Driving To France

[mactell]

Hi there,

I am 18 and I am looking to drive to france either via the Ferry or Eurotunnel.

Is there any restrictions on what age you can go abroad driving?

As I have heard you need to be 21 but I haven't seen anything on the internet about this.

[minnis]

Not sure about laws, but how come you're driving? If its to save money on flights, just remember to add in the cost of the ferry, and fuel to get you there and back. It might not be much difference, and a flight would be loads cheaper.

[mactell]

It's cheaper ive already worked it out.

[BeccaaCat]

Well we just drove to Belgium (partner, his dad and brother were driving), my partner is 19 and his brother is 17 so I would assume that it's perfectly okay.

We drove through France and Germany to get there btw :)

[minnis]

It's cheaper ive already worked it out.

Fair enough. I looked into this myself, but you can get flights so cheap these days from easy jet etc that it was much cheaper to fly.

Also, just check you'd be covered by your insurance for European cover. Most give you 90 days or so I think, but best to check first.

[mactell]

Hi thanks for confirming that and yes I have checked my insurance its only £26 extra for fully comp abroad.

[johnH]

I think in france you can drive when you are 16...But check laws/regulations on what to have in the boot...if the police pull you over there they want money up front and will march you a cashpoint or arrest you if you dont pay. Check the link below:

http://shop.theaa.com/content/driving-in-europe

In regards to the insurance, ask your insurance company to issue you a certificate with the local languages of the places you are visiting...This will save some confusion if you are pulled.

[johnH]

Also check, for some good tips and info:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/index.html

[mactell]

Thanks Ive already been having a read up on stuff like this

[FiestaZS90150]

Hey, i live in France, you can drive on your own at the age of 18.

You can learn to drive by yourself at the driving school or you can also learn with the driving school and you parents. The last option is just that during 2 years (Starting at 16 being the earliset) you can drive but only if you are with your parents. This is just another way of learning. you have to clock in 2000KM, you have different meetings to attend at the driving school with your parents. Pretty annoying IMO.

SO actually to answer the question. you won't have any problem driving here. Just watch out there are parts in France where people don't know how to drive XD. Where are you going too?

I have a 12 hour drive down to spain this summer. =).

[FiestaZS90150]

If, you do come by car and depending on where you go, make sure to always stop at places oin the motorway where there is a petrol station and which has cameras =). If you stop to sleep at night, do the same and park infront of the store, there are always a couple parking places.