Can non-French citizens drive licence-free cars?

Reader Question: I moved from London to rural France last year, but I am finding it difficult without a car. I didn’t need to take a test in the UK given I lived in the city. I know there are licence-free cars in France, but are there restrictions for foreign drivers? 

In France, it is possible to drive certain cars without a licence (voiture sans permis). 

Read more: Explainer: what are the rules on licence-free cars in France?

The rules for what you need to drive these cars change slightly depending on your age. 

Those born before January 1, 1988 do not require any form of licence or training.

People born after this date however must have an ‘AM’ permit (sometimes called the BSR permit in France), which allows them to drive certain mopeds and quad bikes, and contains a theory element. 

You must also not be currently banned from driving.

Those with a suspended licence can still drive licence-free vehicles albeit the insurance costs are likely to be significantly higher.

Does this affect non-French citizens? 

For those born after January 1, 1988 in an EU or EEA (European Economic Area) country, their nation’s equivalent of a BSR test to obtain the category AM driving permit is also required. 

Younger Britons will need to sit this test as the UK equivalent is not accepted.

From our research, however, for those born outside of France before this date there are no obvious restrictions so not being a French national should not prevent you from purchasing a voiture sans permis. 

Dealerships may be hesitant to sell you a car if you do not speak any French as they may be worried about your ability to read road signs or communicate in an accident. However they are not banned from selling you such vehicles. 

You will need to insure the car. 

Finally remember you also need to register the car and obtain a certificate d’immatriculation. 

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