You can drive in France with a valid U.S. driver`s license as well as a notarized French translation for a period of one year from the validity date of the first residence card, except for students whose driver`s license expires at the end of their studies. An ID Your U.S. driver`s license as well as a notarized translation into French Proof of residence: declaration of residence, utility bill or rental receipt Residence card with photocopy on both sides. Four passport photos You can drive with a valid U.S. driver`s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation into English. It is highly recommended to have an International Driving Permit with you. You must be at least 18 years old to drive in France. (More information can be found here). Specific information in English on insurance, motor vehicle documentation, sales, property transfers and driving schools with an English-speaking instructor can be found on the website of the US Embassy in Paris. Class A: any motorcycle or tricycle. Category B: motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3500 kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of up to eight passengers next to the driver.
To apply, go to the local Prefecture of Police, if there is no agreement between your state and France, the staff will direct you to a driving school where you can take the exam. In Paris, the Prefecture of Police is located at 7 Boulevard du Palais, 75004 Paris Tel: 01 53 71 53 71 hours: 8:30 am .m. until 17:00 p.m.. m., Monday through Friday, driver`s licenses from the following states are eligible for exchange: Arkansas (limited to Class B), Colorado (limited to Class B), Connecticut (limited to Class A and B), Delaware (limited to Class B), Florida (limited to Class A and B), Illinois, Iowa (limited to Class B), Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio (limited to Class B), Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (limited to Class A and B), South Carolina, Texas (limited to Class B), Virginia (limited to Class B), West Virginia. Update: Kentucky was removed from the above list in August 2012. A Kentucky driver`s license can no longer be exchanged for a French driver`s license. Wisconsin was removed in March 2013. The American Automobile Association issues international driver`s licenses in the United States to U.S. citizens traveling to France for a short period of time (less than 90 days).
Website: American Automobile Association. You must be at least 21 years old and have had a full driver`s license for at least one year to rent a car. Insurance is compulsory. Many car rental companies have offices at airports, train stations and major city centers. If you do not have a driver`s license from one of the above countries, you can take the written and driving parts of the French driving test after one year of residence in France. For those who do not speak French, special sessions are organized. You can also request to be assisted by a translator who may be a friend or relative. The driving test can be taken in an automatic car, but not all driving schools offer this service. There is no minimum time requirement. . Driving licenses from some states can be exchanged for a French driver`s license.
You must apply for authorization at least three months before the end of the one-year period. The above states offer a reciprocal exchange privilege for people holding a French driver`s license. (More information can be found here). . . .