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UK DRIVING LICENCES

Just as we were going to print, the British Ambassador Ed Llewellyn announced: “I’m delighted to be able to reassure those with valid UK licences that they can continue to drive in France without taking a French driving test. I know this will be welcome news for so many people throughout France who rely on being able to drive to get to work, attend medical appointments and see friends and family. For those with an expired UK licence, there is now a clear route to exchanging it for a French licence, which will allow these people to get back on the road.” If your licence was issued before January 2021, you can use it in France until it expires. The plastic photocard versions have an expiry date, so make sure you check that. The old paper ones are usually valid until you are 70. When your licence has less than six months’ validity or if has already expired, you can exchange it for a French licence from Monday June 28 by applying to the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) via their online platform. When you apply, you will receive an attestation (attestation de dépôt sécurisée) which you can use to drive in France until your new licence has been received. For holders of a licence that was issued after January 2021, your licence will be recognised for 1 year from the date of issue on your carte de séjour.

RESIDENCY CARD EXTENSION

Again, just as we were going to print, and days before the 30 June application deadline, France has extended the cut-off date to apply for your carte de séjour. It is believed that over 13,000 British nationals living in France are yet to apply, which risks them losing access to healthcare, employment, pensions, rent and mortgages etc. While at the time of writing no official statement had been given (and the application website still states the 30th June), it is looking likely that this extension will happen. If you, or anyone you know hasn’t applied for their residency card yet, please apply now. If you or they are concerned about the application, it is far better to apply than not, as it will get much trickier once the deadline for applications has passed. You can apply online here: https://contactsdemarches.interieur.gouv.fr / b r e x i t / b r e x i t - d e m a n d e titre-sejour

PRESCRIPTION RENEWALS

Some pharmacists in France are now able to deal with repeat prescriptions, saving you a trip to the doctor. It will only apply to pharmacists who have an agreement with the doctor, and will be for conditions like asthma, diabetes and hypertension. It will make the procedure of getting your new prescription simpler for you, as well as free up appointment times for GPs.

VOLOCOPTER FLYING TAXI SERVICE

The first test of a new electric flying taxi has been successfully completed in Paris. The German company, Volocopter, hopes to be able to provide this new service for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The test flight lasted 3 minutes, had a speed of up to 30kph and flew at 30 metres altitude.