Created: Jul 7, 2025 | Updated: Aug 8, 2025
This guide is designed to help individuals from France understand the process of obtaining or converting a driver's license in Australia. We focus on legal requirements, necessary documentation, and the steps to drive legally in Australia. Translayte can assist with certified translations for legal documents, such as licenses and identity proofs. Visit our Driver’s License Translation Services page for more information.
You can use your Australian driving license in France, but there are important conditions and time limits depending on your residency status:
You can drive legally in France with your valid Australian license for up to 1 year. You must carry an official French translation of your license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license.
Once you establish residency in France (e.g. long-stay visa, working or studying), you can use your Australian license for up to 1 year from the date your residency begins. After that, you must exchange it for a French driving license to continue driving legally.
Australia has a reciprocal agreement with France for license exchange, but not all Australian states/territories are eligible. If your state is eligible, you can exchange your license without a driving test within the first 12 months of residency.
Check the French website for more information
Having a local Australian driver's license offers several benefits:
| License Type | Vehicle Category | Minimum Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permis AM | Mopeds, scooters (≤50cc) | 14 | For light mopeds and scooters; includes road safety training. |
| Permis A1 | Light motorcycles (≤125cc and ≤11 kW) | 16 | For small motorcycles; theory and practical exams required. |
| Permis A2 | Medium motorcycles (≤35 kW) | 18 | For most motorcycle riders; required before progressing to full A license. |
| Permis A | All motorcycles (no power limit) | 20 | Full motorcycle license (after 2 years of A2). |
| Permis B | Standard passenger vehicles (≤3.5 tonnes, ≤9 seats) | 18 | Most common license for car drivers; allows driving with a trailer ≤750kg. |
| Permis BE | Passenger vehicle + heavy trailer (up to 3.5 tonnes) | 18 | Required if the trailer exceeds 750kg and total is above certain limits. |
| Permis C1/C | Trucks and heavy vehicles (C1: 3.5–7.5t, C: >7.5t) | 18 / 21 | For commercial/heavy goods vehicles. |
| Permis D1/D | Buses and coaches (D1: up to 16 passengers, D: unlimited) | 21 | Required for passenger transport vehicles. |
Note: An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for temporary stays or travel in France, especially when your Australian driver’s license is not written in French. The IDP serves as an official translation and must be carried alongside your valid Australian license. It is typically valid for up to 12 months from your arrival in France.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old for Permis B (standard car license). |
| Residency Status | Must be a resident in France (EU citizens or long-term visa holders). |
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, national ID, or residence permit. |
| Proof of Address in France | Utility bill, lease agreement, or residence certificate (less than 6 months old). |
| Medical Fitness | Health declaration or medical exam for some license types (e.g., heavy vehicles). |
| Theoretical Exam (Code de la Route) | Must pass the written theory test (multiple choice, in French). |
| Practical Driving Test | Must pass a practical driving test with a certified instructor. |
| Driver’s Education (Auto-école) | Enroll in a driving school unless applying to exchange a foreign license. |
| Probationary Period | All new drivers have a 3-year probationary license (2 years with advanced training). |
Confirm that your Australian state or territory has a reciprocal agreement with France.
You must apply within 1 year of establishing residency in France. After this period, your Australian license is no longer valid for driving in France.
Prepare the following:
Go to the ANTS website to submit your request online. Some prefectures may still accept physical applications; check with your local authority.
You’ll receive a confirmation email or letter once your application is accepted. You may be asked to surrender your Australian license during processing.
Processing typically takes 2–6 months. Once approved, your French driver’s license will be sent by post to your address.
Register with an approved French driving school. They will guide you through preparation for both the theory and practical exams
Multiple-choice test (in French, though English support may be available at some centers). Covers road rules, signs, safety, and hazard perception with 40 questions – you must get at least 35 correct
Minimum of 20 hours of practical driving lessons with an instructor. More hours may be required depending on your progress and school assessment
Typically lasts 25–30 minutes, and you must demonstrate safe driving, awareness, and handling of the vehicle. If you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of competency (CEPC) valid for 4 months while you wait for your license
Apply online at the ANTS website:
Here’s a clear breakdown of the driving test requirements in France for obtaining a Permis B (standard car driving license), applicable to both French nationals and foreign residents who are not eligible for license exchange:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years (can take test before 18, but license issued at 18) |
| Format | 40 multiple-choice questions (computer-based) |
| Passing Score | At least 35 correct answers out of 40 |
| Topics Covered | Road signs, driving rules, safety, hazard perception, and road ethics |
| Languages Available | Primarily in French, though select centers offer support in English |
| Preparation | Usually through a driving school (auto-école) or self-study via approved platforms |
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Practice Hours | Minimum 20 hours of driving with an instructor (unless exempt) |
| Test Duration | Around 25–30 minutes |
| Assessment Criteria | - Vehicle control and handling |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Side | Drive on the right-hand side; overtake on the left |
| Required Documents | Driving license, vehicle registration (Carte Grise), proof of insurance, ID/passport, MOT if car >4 years |
| Speed Limits | Motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h wet) Dual carriageways: 110 km/h (100 km/h wet) Main roads: 80 km/h Urban areas: 50 km/h |
| Speed Limits for New Drivers | Motorways: 110 km/h Dual carriageways: 100 km/h Main roads: 80 km/h |
| Alcohol Limits | Standard: 0.5 g/l blood alcohol New drivers (<3 years): 0.2 g/l |
| Seat Belts & Safety | Seat belts mandatory front & rear Child restraints required under 10 years Must carry reflective vest, warning triangle, spare bulbs/fuses (recommended) |
| Mobile Phone Use | Handheld phones prohibited Hands-free kits allowed Headsets/earpieces banned |
| Roundabouts | Give way to traffic already on the roundabout |
| Tolls & Highways | Many motorways are toll roads; payment by cash, card, or electronic tag (Télépéage) |
| Expense | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Driving School (Auto‑école) | €1,200 – €2,000 | Comprehensive package including theory, practical lessons (20–35 hrs), varies by region. |
| Theory Course (Code de la Route) | €20 – €300 + €30 exam | Self-study fees are lower (~€20); driving school prep courses can cost up to €300; theory exam itself ~€30. |
| Driving Lessons (per hour) | €40 – €65 | Average €45 for first 20 hours; up to €65/hour in regions like Paris. |
| Practical Test Fee | €0 (included) – Additional if retaken | Typically included in driving school packages; independent retakes cost €60‑€130. |
| Theory Test Only (private candidates) | ~€30 | Fee to take theory test independently, useful for self-study candidates. |
| Medical Exam (if required) | €30 – €100 | Required in certain conditions, such as heavy vehicle categories. |
| Administrative / Issuance Fees | €25 – €60 | Includes license issuance (€25) and administrative charges (€30‑€60). |
| Additional Materials or Extras | €50 – €300 | Covers study materials, additional retakes, and miscellaneous expenses. |
If your Australian driver's license application has been rejected, it's essential to understand the reasons behind the decision and take appropriate actions to address the situation. Here's a concise guide on what to do next:
Carefully examine the rejection letter or notification to identify the specific reasons for the denial. Common causes include:
Once you've identified the cause of the rejection:
After addressing these points, you can reapply for your driver's license.
If you believe the rejection was unjust or based on incorrect information, you have the right to appeal the decision.
If you're uncertain about the reasons for the rejection or need guidance on the next steps:
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