Is getting a driver’s license at 17 legal outside of France?

Since January 2024, France allows obtaining a driver’s license at the age of 17, joining Ireland and Hungary in this European exception.

This 17-year-old driving license is a measure welcomed by many families, especially with the holidays approaching. But beware, this French exemption does not grant privileges beyond its borders.

Within the European Union, the driving license B (car) is harmonized. All countries mutually recognize their licenses, as long as they are issued in compliance with common rules. According to the European directive, the minimum age to drive alone is set at 18. Licenses issued earlier, like in France at 17, are therefore only valid on national territory until the age of majority.

In practice, a French 17-year-old driver cannot get behind the wheel abroad, even if they have their license in hand. The directive is clear: licenses obtained before the required age cannot be used outside the issuing country. Indeed, each member state remains free to accept or not this exemption, but none of the major neighboring countries—Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, or Austria—has chosen to do so. As a result, while on vacation, even when accompanied by their parents, a young French person will not be able to legally drive in these countries until they turn 18.

And what about accompanied driving? Again, the answer is no. Although several states, like Germany or Belgium, also offer early learning schemes, none allow cross-border accompanied driving. In France, it starts at 15, compared to 17 elsewhere, but this difference remains theoretical on a European scale; driving abroad while accompanied is prohibited.

In summary, whether having a license or not, no driving for those under 18 outside of France. So be cautious before planning a family or friends’ road trip.

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