Driving & your licence
Check foreign-licence validity, exchange rules and French driving tests.
Before driving or changing status
- Valid licence and accepted translation
- Passport and residence-status evidence
- For exchange: evidence requested by ANTS
- For tests: registration file, photo and NEPH
1. Check student driving rules
During studies, a non-European licence can be used subject to validity, translation and student-status conditions. Recognition is not automatic.
2. Recheck after a status change
For non-student residence, check exchange eligibility for the issuing country and category, and when the legal deadline begins.
3. Apply for an exchange
If eligible, apply online through France Titres / ANTS. Send original documents only when the official service requests them.
4. If you need a French test
Register through ANTS for a NEPH number, then arrange theory and practical tests through a driving school or as an independent candidate.
- An international driving permit does not replace the original licence. Check the current exchange-country list and conditions.