on the road less travelled in Ireland and france

By Conal Healy

We knew that to explore the quieter side of France Fran and I were going to have to hire a car. And learn to drive on the “other side” of the road.

In Australia – like Ireland and the United Kingdom – we drive on the left.

In France, we will have to get used to driving on the right hand side of the road.

This will not be the first time I have driven on “the other side” of the street.

A driving holiday in the United States allowed me the experience that particular joy. (The kids screaming “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, DAD” still rings in my ears nearly two decades later.)

There is no possibility I can train (in Australia) for driving in France … not without breaking the law. We will have to just suck it and see when we touch down in Europe.

Fran and I both have International Driving Licenses.

According to an Australian Government website: “If you are a tourist or short-term resident (90 days), you can legally drive in France provided you have both a valid Australian State or Territory driver’s license AND a valid international driving permit (that you must obtain before leaving Australia) or an official translation in French of the Australian driver’s license.”

(I am told it is possible to get a digital International Driving License while in Europe, but they might not be acceptable everywhere. Hence our decision to get such a license.)

Another reason stems from my years of dread around the French police, it has been experience they arrest first and ask questions later. An armed gendarme barking at me “Papiers!” was a recurring nightmare when backpacking in Europe.

In France, an International Driving License seems to be an accepted form of identification by authorities. If you lose/misplace your passport, you should be able to get a replacement easier if you have an International Driving License.

The good thing about getting an International Driving License through an Australian motoring organisation (ie NRMA) is that they have reciprocal roadside assistance arrangements with France. Bring your membership card to France, as well as your regular driving licence.

Here are some driving tips for France:

• Driving is on the right hand side of the road.

• Overtaking is on the left hand side of the road.

• Seat belts are mandatory by all.

• The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands-free system.

• Radar detect devices are prohibited.

• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for taxis, buses and bicycles.

• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

• Dipped headlights to be used at poor daylight visibility.

It’s important that you know the speed limit in France, depending on what type of road in France you’re actually on.

• In urban areas (towns and cities): 50 km/h (31 mph)

• Outside urban areas (open roads): 80 km/h (50 mph) or 90 km/h (56 mph) depending on the type of road and local regulations.

• On dual carriageways or non-toll motorways: 110 km/h (68 mph)

• On toll motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph), reduced to 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet weather

Bear in mind that lower limits may apply in certain circumstances, such as in areas with high pedestrian traffic or near schools, and higher limits may apply on certain motorways. Always adhere to the posted speed limit signs.

Also, if you’ve held your driving license for less than two years, you have to follow a lower speed limit on some roads:

• Dual carriageways and non-toll motorways: 100 km/h (62 mph)

• Toll motorways: 110 km/h (68 mph)