Is an international driving permit needed to hire a car from a French supermarket?

Reader Question: I wanted to hire a van from a nearby SuperU but was told it was not possible with my UK driving licence and that I needed an International Driving Permit, however I have previously hired a vehicle in France without any problems. Have the rules changed?

This is a common issue facing drivers with a UK licence in France. 

The Connexion has previously reported on other supermarkets including Carrefour and E.Leclerc as well as Système U refusing to hire vehicles to drivers with a UK licence. 

There are no general restrictions on UK licence holders hiring a vehicle in France, either for visitors or residents who have retained their UK licence. 

That being said, there are also no limitations on companies asking for additional requirements from those wanting to hire a vehicle, including asking for an International Driving Permit (IDP) or requiring drivers to have had their licence for a certain number of years.

Drivers from other countries such as the US and Australia are often required to have an IDP to hire a vehicle in France. 

Focus on hire companies 

Supermarkets are often run as franchises, meaning rules can change slightly between branches. 

If one supermarket asks you for an IDP, it is possible that another store, even under the same banner, will not. 

Try contacting another nearby supermarket if you are turned away by one.

To be on the safe side however, look towards professional hire companies for a vehicle. 

These have standardised rules in place across France, including on hiring out vehicles. 

At least one, Sixt, states it does not require Britons to hold an IDP.

The best course of action is to plan your route in advance and contact hiring companies nearby your start location to see what they require.

Obtaining an IDP 

If you want an international driving permit, it is possible to purchase one before coming to France.

However, an IDP is not necessary for Britons to drive in France, so unless you are having issues hiring a vehicle it is not recommended to obtain one.

It costs £5.50 and can be purchased from certain stores that have a ‘PayPoint’ – prior to April 2024, an IDP could be purchased at Post Offices, but this is no longer the case. Check the UK government website for more information. 

There are three main versions of the IDP – 1926, 1949, and 1968, which conform to different conventions and agreements. 

Drivers who need – or want – an IDP to drive in France should obtain a 1968 version, valid for three years. 

Note that you can only obtain an IDP as a Briton if you still live in the UK – for those who have moved to France, this is not an option. 

Read more: Letters: I have always used my French licence to drive in the US