The French and driving.....

[Admiral]

Anyone have any idea what sort of driving lessons our French chums have to go through?

And, more importantly, what does their driving "test" consist of?

I only ask because I am sick to death of continually being cut-up in supermarket car parks by drivers coming at me from oblique angles or more commonly, driving in through the out door - or the out lane - and heading straight for me.

Are they taught that all cars, vans etc have indicators?

And how long do they have to display those "A" stickers?

Just thought I'd ask because some of the idiotic driving encountered here is going to end in tears and sick one day.

[Fred]

Anyone have any idea what sort of driving lessons our French chums have to go through? And, more importantly, what does their driving "test" consist of?

• Stop abruptly at the Tabac.
  
• Sit on the bumper of the vehicle in front for 2 Km.
  
• See how close you can get to the white line without loosing a wing mirror.
  
• Drive with a baguette on your dashboard.
  
• Tie some odd piece of furniture on your roof with blue string and travel 25 Km.
  
• Stop for 5 glasses of Pineau and find your way back to the test centre.
  

I only ask because I am sick to death of continually being cut-up in supermarket car parks by drivers coming at me from oblique angles or more commonly, driving in through the out door - or the out lane - and heading straight for me.

Oh those are the English.

Are they taught that all cars, vans etc have indicators?

Yes that's why they drive so close to you. They are taught to read the serial numbers on the lenses.

And how long do they have to display those "A" stickers?

I think it's 2 years for over 25s and 3 years for under 25s. they are supposed to have a speed restriction too, though I've never seen any evidence of that myself.

Just thought I'd ask because some of the idiotic driving encountered here is going to end in tears and sick one day.

New French ruling for cars: High Vis Jacket, Triangle, Spare Bulbs, Breathalyser, Blue String, and A Sick Bag.

[Admiral]

I didn't realise stopping suddenly at the Tabac and driving with a baguette on the dashboard were obligatoire.

The dodgy furniture tied on, just, I understand as with the tailgating. Also there would be no fun for the French driver if he/she couldn't try to get in the back of the car in front.

In the meantime, I'm stocking up on sick bags.