Foreign driver's licenses in France?

Question

Are foreign driver's licenses accepted in France? I have a Japanese and Philippine licenses and I'm wondering if can use it in France while traveling. Thanks.

Answer 1

You are allowed to drive with a foreign license for a period of a year if :

- you got that licence before you obtained your first visa to live in France

- it has to be from the country where you usually live

- You need an official translation if the licence is not in French

- You need to be of French legal age to drive.

- and of course that licence has to be valid

If you want to rent a car you should be aware that the companies ask for a permit that is more than three years old.

Answer 2

All you need is an international drivers permit, which is actually in French as it is issued by the FIA.

Answer 3

You may use your foreign driver's license while visiting (less than 90 days). If you relocate to France you must obtain a valid French license within a year.

A so called International Driving Permit is NOT required.

EDIT: Well, according to the French government you apparently can drive using your license from home. Mind you, I've never tried driving in Europe because the traffic in the places I go (Paris, London and Rome mainly, scare me to death).