Part 1: Getting My French Driver's License

Are you an American who wants to exchange your driver's license for a French 'permis de conduire'? In this video I'm sharing Part 1 of my own (?!%$#*!) experience and all the surprising things I learned about what I thought would be a very simple process for someone (me!) who has been driving in Ohio and New York City for decades. Oh, how innocent I was (or maybe cocky is a better word).
First off I found out--surprise!--that not every driver from the U.S. can exchange their driver's license easily. Some can, some can't. And it all depends on...where exactly your driver's license was issued. Want to find out if you can exchange your license in France without taking the written and road tests (in French!)? Here's a list: franceintheus.org/spip.php?ar...
If you want to see some examples of French road signs, check out this video: • code de la route 👌 pan...
Let me know in the comments if you've had (or are having) a similar experience. If so, 'pas de panique'--we'll get there!
If you'd like to find me in other places online, check out my Instagram, and if you liked this video, I hope you'll subscribe and join me for this crazy journey of getting married to a French/German guy, moving to Paris and starting a new life!
#CodeDeLaRoute #FrenchDrivingPermit #DrivingInFrance
Website: www.karenbussen.com/
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Пікірлер: 11

  • @lauriebley4527
    @lauriebley4527 Жыл бұрын

    I think it's pretty funny that New York is not a one to one license exchange, "special" treatment in recognition of the "special" milieu that is New York City. As for the extra classes you need to get permission to take the exam, that sounds pretty New York too. You go! what a great story, full of good detail but also such fun to follow along with you!

  • @karenbussen

    @karenbussen

    Жыл бұрын

    haha oh yes! I know, I was so shocked when I found out that NY was not "on the list" ... the adventure continues!! 🚙💙🤍❤

  • @user-kj1mp9eo9v
    @user-kj1mp9eo9v3 ай бұрын

    Smart to reject the Mec qui a recommandé 10 six sessions….Suis American …grande-mère était de Pont-Audemer Normandie

  • @hsc3knives610
    @hsc3knives610 Жыл бұрын

    Saw your Facebook post which brought me, here and wondering what your level of French is ? because as mine is A2 I find there’s an immense amount of new vocabulary required for Code De La Route. I use ornikar. No way I’m gonna pass at this level of French😂

  • @karenbussen

    @karenbussen

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi! I'm fluent (have a diploma at level DALF C1) but I also had to study specifically for the vocabulary of le code de la route. I didn't know how to say hit and run, brake fluid, or windshield, for example! They say Ornikar is good and I also bought a guide book. One tip is that for the written test, you can request a translator to be with you, so you can effectively take the written test in English. For the road test (la pratique), I have been told it can only be done in French. You do have the right to ask the examinateur to speak more slowly and to repeat any and all instructions. "S'il vous plaît, pourriez-vous parler plus lentement ? I hope this is helpful. Bonne route !

  • @nostratvfrance8081
    @nostratvfrance80818 ай бұрын

    From France : Yes, the french licence is not a joke and we fail often. It's also expensive. Many rules, many signs and the police as "gendarmerie" (the army) is also on the road... with you. Security is a real priority. Often, the first sentence in the book of the licence is to "drive as a gentleman"... that's not easy :p We are in France, so 50% of the drivers are not agree with this safe behavior :p Do you know that, as driver, you kill a pregnant woman, a kid or anybody else and you did'nt respect the road rules, the Judge will judge you as a murderer...

  • @karenbussen

    @karenbussen

    8 ай бұрын

    I'm very happy I went through the process. It really stressed me out but was worth it in the end. I feel confident now! thanks for watching :-)

  • @karenlewis5937
    @karenlewis5937 Жыл бұрын

    We moved over to France almost 3 months ago. I’m not nervous even though I’m A2 level French. I understand I have to wait 6 months after moving here or after I registered in France before I can take my test?

  • @karenbussen

    @karenbussen

    Жыл бұрын

    Welcome to France! Hmmm, I'm not totally sure if there's a delay. I don't think so but I'd suggest you join the Facebook Group that I love called Americans Driving in France. They have guides that list all the basics and people there are really helpful. Even if you do have to wait for some reason, you can start studying for the written part now. Just search "Code de la Route 2023" on KZread and you'll find lots of videos of the test and videos of instructors giving tips and advice. Also you can take the written test with a state-approved translator if you like. You do have to pay extra for that, but some people find it very helpful. Wishing you the very best, on the road and in France!

  • @user-kj1mp9eo9v
    @user-kj1mp9eo9v3 ай бұрын

    Why do DC people get to just exchange their DC drivers license for a French one?

  • @karenbussen

    @karenbussen

    3 ай бұрын

    There are certain parts of the US that have an accord with France, so residents of certain states (and maybe DC, I'm not sure) can just exchange the license without any training or exam at all. Then there's the rest of us--who have to do the whole thing. So frustrating!