UK licence France

Driving in France with a UK license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in France on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. France expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisFrance recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskMajor desks (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) request an IDP for licences not issued in the EU/EEA.

CarryCarry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for France Full France guide

UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in France

Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
Carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in the vehicle.
Priority to the right (priorité à droite) applies at unmarked junctions.
Strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit (0.02% for new drivers).

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in France with a UK license?

Yes — to drive in France on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. France expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does France accept?

France recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my UK license?

Carry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.