Riding a 50cc in France

[Older Rider]

I am looking for advice about the rules for driving a 50cc Vespa in France. I have a full car license which is from 1987 and I have taken a basic CBT test as well. My question is, can I ride my Vespa 50cc in France with just my full car license or do I need another type of license. I am getting conflicting answers on the internet so thought I would ask the people who will know. Thank you for your help.

[RideWithStyles]

when was the cbt taken?

so whats the plan you had in mind?im assuming your thinking of flying/ driving the france then hire a moped while there visiting?

i know in spain that hiring that way was a no to a not really as they tightened the reg and insurances due to pissed up tourists as we looked as option just after 2020....

taking you own bike? on a trailer?  

i know in france they have the really odd rule and ideas just to keep the/any people under the hammer and charge/impound every vehicle in site they can with a already dim view on UK licences.

id look it up on the frenches own version of our gov.org / dft, as you have to follow THIER rules....

Edited February 16, 2024 by RideWithStyles

[Older Rider]

Hi, thanks for the info. My CBT was taken about 10 months ago. My plan was to ride my Vespa onto a Ferry in Dover (avoiding any motorways) and ride it in France on minor roads taking in some of the French Villages. So I am trying to gather as much information as possible before I put a plan in motion.

[RideWithStyles]

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[Gerontious]

The biggest difference between France and the UK. Which also made the UK unique in the EU, is that L plates do not exist outside the UK. There is no such thing as riding a bike of any kind on a CBT only. Bikers are only allowed on the road while having lessons.

 

you will not be allowed on the ferry/tunnel with L plates displayed.  Ive heard in the past of such difficulties.

 

To ride a moped in France normally requires an AM license. And as these involve training I wouldn’t be too sure that a gendarme would be sympathetic if you can’t answer his demands in full. A French AM license is highly likely to be different in how it’s validated to over here.

 

There may be a loophole. Read this page for details. Though I do worry about loopholes when trying to argue the case with a non English speaker.

 

https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/france/transport/driving-licences/motorbikes-scooters

Edited February 16, 2024 by Gerontious

[RideWithStyles]

NOAT A CHAAANC YOU EN-GLASH PIG, i fart in your general direction.

Edited February 16, 2024 by RideWithStyles