guest user
3/13/2001 19:56 EST
" Hi, i''ll be moving to france this year (to the Nice area) and i''m a little worried about how to go about getting a driving license. I''ve driven in the US for the 14 years and in the UK for the last 2. I''ve heard that I could possibly skip the driving test if I''m from certain states (I have a Colorado driver''s license), but I don''t know the details of this rule. If I do have to take the driving test, will I have to speak french? I am learning french, but it''s slow going. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks, kim "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:01 EST
" Hi Kim, If you have a UK license, check whether it can be exchanged for a French one (I think it can - both countries are within the EU.) I don''t think Colorado has a reciprocity agreement with France; your consulate will be able to tell you - or check the US Embassy in Paris - I''m quite certain they have a web-site which should have the information. Exchanging an American license isn''t without it''s own aggravations, though. If you can''t exchange your license, this is what you have to do. You must go to a driving school - the only way you can register for the tests is to be recommended by one. Contact the American consulate in Nice and ask them if they know of a driving school with an English-speaking instructor. (You can do this once you arrive, but do it quickly; an American license is only legal for a short time: 3 - 12 months, depending on who you talk to.) (At the same time, ask them about any American clubs - even if you are determined to assimilate in the local culture, I believe that groups of one''s compatriots are an invaluable source of information and support.) As you are already familiar with the UK driving code, you may be able to go to the code test immediately. I took 6 lessons on the rules, and 2 practice exams prior to doing the test. Even though you will be going through the whole testing process, you will still need to provide an official translation of your current drivers'' license. Most reference materials say that you must register that you''re going to get a license with the prefecture yourself; my instructor did that for me, thank goodness. The test is administered by showing slides with the question and multiple-choice answers projected on a screen. You mark your answers by inputting them into a little hand-held device about the size of a TV remote. The test is given in French (although I hear that they offer it in English in Paris - maybe they do in Nice, too). You are allowed to have a translator (ie a friend who can translate the questions for you). When I did my test, there were 3 or 4 English-speakers there - only one translator is used. My instructor made sure I knew what to look for on the test slides so that I wouldn''t misinterpret a question. After you pass the code test, there is a driving test. My tester spoke English and my test was pretty short - he knew I had had my license for many years. I took the test on a manual transmission car, because I didn''t want a restriction on my license limiting me to driving automatics, but because I haven''t driven a standard in years, I took a few lessons (3 plus a practice test). One thing that I found very helpful, was that my instructor told me the things the testers are looking for, and used the routes that are used during the road tests, so I became familiar with the various intersections and tricky bits. (Note, other than my driving lessons, I had never done much driving and I was not familiar with the roads in the new town). The test was nerve-racking, and I made some shifting mistakes, but he passed me. From what I hear, as long as you don''t break any rules of the road, you''ll pass. It''s a pain, and an expense, but one of those trials life sends us - and once it''s over, you''ll have a permanent driving license. Good luck, Penny "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:02 EST
" Thank you very much, penny, for the advice. This is the only part of my relocation that will cause me any stress, but armed with this information, I should be ready for it. I can''t imagine that it''s going to be any worse of a stress than it was landing at getwick and driving a rental car around london for the very first time all by myself. of course not knowing any of the driving laws and only knowing that they drive on the left didn''t really prepare me. whew, that was a nightmare. again, merci bien! kim "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:03 EST
" I have the guide for US citizens in France right in front of me. It''s the official guide from the consulate and Colorado IS included so congratulations! I agree with the suggestion of getting the international license which I must tell you is nothing more than an official translation, but will help you. When you get to the new home, make sure to apply for the French licence at least THREE months before your first year is up. I suggest just doing it right away and getting it over with. You will go to the PRefecture de Police for this. They will give you a form to fill out and you will also have to show your licence with a translation. According to the guide, if you license does not have your married and maiden name, you should also bring another official document that shows both (passport?). They may require you to get a certified translation, but bring the AAA one just in case. You will also need proof of your current address in France (rent receipt, electricity bill, lease..), your residency card with photocopies, and two passport sized photos which you should get in France because I think they are a different size than the ones in America. I went and took my test in French, but here in Paris there is a school that is exclusively in English. After I passed i found out my state (Connecticut) was accepted while I was going to the school. ARgh! Anyway, that is not your concern, right?! Diana "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:05 EST
" I had the same situation of learning too late that my home state had reciprocity with France. So, I must do the French driving school ordeal. I went this past week to a local driving school and was told I would have to do 20 classsroom lessons and 5 road lessons, even though I''ve been driving for over 40 years, off and on with a manual shift, and have had no accidents. How many lessons would seem appropriate? Is this a decision of the individual driving school, to make before you''ve even enrolled? Does anyone know where/how to obtain a CD rom with the Code in English? French driving school certainly takes its toll on Americans....I view it as a money-making proprosition for the French. And, they drive like maniacs, at least here in the south of France. Barbara "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:07 EST
" Hi Barbara, I totally agree this is a money making scheme for the French, but unfortunately people like us have no choice other than to go home. Just think how I felt about paying 1,050 Francs for my immigration physical! I found out only people from ""rich"" countries have to pay so much. THe number of hours you have to take is required by law, though since you have a foreign license you don''t need so many. So it is pretty much up to the discretion of the school. But don''t think of it as learning how to drive. Think of it as learning how to pass the test. The written test can be tricky - they actually try to make you fail rather than try to see if you know the code. And according to my husband (he''s a cynic, but might be right) the instructor talks to the examiner and says if they think you should pass or not. So if they want you to take more lessons... WHen I took my test I was one of two people to pass out of six! But the examiner said it was clear I had already been driving. So I think that will show for you as well. But the school will take you to the area where your test will be AND help you with ""bad"" habits like looking in your rearview with just your eyes. Apparently the examiner can''t see that and you must move your whole head to show that you looked! Argh! You''ll be fine. And you''ll be so happy when it''s done. And the best part is you get to keep your american license this way. Diana p.s. Driving at school is nothing like driving for real. "
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guest user
3/13/2001 20:08 EST
" Driving in Paris I have a license from Kansas but I am just wondering if I want to take on Paris traffic without a professional teaching me how. Plus, how would I get a Kansas license back on my next trip to the US? Sorry, sir, I seem to have lost it somewhere in France... Are the driving schools terribly expensive? I was thinking it could help to learn the French way of driving with a teacher keeping me alive. What does everyone think? "
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