UK to French driving licence

[Fred]

Tricksy old subject this one.

When we first came out here, quivering with the excitement of it all and wanting everything to be French, we mentioned it to a group of friends who looked horrified and said "DON'T"

The reasons for this seem to be many and various ranging from different towing weights in France compared to the UK, different size of truck you can drive/hire etc etc.

The didn't bother me because I don't drive trucks, tow trailers or have a tractor to run around in.

Now, I don't know if a lot of what we were told is truth or fiction, ex-pat urban myth etc.

But.....the only blinding bit of logic that made sense was this; if you have a French licence our chums in the Gendarmarie can whack points on willy nilly and do all the other things they love to do. They can't with a UK licence.

That little waffle was probably of no use whatsoever but the moral of the story is that we kept our UK driving thingies...

No not overly useful but entertaining as usual none the less.

Re The Trailer and weight issue: You need to go to your GP and he will sign to say you can drive them.

Re the points: It was like that but I think now they have a reciprocal agreement, and let each other know so they can make you change your licence.

Re Keeping an English one: You now have to have proof of British residency and 3 years proof of living at the address.

I've got my forms and the lady said it could take 4 months so get it in quick, my licence runs out in 5 weeks so she wont be happy by the time of gone through it, gone to my GP, got my photos, etc.

Oh well this is France so I will take my time just as they do and report back when I figure it all out.

By the way I had a bit of a shock!
[sp]There is only THREE pieces of paper to fill in. That must be a first[/sp]