Some good news - International Driving Permit
I've copied the whole article, which is mostly for French residents and relates to exchanging their UK licence for a British one, but does affect those holidaying in France. According to the French Embassy this is the latest news on International Driving Permits which won't be required for France. The relevant part, as far as holidays are concerned, is highlighted in bold.
From British Embassy in France re driving licences.
We are pleased to share some updates on driving licences, a topic that we know is causing some frustration and anxiety.
➡️ First and foremost, we want to reassure everyone that the French authorities have no intention of suddenly ceasing to recognise UK licences. In fact, it has recently been confirmed that UK licences will be recognised for one year from 1 January 2021. Details of the future exchange process beyond this date are still being decided. Before 31 December 2020, Brits who are resident in France for at least 185 days per year can apply to exchange their UK licence using the ANTS online platform if they wish to do so. For more information, please refer to the Living in France Guide (https://www.gov.uk/livinginfrance).
➡️ There is also good news for people who plan to visit France after the end of the Transition Period – UK licences will be recognised without any additional documentation.There is also good news for people who plan to visit France after the end of the Transition Period – UK licences will be recognised without any additional documentation. That means that there is no requirement for an International Driving Permit. You should, however, carry proof of insurance with you, which can be obtained from your provider.
We know that some of you who have previously applied to exchange your licence have experienced delays. A high volume of applications in 2019 caused a significant backlog in the French system. Although they have updated their processes there are still unfortunately some cases that are taking a bit longer to process and we are working with CERT to resolve urgent cases that we are aware of. We are not in a position to provide answers to individual cases but do contact us though our webform (https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=France&post=British Embassy Paris) in urgent situations, e.g., if your UK licence and attestation have expired and you are unable to contact CERT.
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The reference in bold may apply to a Green Card - so ask your insurer to supply one.
Comments
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I've just renewed my MH insurance. The Insurance Certificate has the "Green Card" text on the back so I don't need a separate bit of paper.
Hoping to do the postponed trip to Lake Annecy next year so I will wait with bated breath for Belgium and Luxembourg to do the same.
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Thank you Val.
There should be no need for messing about with international driving licences as we share a common licence already with the EU? I would have thought that would have been one of the easier wins in the Brexit Negotiations!!!!
David
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Ian
Things like that are very much part of the negotiations because whilst us leisure travellers are not very important it makes a difference for the movement of goods to and from Europe. Perhaps it has already been decided which might have prompted the French response? I think a whole raft of regulations have been agreed but it will depends on the squabble over level playing field and fisheries? Whether it's like a house of cards I don't know!
David
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the only bummer is that you have to renew them every 12 months, but as you say easily done.
The 90 days does not worry me too much, usually do 70 days Apr thru June and then maybe 60 days mid Sept thru Nov, although we have booked a site in the UK for the whole of Sept, had a great time this year and the weather was great so maybe give over there a miss during the Autumn.
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Yup, dont see it as a problem, we are normally away early April return early June, then out late September return mid November, only do it really to get some early and late sunshine and visit daughter who lives in Spain, but are seriously considering staying in the UK for September, had a great time in Devon/Cornwall this year walked/cycled/swam in the sea and that great pool at Bude, and of course it is only 4 hours down the road, park up caravan and stay for 1 month
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