though - recently I had to pay nearly £100 for a Campanile room only.
John

 

[RedHerring2]

Obviously I have to echo Burnerman's comment about France being an excellent country and to drive in.

Diesel is cheaper than petrol, petrol being about the same price as in UK.

You can have a superb lunch, just a baguette or two from the boulangerie and some cold meat from the boucherie. There are so many picnic sites in France, usually wth table and benches. You can pick up some butter/tomatoes/etc in the local grocer. Just take a knife and some plates with you.

On the autoroutes there's nearly always a service station every 25k. Usually they alternate between a proper sevice station and a rest/picnic area.
I've even had a snooze on the grass a few times.

Beware of the culture shock when you return onto UK roads! It's almost intimidating after a couple of weeks of French traffic. So many cars/lorries/ etc.

 

[Burnerman]

Even more of the culture shock is the amount of roadside litter over here, especially near roundabouts.
Awful!
I remember the cool down showers in the southern rest areas - misting cold water Just the think for a sweaty biker!
A fab country and very biker friendly - only too happy to flash impending gendarmes. We should take that on board!
John

 

[htgeng]

Check to see that your licence has not expired, the photocard has to be replaced (at your expence) every ten years.

£1,000.00 fine if caught, and the possibility that your insurance will be invalidated.

I didn't know that! Looked at mine and it expires in Dec 13, phew. On the back there are some categories without details. What are fklnp? I assume C1 covers up to 7.5ton lorry as I once drove a rental one to move home.