Driving & traveling
Getting your French Driving License or an equivalent
In France, there are different types of driving licenses depending on the type of vehicle.
The B Driving License (« Permis B”) offers the possibility to drive cars and small trucks. Two exams are required in order to get this license: the highway code and the driving exam.
Registering and preparing for the highway code exam can be done at 16 (or 15 as part of an early learning) with a driving school or as an independent candidate. Driving schools will automatically register you at an exam center. If you are an external candidate, you will need to register with a licensed center yourself.
After passing your highway code exam, your training will continue with driving lessons. Accompanied driving is also an option from 15 years old as part of an early learning or from 16 years old as part of a supervised driving.
If you are an external candidate, a relative can assist you during your training.
The practical driving exam is the last official step before obtaining your driving license.
Learn more about the different driving licenses and related exams in France :
Useful links
- Converting a foreign driving license in France : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1460
- The different driving licenses in France : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F12096
- Highway code exam: http://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/permis-de-conduire/passer-son-permis/l-epreuve-du-code
Renting, buying or importing a car
Do you own a car abroad and wish to import it in France? Whether it is a new car or second-hand one, different formalities need to be fulfilled in the event of a car importation by an individual.
These formalities will be different depending to the origin of the car. If the car is imported from a member country of the European Union, the owner will be exempt from customs duties.
If the car is imported from a non-EU member country, from a department or territorial collectivity of French overseas, the owner will need to pay customs duties.
Useful link
- Importing your car in France from abroad: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/importation-par-un-particulier-dun-vehicule-achete-letranger-generalites
Do you want to rent or buy a car on the Côte d’Azur? The region offers many automotive dealerships which allow the purchase of a car, as well as many rental companies which are mainly located in the SNCF train stations or at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Useful link
- Car rental on the Côte d’Azur : http://www.nicetourisme.com/location-de-voiture
French Highway Code
Useful links
- Overview French Highway Code: https://www.onisr.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/en/road-safety-policy/highway-code
- French driving licence information: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2828
Transports on the Côte d’Azur
Useful links
- Welcome to the Côte d’Azur Transports Webpage: https://www.welcometothecotedazur.com/en/the-cote-dazur/transports/