We're playing at the end of this month, and we were going to drive but someone told me the other day that you need 3 years driving experience to drive on the continent. Any way we can get round this or would they just stop us when our passports get checked? Does anyone know of a good alternative, we get about 5oo quid expenses so flying at this point is a no. xx
2006-10-01 22:16:53 · 7 answers · asked by stick 2 in Travel ➔ France ➔ Other - France
I've had a quick scout around the DVLA website and the AA website, but I can't immediately see any clause that concerns having three years experience when driving abroad. There are other laws to consider - headlights need to be altered, a GB sticker needs to be displayed, spare bulbs, fire extingusihers and a first aid kit, which French police do pull over UK registered vehicles for and check, but this is one law I have never heard of. And as for passports being checked, in all the times I have been to France on either the ferry or eurotunnel in the past couple of years I have NEVER had my passport checked on the way out, just on the way back. This law, even if it existed, would be plain unenforceable.
The only other suggestion travel-wise would be Eurostar, but that is not cheap by any means, especially when compared to the cheap fares you could get with Easyjet, Ryanair or many of the other budget carriers. Flying is not that expensive. Bear in mind too, that French motorways have tolls, so even driving will not be as cheap as you might think, though probably IS the best option.
2006-10-01 22:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Mental Mickey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of anything like that - my husband and I have rented cars and driven all over France. I would suggest taking the (channel) tunnel. You can pack all of your gear into the trunk of the car. I think it's less than 100 pounds to go across per car.
2006-10-02 03:56:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats the first ive heard about drivin in france, ive driven over there a few times and i have only been driving a year!!! oops!!! try getting prices on renting a van, i think it will be cheaper than flying!
2006-10-01 22:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think its a french legal requirement, Im guessing its insurance related - talk to your insurers (bear in mind you may also have an insurance issue on your equipment if you take it abroad).
if you are hiring a van make sure your hire covers taking the van abroad, some hirers can be very sniffy about their vehciles going abroad.
2006-10-01 22:26:23 · answer #4 · answered by Mark J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
driven all over europe and never had to show my licence yet and never heard of having to have three years driving. just make sure the insurance company covers you.
2006-10-01 22:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by Rolfe66 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ONCE YOU PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST YOU CAN DRIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ONLY THINF YOU NEED IS A TRAVEL DRIVING PERMIT,AND MAKE SURE YOU CAN DRIVE BOTH SIDE'S OF THE CAR ON THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT TOO.THINK ABOUT IT.
2006-10-03 05:45:19 · answer #6 · answered by mariolla oneill 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,phone up the ferry company they will know the rules.Maybe some one is winding you up.
2006-10-01 22:26:20 · answer #7 · answered by Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋