Driving in France?

[needhelp!]

I'm 18 and hold a uk driving license, wanting to drive in France in the summer. But not sure if legally aloud to hire a car. Could anyone help?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

yes of course you can drive in france on a full english license,but as you are only 18 you might not be old enough to hire a car.

[Buenchico]

Hiring a car is likely to prove extremely difficult, if not impossible. As it's usually cheaper to make the hire arrangements in this country, rather than on arrival, I suggest phoning round Hertz, Budget, etc to see what they say.

The French Tourist Office, in London, might be able to tell you whether it would be possible to hire a car in France. You can e-mail them, here:
[email protected]
Alternatively, for a faster response, phone on 09068 244 123 (You should be aware that this is a premium rate number, charged at 60p/minute).

If you do manage to hire a car, remember that, because you've held a full licence for less than 2 years, you'll have to drive within the 'wet weather' speed limits even when it's not raining:
http://www.drivingabroad.co.uk/content.aspx?page=driving -in-france&navid=13

Chris

[NORMANTHEDOG]

i think you will find all the major car hire firms will not hire to people under 21

[dzug]

Legally you can hire a car, but the chances of finding a company willing to rent to you are slim to non-existent

[Hannah_me]

yes, you have to be at least 21 to hire a car and even then, most companies require you to be 23/24. So you may find it difficult. Best thing is to look up the car companies on the internet and read their policies, which should state the minimum age. Have fun on your trip :-)

[shammydodger]

I certainly can help.

It's "allowed."

[Machecoul]

No it's not!

[waimarie]

Are you sure you want to do this ?? Driving in France over summer months can be extremely daunting. To' feel' your way in, I would suggest travel with a more experienced driver and (if permitted under the car hire regs.) take the wheel on occasions to become more familiar and confident. This is not meant to be patronising by the way.

[mkt]

in most areas of france you have to be 21 and have held a clean licence for at least a year although in a few locations you can hire at 20. 18 is def to young to hire

[needhelp!]

thanks for the help.. not sure what i'm going to do. but im sure it will work out. thanks again