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Explained: what does an 'A' symbol on a car in France mean and rules for use
What does the A symbol mean, who has a probationary licence, and what are the rules?
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Sales of small, no-licence, cars are booming in rural France
The cars are especially popular among students and elderly people
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French licence swap leaves Briton unable to drive €100,000 campervan
He is taking his case to France’s rights defender
Drivers in France can check licence points on new official website
Proof of licence validity and which category of vehicle you are allowed to drive can also be downloaded for employers or insurers
Motorists can check the points on their French licence or download details of its validity at a new official website.
It replaces a platform called Télépoints, which was shut in November after criticism that it was too difficult to use.
Licence-holders can find the new website at mespoints.permisdeconduire.gouv.fr
Read more: Explainer: Speed cameras, fines and driving licence points in France
Log in to see points and vehicle category permissions
To log in, they must first create an account via the FranceConnect service, before specifying their type of licence and licence number.
They will then be directed to information showing how many points are left (in France, points are deducted from a maximum of 12 – or six for new drivers – for speeding and other road offences).
Users can also download a relevé d’information restreint (RIR), which shows what category of vehicle they are allowed to drive, and information such as if they must wear glasses.
RIRs are sometimes required for jobs and by insurance firms.
Read more: Where can I find my French driving licence number?
EU plan for health checks being debated
Drivers would need a health check when they first receive their licence – then every 15 years to keep it, under an EU plan being debated in a bid to reduce road deaths.
Checks could be more frequent for over-70s.
If agreed, the plan would take several years to be put into practice in French law.
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