Can I drive in France with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive.” “Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license (the IDP alone is insufficient).” (Smartraveller advice for France, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for France: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive.
Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license (the IDP alone is insufficient). You should get your IDP before you leave Australia. Otherwise, you can apply for an IDP online and have it shipped internationally for a fee.
If you live in France, you can swap your Australian driver's licence for a French licence. You must do this within your first 12 months.
Source: Smartraveller: France, page updated 7 October 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in France
Hiring a car in France? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in France? How to pay tolls in France with a rental car
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Renting a scooter or a moped instead? France: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in France
| Licence | In France | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to France
- British passport: France entry requirements
- Canadian passport: France
- Australian passport: France
- Italian citizens: Francia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for France with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive.” “Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license (the IDP alone is insufficient).” (Smartraveller advice for France, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in France with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence to drive.” “Car rental companies may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license (the IDP alone is insufficient).”
Which international driving permit do I need for France?
The Smartraveller advice for France does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.