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French in UK - How to? how much?

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Clovis
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 26 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 11:21 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: French in UK - How to? how much? Reply with quote
Hello all,

I am posting here as I can't really find the information I want elsewhere.

I am French and live in the UK, Portsmouth.
I would like to learn how to drive a moto (more than 125cc). My experience being limited to the drive of scooter (50cc) and cars.
I am 27years old and have a French driving license since I'm 18. However, despite me living here for almost 4 years now, I've never drove in UK and never applied for a UK driving licence.

My questions are:
- Do I need to convert my French driving licence (permis B, cars) to a UK one before being able to ride a motobike here?
- Do I need to get through a theoretical test here?
- How much and how long does the formation cost and last?

Thanks in advance for your answers.
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Themightyimp
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Joined: 24 May 2011
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PostPosted: 15:15 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Go back to France,it might be easier to do your tests over there. Wink
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Turkish
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Joined: 09 May 2012
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PostPosted: 15:37 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Currently, any license granted in the EC/EEA (most of europe) can be used in the UK until age 70.

Quote:
Provided your licence remains valid you may drive in GB:

Car, motorcycle driving licence holders (ordinary driving licence):

until aged 70 or for three years after becoming resident, whichever is the longer period


From here.

But, if you want to do your tests over here, you need a British license. You can exchange your French one for a British one (to be honest if you are living here, you should probably do that) and then apply for provisional motorcycle entitlement, which will allow you to train in the normal manner over here.

You will need to do a CBT, theory test, both module 1 and 2 practicals, just like anyone else.

To do the CBT will be around £120, the three tests will be £121.50. However, since you are over 24 you probably want to do a DAS course which will grant you full motorcycle entitlement; this is taught using a training schools own machines and can cost around £600 to £700, but that generally includes the test fees and sometimes the CBT.

It's all a bit of a ballache really, so if you do have the opportunity to take the test in France, it may well be easier to do that.


One more thing. I think you could apply for a provisional license in the UK straight away (you wouldn't have to surrender your French license then), HOWEVER, I have heard that a British license supersedes any other. That is to say, if you apply for a British provisional motorcycle license, your other French entitlements would no longer be valid. That means you could not drive a car legally on UK roads unless you passed your car test here.

But again, this would be avoided by just exchanging your license and adding a provisional motorcycle entitlement to it.


I hope this helps.
-Turkish
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Last edited by Turkish on 15:45 - 26 Sep 2012; edited 2 times in total
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UnknownStuntm...
World Chat Champion



Joined: 13 Sep 2007
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PostPosted: 15:40 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Re: French in UK - How to? how much? Reply with quote
Clovis wrote:
I am French
Brave, posting here...
Clovis wrote:
and live in the UK, Portsmouth.
Braver, doing that! Wink
Clovis wrote:
However, despite me living here for almost 4 years now, I've never drove in UK and never applied for a UK driving licence.
https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022562
Should help you decide. If it were me, I'd go back to Frenchland and do the test there, then 'apply' for your GB licence over here.
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ScaredyCat
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Joined: 19 May 2012
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PostPosted: 15:43 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Turkish wrote:
Currently, any license granted in the EC/EEA (most of europe) can be used in the UK until age 70.

Quote:
Provided your licence remains valid you may drive in GB:

Car, motorcycle driving licence holders (ordinary driving licence):

until aged 70 or for three years after becoming resident, whichever is the longer period


From here.

But, if you want to do your tests over here, you need a British license. You can exchange your French one for a British one (to be honest if you are living here, you should probably do that) and then apply for provisional motorcycle entitlement, which will allow you to train in the normal manner over here.

You will need to do a CBT, theory test, both module 1 and 2 practicals, just like anyone else.

To do the CBT will be around £120, the three tests will be £121.50. However, since you are over 24 you probably want to do a DAS course which will grant you full motorcycle entitlement; this is taught using a training schools own machines and can cost around £600 to £700, but that generally includes the test fees and sometimes the CBT.


In addition to this, if you do ever decide to return to your mother country you will be able to have your UK entitlements added to your French license (ie exchange your UK on for a French one with your motorcycle entitlement).

'exchange' is really the wrong word, since you'll get your French license back too.

Andy / ScaredyCat
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Turkish
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PostPosted: 15:48 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
ScaredyCat wrote:
'exchange' is really the wrong word, since you'll get your French license back too.


I don't think you do get it back. From the link above, it says the following

Quote:
you must surrender your foreign licence which will be returned to the issuing authority


So you send your French one away, get a British one back. The French one is gone forever.

You are right in saying that you could exchange your British one for a French one, a reverse of this process, should you ever return to France.
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Last edited by Turkish on 15:49 - 26 Sep 2012; edited 1 time in total
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MCW
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Joined: 20 Aug 2012
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PostPosted: 15:48 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
What you need to do:

1. Complete the application form D1, available from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service or from Post Office® branches.
2. Enclose original identity documentation confirming your identity
3. Enclose one passport sized colour photograph.
4. Enclose the fee of £50.00, cheque or postal orders made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’.
5. Enclose your current driving licence (this will be returned to the issuing licensing authority).
6. Send your completed application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT.

Your new driving licence will normally be issued within 15 working days from the day the DVLA receives your application

Can I suggest you get a second licence from France by telling them that you have lost your original. That way, if DVLA lose it, then at least you still have a licence. (Also handy if you get any points, send off your French details! - but I didn't suggest that...).

Bon chance!
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ScaredyCat
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Joined: 19 May 2012
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PostPosted: 15:51 - 26 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Turkish wrote:
I don't think you do get it back. From the link above, it says the following


Hmm, I got my NI one back, not sure if I still have my Dutch one, will dig it out..

Andy / ScaredyCat
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Clovis
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 26 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 17:34 - 27 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks all for your answers. Wink

As I am now living and working here, I'll most probably go through the procedure here.

I now have to get a British licence and find a school where I can learn on saturdays!
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MCW
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Joined: 20 Aug 2012
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PostPosted: 17:44 - 27 Sep 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Clovis wrote:
Thanks all for your answers. Wink

As I am now living and working here, I'll most probably go through the procedure here.

I now have to get a British licence and find a school where I can learn on saturdays!


Good luck with it all. Let us know how you get on. Smile
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Old Thread Alert!

There is a gap of 222 days between these two posts...

Clovis
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 26 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 20:18 - 07 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Well after 7 months I thought I would give some news.

It took me some time as I spread the trainings over saturdays:
- Get a spare ID from the French consulate
- Exchange my French driving licence for a British one.
- Took my CBT
- Training + Theory test
- Mod 1 and mod 2 (I had to retake the mod 2 as I failed the first time Embarassed )


All done! And despite the stress of the tests, I took a lot of pleasure riding the bike! On my way to find a bike (probably an er-6 or a versys) and buy all the gear now (as I have nothing Razz ) So if you know ny good retailer I'm interested Wink (I live in Portsmouth).
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Tungtvann
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Joined: 07 Dec 2012
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PostPosted: 20:23 - 07 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Well done, Frenchie. Glad you saw it through and went all the way and didn't just talk about doing it like so many!
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shereen
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Joined: 15 Mar 2011
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PostPosted: 20:42 - 07 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Well done Thumbs Up Cool
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pinkyfloyd
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
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PostPosted: 07:16 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Clovis wrote:
So if you know ny good retailer I'm interested Wink (I live in Portsmouth).


Theres a big J&S store just up the road in Cowplain. Might even be able to run you up there one day when my bike arrives.

Failing that I would look on Ebay for everything apart from helmets which you really want to try on first to get a correct fit.

I'm local so keep an eye on the SE section of this forum for meets and ride outs etc.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.
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Lord Percy
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Joined: 03 Aug 2012
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PostPosted: 07:33 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Super!

And for those of you who don't understand French, I'll translate that to English...

Super!
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Nexus Icon
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PostPosted: 12:38 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Congratulations... and thanks for posting an update. It makes a nice change to get closure on a story. Now, move out of Portsmouth and you'll be golden.
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map
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Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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PostPosted: 13:12 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Très bon Cool Thumbs Up
Another person on two wheels, we could start a movement Very Happy
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Irn-Bru
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PostPosted: 13:16 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
map wrote:
Très bon Cool Thumbs Up
Another person on two wheels, we could start a movement Very Happy


It'll never catch on Folded arms
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janner_10
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PostPosted: 13:41 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Bien joué!! Razz Police Police
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noobRider
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Joined: 23 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 16:01 - 08 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
GJ Clovis Thumbs Up Dance! Clapping Op delivers Exclamation
If you're quick getting your bike you can join the South West bimble to Lille at the end of the month Smile
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petechett
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
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PostPosted: 16:05 - 09 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
sa1988 wrote:
Super!

And for those of you who don't understand French, I'll translate that to English...

Super!
Laughing .

Congrats Clovis. Happy biking Thumbs Up
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Clovis
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 26 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 17:57 - 25 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
More than the driving license I think this is the best I can now show. Cool

https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9d7b/0sfwc2gog8viggf4g.jpg

Just have to learn how to maintain it roadworthy now! My knowledge being close to zero in bike in general! Any advices more than welcome (I live in Portsmouth).

See you on the roads!
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pinkyfloyd
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PostPosted: 01:14 - 26 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Clovis wrote:
More than the driving license I think this is the best I can now show. Cool

https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9d7b/0sfwc2gog8viggf4g.jpg

Just have to learn how to maintain it roadworthy now! My knowledge being close to zero in bike in general! Any advices more than welcome (I live in Portsmouth).

See you on the roads!


I'm as mechanically minded as a lemon but I have tools and paddock stand and plenty of room around the back to work on bikes. I've managed breaks and the basics so anytime you need a hand just drop me a PM. I'm also in Portsmouth.

Added to that we'll have to get out ASAP and take a trip to Loomies. You'll love the place.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha
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PostPosted: 04:06 - 26 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Well done clovis! Or should I say bon chance sur la test de riding, mon amis.

Avec vous been riding une grande moto pour a long time? Ah bon, bon! Je hope vous is having une bon time! Anyway, je must be going - et je juste desired to parlez mitt une proper "froggie woggie" pour une petite moment. All ze best, mon amis! Wink
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Ribenapigeon
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PostPosted: 08:35 - 26 May 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Shop around for training as well. I thought it would cost me about £500 but went with an instructor who just works for himself rather than a company. Including Mod1 and Mod2 fees it cost me £210. I do have 5000 miles under my belt on a 125 though so didn't need so much road time training.
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