Faruse blog

17 Sep 2021
By Rohan Singh
in France Guide for Expats

Understanding Driving Rules in France: Essential Info for English Speakers

Welcome to our in-depth blog on understanding driving rules in France! As the premier recruitment services provider, Faruse is dedicated to connecting startups with the finest English-speaking and multilingual talent. If you're an English speaker planning to live or work in France or simply visiting this beautiful country, knowing the driving regulations is crucial to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience on the roads.

1. Driving License Requirements

If you hold a valid driving license issued by an EU or EEA (European Economic Area) member state, you can drive in France without any additional requirements. Your license is valid for as long as it remains valid in your home country.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, you can drive in France with an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid home country's driving license. The IDP is a translation of your license and should be obtained before your trip to France.

2. Minimum Driving Age

The minimum age for driving in France depends on the type of vehicle you intend to operate:

For cars and motorcycles up to 125cc: 18 years old
For motorcycles over 125cc: 24 years old

Make sure to comply with the minimum driving age requirements before getting behind the wheel in France.

3. Driving Orientation and Road Signs

In France, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. This might be different from countries where driving on the left-hand side is the norm, so be attentive to the change in driving orientation.

Familiarize yourself with the French road signs, which are typically easy to understand with symbols and colors. Important signs include speed limits, priority signs, no-entry signs, and stop signs.

4. Speed Limits

Speed limits in France vary depending on the type of road and the weather conditions. As a general guide, the speed limits are as follows:

Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
Rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
Expressways and divided highways: 110 km/h (68 mph)
Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Keep an eye out for speed limit signs to ensure you are driving within the legal speed limit at all times.

5. Seat Belt and Child Restraint

Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle in France. Children under the age of 10 must use appropriate child restraint systems, such as booster seats or car seats, depending on their age and height.

6. Alcohol and Drug Limits

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in France is 0.5 grams per liter of blood. However, for novice drivers who have held a license for less than three years and for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is reduced to 0.2 grams per liter of blood. Driving under the influence of drugs is strictly prohibited.

7. Roundabouts

France is known for its roundabouts, and you will encounter them frequently on the roads. When entering a roundabout, vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Always yield to traffic on your left before entering the roundabout.

8. Emergency Equipment

It's essential to have certain emergency equipment in your vehicle when driving in France. This includes a warning triangle and a high-visibility safety vest. Make sure to have these items readily accessible in case of an emergency or breakdown.

Conclusion

Understanding driving rules in France is essential for English speakers who plan to drive in this captivating country. From having the correct driving license and adhering to speed limits to obeying road signs and driving on the right-hand side, being aware of the regulations ensures a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

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FAQ: Where can I hire a driving instructor in France to learn about the driving rules as an English speaker?

If you're an English speaker looking to learn about the driving rules in France, hiring a driving instructor can be a valuable step. Faruse can guide you on where to find a driving instructor who caters to English speakers:

1. Driving Schools with English-speaking Instructors

Contact driving schools in France that have instructors who are fluent in English. These instructors can provide personalized lessons in your preferred language.

2. Expat Forums and Communities

Participate in expat forums or communities where you can seek recommendations from English speakers who have learned driving in France.

3. Online Instructor Directories

Explore online directories that list driving instructors with language capabilities. Look for instructors who offer lessons in English.

4. Language Schools and Universities

Inquire at language schools or universities if they provide driving courses with English-speaking instructors.

If you need assistance in finding a driving instructor who can guide you in English, don't hesitate to contact the Faruse team. We can help you connect with instructors who are experienced in teaching English speakers.

FAQ: How can I book a driving theory course in English to familiarize myself with the traffic regulations in France?

Booking a driving theory course in English can greatly help you in familiarizing yourself with the traffic regulations in France. Faruse can guide you on how to book a course tailored to English speakers:

1. Driving Schools with English Courses

Look for driving schools in France that offer driving theory courses in English. These courses often cover traffic regulations and road safety.

2. Online Course Platforms

Explore online platforms that provide driving theory courses in English. These platforms offer flexible learning options.

3. Expat Support Websites

Some expat support websites may have recommendations for driving theory courses in English specifically designed for foreigners.

4. Driving Schools with Multilingual Materials

Contact driving schools that may not have full English courses but offer multilingual course materials, including English translations.

If you need assistance in finding a suitable driving theory course in English, feel free to reach out to the Faruse team. We can help you find the right resources to prepare for your driving journey in France.

FAQ: Are there any online resources available to rent or purchase that provide a comprehensive guide to driving laws in France for English speakers?

For English speakers seeking a comprehensive guide to driving laws in France, there are valuable online resources available. Faruse can help you find such resources:

1. Official Government Websites

Visit the official French government websites that provide detailed information on driving laws and regulations. Some websites offer English translations.

2. Expat and Driving Forums

Explore expat forums and driving forums where individuals share their experiences and insights into driving in France.

3. Online Publications

Look for online publications and e-books that focus on driving laws in France for English speakers. These resources may be available for rent or purchase.

4. Driving Schools' Materials

Contact driving schools that provide educational materials for learners. Some schools may offer guides on driving laws in English.

If you need curated lists of comprehensive online resources or specific information on driving laws, the Faruse team is here to assist you. Contact us for expert guidance and support.

FAQ: Where can I find English-speaking driving schools in France that offer practical driving lessons and road rules explanations?

Finding English-speaking driving schools in France that offer practical lessons and road rules explanations is crucial for your driving journey. Faruse can guide you on where to find such driving schools:

1. Driving Schools with Bilingual Instructors

Contact driving schools in your area that have bilingual instructors capable of teaching in English.

2. Expat Directories and Websites

Explore expat directories and websites that list driving schools with services for English speakers.

3. Expat Associations and Communities

Reach out to expat associations and communities that may have recommendations for English-speaking driving schools.

4. Driving

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About the Author

Rohan Singh

Founder of Faruse

Rohan Singh, a resilient 2X bootstrapped founder, and full-stack marketing expert, established Faruse with a vision to bridge the gap between recruiters and international talent while enabling job seekers to find English-speaking jobs in Europe effortlessly, transcending language barriers. His unwavering passion for technology, nurtured since his early days, led him to create a cutting-edge platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. With Faruse's innovative approach, Rohan strives to redefine talent acquisition and empower individuals and organizations to unlock their true potential in a globally interconnected world.