Are you planning to move to France? Whether you’re just beginning your research or already on a scouting trip to France, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore everyday life in different regions. From the calm charm of the Dordogne to the sunlit hills of Provence, driving allows you to imagine what daily life might look like once you settle in.
To drive legally in France as a non-EU citizen, you will need to understand how to use your international driving licence, how long it remains valid, and when it must be exchanged for a French licence. Add to that some uniquely French driving rules and habits, and things can quickly become overwhelming. The infamous “priorité à droite” rule, for example, often surprises American drivers who are not used to yielding to cars coming from the right, even on smaller roads.
This guide is here to help. It offers clear, up-to-date information, useful links to official sources, and practical tips to help you drive with confidence in France. You will also find key French driving vocabulary to support your integration, whether you’re staying for a few months or making a permanent move
- Do I Need an International Driving Licence in France?
- Moving to France? Want to Speak French With an Expert Private Tutor?
- How Long Can I Use My International Driving Licence in France?
- French Drivers and Cultural Differences on the Road
- Understanding "Priorité à Droite": The Rule That Surprises Americans
- Tips to Feel Confident Behind the Wheel in France
- French Tolls and Speed Limits
- Essential French Driving Vocabulary
- Resources to Help You Prepare
- Alternatives to Driving in France
- Still Choosing Where to Live in France?
Do I Need an International Driving Licence in France?
If your driver’s license is not written in French, it is highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver’s license. While France may not always require an IDP for short visits, many car rental agencies do, and it can be especially useful in case of a traffic stop.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in France, and your license must be valid in your country of origin. The IDP is a translation of your existing licence and does not replace it. It is not valid on its own.
In the United States, you can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA). The process is simple: you fill out a form, provide two passport-sized photos, a photocopy of your U.S. driver’s license, and a $20 fee. More information is available here: AAA IDP Application
How Long Can I Use My International Driving Licence in France?
If you are visiting France temporarily, you can use your valid foreign driver’s license together with an IDP for up to one year. This includes tourism, visiting family, or exploring different regions as part of a scouting trip.
If you become a resident, however, the rules change. French law requires that you exchange your foreign licence for a French one within your first year of official residency. If you wait longer than one year, you may no longer be eligible to exchange it and might have to take both the written and practical French driving exams.
France has reciprocal agreements with certain countries and U.S. states. If your licence was issued by one of them, the exchange is straightforward. If not, you will need to go through the full licensing process in France. You can check whether your state is included here:
- Official French government site: Service Public – Driver’s Licence Exchange
- Expat guide (U.S.-focused): American in France – Licence Exchange
If you plan to stay long-term, start the process early. In many departments, delays are common and processing times can stretch over several months.
If you feel overwhelmed by the process or unsure about how to handle the paperwork, I know My Friend in Paris offers kind and knowledgeable support. They’ve helped many expats get through French admin without losing their minds. You can find more about their services here: Your Friend in Paris – French Administration Help.
French Drivers and Cultural Differences on the Road
Driving in France also means adjusting to a different rhythm and style. French drivers can be fast-paced, especially in urban areas, and they often make quick decisions. Lane discipline tends to be stricter on highways, but in towns, the rules feel a bit looser. Horns may be used more readily than you’re used to, not always aggressively but as a form of communication.
You might also notice:
- A tendency to tailgate, particularly on the highway (my Kiwi boyfriend always complains about how French drivers seem to stick right behind the car in front)
- Quick merging onto roundabouts without much hesitation
- Sudden stops in narrow village streets to chat or make deliveries
- Less tolerance for hesitation, especially in Paris or larger cities
I’m French myself, and even I have to admit that French drivers can be… a bit pushy. There’s a certain impatience that you feel, especially in urban areas. But it’s also part of the rhythm. Once you adapt and start reading the road like a local, it gets easier.
In quieter regions, the pace slows down, and you’ll often find drivers more relaxed and courteous. Like anywhere, patience and observation go a long way. And once you’ve survived your first roundabout in Marseille, everything else feels like a breeze.
Understanding “Priorité à Droite”: The Rule That Surprises Americans
“Priorité à droite” means that, in the absence of road signs saying otherwise, vehicles coming from your right have the right of way at intersections. This rule can be difficult to grasp for foreign drivers because it often applies on seemingly minor side roads.
You might be on what feels like a main road, but if a small road joins from the right and there’s no signage, you must yield. This is a legacy rule and is most common in rural areas and older city layouts. Watch out for a triangular sign with a black cross: it means upcoming intersections are governed by priorité à droite.
In roundabouts, the default rule is the opposite: you yield to cars already inside. However, in a few rare older roundabouts, priority may be given to entering vehicles. These are increasingly rare but worth mentioning.
For a full breakdown of French road signs and their meanings, the RAC offers a helpful guide here: RAC Guide to French Road Signs
Tips to Feel Confident Behind the Wheel in France
- Learn the basic road signs before your trip
- Rent a car with automatic transmission if you’re not used to manual
- Use a GPS with real-time traffic and speed alerts
- Drive defensively, especially in towns and small villages
- Keep your documents (passport, licence, IDP, insurance) in the car
And most importantly, take your time. French roads are often narrower than what you may be used to, and driving styles can be assertive, especially in large cities.
French Tolls and Speed Limits
Driving on French highways (autoroutes) often involves tolls, which are clearly marked and vary based on distance and route. Tolls can be paid with cash or card. Some rental vehicles come equipped with an electronic badge (télépéage), which allows you to pass through designated lanes without stopping. If you’re using a UK vehicle with right-hand drive, reaching the machine can be awkward at unattended toll booths — you may need to stretch or exit the car, especially when traveling solo.
Compared to the UK or US, tolls in France can feel pricey. A long journey, such as Calais to the south of France, might cost €60 to €100 in tolls . The benefit is that French highways are generally smooth, fast, and less congested than in many other countries.
Speed limits in France depend on road type and weather conditions. The following limits apply unless otherwise posted:
- 130 km/h (80 mph) on autoroutes in dry weather
- 110 km/h (68 mph) on autoroutes in wet weather
- 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways
- 90 km/h (56 mph) on standard roads
- 80 km/h (50 mph) on secondary rural roads
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and cities
In rain or other poor weather conditions, reduced speed limits apply automatically. Speed enforcement is taken seriously in France, with many fixed and mobile radars in place. Fines are processed quickly and can be steep.
To plan your route or calculate tolls, you can use ViaMichelin, or apps such as Waze and Google Maps. For official toll rates and route estimates, check autoroutes.fr.
Essential French Driving Vocabulary
Understanding road signs and instructions in French can make a big difference in how confident and safe you feel behind the wheel.
Here’s a go-to vocabulary guide tailored for real-life situations expats will actually face.
From parking in town to dealing with a contrôle de gendarmerie.
| Le / La | French Term | English Translation | Example in French | English Example Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| la | priorité à droite | priority to the right | Attention, il y a la priorité à droite ici. | Caution, there is priority to the right here. |
| le | rond-point | roundabout | Prenez la troisième sortie au rond-point. | Take the third exit at the roundabout. |
| le | panneau | road sign | Ce panneau indique une fin de priorité. | This sign indicates the end of priority. |
| la | sortie | exit | La sortie 21 est celle pour Aix-en-Provence. | Exit 21 is the one for Aix-en-Provence. |
| le | stop | stop | Il faut marquer le stop, même s’il n’y a personne. | You have to stop even if no one is coming. |
| le | bouchon | traffic jam | On est bloqués dans un bouchon depuis 20 minutes. | We’ve been stuck in a traffic jam for 20 minutes. |
| le | stationnement interdit | no parking | Il y a un panneau de stationnement interdit ici. | There is a no parking sign here. |
| le | contrôle radar | speed check | Il y a un contrôle radar juste après le virage. | There’s a speed check just after the bend. |
| la | voie rapide | expressway | On prend la voie rapide pour aller à Nice. | We’re taking the expressway to Nice. |
| l’ | autoroute | highway | L’autoroute est fermée à cause d’un accident. | The highway is closed due to an accident. |
| le | code de la route | highway code | Je révise le code de la route pour l’échange de permis. | I’m reviewing the highway code for the licence exchange. |
| les | papiers | documents (ID, license) | Vous avez vos papiers ? | Do you have your documents? |
| la | gendarmerie | police station (rural) | La gendarmerie fait un contrôle ce matin. | The police are doing a check this morning. |
Also, be mindful of the difference between la droite (right) and tout droit (straight ahead).
They can sound similar, but they mean very different things.
In droite, the final ‘t’ is clearly pronounced, while in tout droit, it’s silent.
Listening to GPS instructions can be tricky if you’re not used to it, so it helps to repeat them out loud.
👉 For example:
Tournez à droite après la boulangerie. (Turn right after the bakery.)
Continuez tout droit jusqu’au rond-point. (Keep going straight until the roundabout.)
Resources to Help You Prepare
If you’re feeling unsure about driving in France or want to build your confidence before hitting the road, here are a few helpful tools and resources to explore:
- YouTube Channels: Look for expats and driving instructors who share practical advice and driving experiences in France. Seeing how others navigate common situations can help demystify the process.
- GPS Practice: Switch your GPS or Google Maps app to French and practice following directions at home or while walking. Getting used to “tournez à droite” and “continuez tout droit” can help you react faster when you’re behind the wheel.
- Driving Apps: The “Code de la Route 2024” app is free and available on iOS and Android. It offers practice questions and road sign explanations based on the official French driving exam. You can also try this free mobile app to study the French road code in French: code-route.app.
- French Highway Code Book: For a complete reference with clear explanations and examples, I recommend this book: Get the French Highway Code book here
These tools can help you feel more confident, whether you’re driving during a scouting trip or preparing for a licence exchange.
Here are two YouTube videos you can start with:
- French Driving School – Roundabouts & Rules Explained – Watch with French or English subtitles and slow down the speed to understand the language and signage
- Driving in France as an American Expat – Real expat experience and great tips
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Alternatives to Driving in France
If all of this still feels overwhelming, the good news is that driving isn’t your only option. There are several great ways to get around France — some of which even let you practice your French along the way. You can also join a guided tour: many small group tours include transportation by bus with a local driver, so you don’t need to worry about tolls, signs, or parking. It’s a stress-free way to explore France, especially if you’re still getting comfortable with the idea of driving here.
Here are a few travel alternatives to consider:
- Train Travel (SNCF): France has an extensive and reliable train network that reaches most towns and cities. High-speed TGV trains can get you across the country in just a few hours. It’s efficient, comfortable, and a great way to see the landscape. You can even bring your bike onboard if you book a space and pay a small supplement. Why not explore France this way? Just keep in mind that delays can happen during strikes. Plan and book your tickets here: sncf-connect.com
- BlaBlaCar: This popular carpooling platform connects drivers and passengers heading in the same direction. It’s economical, eco-friendly, and actually a great way to practice your French with locals in a relaxed setting. Learn more or book a ride: blablacar.fr
- Long-distance Buses: Companies like FlixBus offer inexpensive coach travel across France and into neighboring countries. Slower than trains, but often cheaper and perfect for budget travel.
- Cars Without a Licence (voiture sans permis): If you’re staying long-term and don’t qualify for a licence yet, these small, lightweight vehicles can be driven without a full driving licence in certain conditions. They’re limited in speed and zones but can be a solution in rural areas.
Exploring France doesn’t have to mean driving. Whether you’re comparing train routes or sharing a ride with a new French friend, there are plenty of accessible and enjoyable ways to discover the country.
Still Choosing Where to Live in France?
If you are currently planning your move or taking a scouting trip, you might enjoy this related article:
Moving to France: Books, Movies & Music to Help You Choose the Best Region to Live the Dream
It offers inspiration through stories, films, and sounds to help you picture life in different parts of France and make the decision that fits your lifestyle.
Driving in France is absolutely doable as a foreigner. With the right documents, a bit of preparation, and an understanding of key rules and vocabulary, you can feel at ease behind the wheel and make the most of your journey through the country.
