When we came to France in 2003, I wrote to DVLA to inform them of my change of address, only to be told that as I was now resident in France I would have to apply in France for a new licence. So I put it on my list of 'things to do' but not very high up.

Then in May this year, it suddenly hit me that in one months time I would be 70 and in England I would have had to renew my licence. Panic! Panic!

So I went along to the Sous prefecture in Autun to enquire what to do and was given an application form for a 'permit de conduire' and a list of translators. Your English licence has to be translated by an official translator and incidentally there are none listed in Burgundy region.

Mid May I contacted a translator who agreed to do this. So I sent her a copy of my driving licence. She sent back the translated copy almost by return of post. I then sent it off to Macon with required number of passport size photos, and I received my new licence back in approximately 3 weeks.

It cost 30 euros for the translation, and around 20 euros for 'en recommandé. (recorded delivery)

I was worried that there may be a problem as my English licence had technically expired, but no questions were raised.

I'm not sure what the rules are exactly, but GB will not change your address on your licence to an address abroad and it is a legal requirement to change your address if you have moved. So I guess one should apply for a french licence when living here permanently.

Article submitted by Judith Oldfield

Hi

Having been in the same situation, and fast approaching 70 almost to the day, I had to be a little naughty and got my daughter in the UK to use her address to get a renewal. No problems except it was only renewed for 3 years. I have been told that the French licence that can be applied for, as you have done, does not carry an expiry date. Is this correct? If so I must follow your your example.

My regards
Terry Shuttlewood