FV 106 : (Part 2) Driving tips from a French instructor French Voices Podcast | Learn French | Interviews with Native French Speakers | French Culture

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This episode is the second part of my conversation with Hélène, a former driving instructor from France who will share information about driving in France. Compare with your own country!



We'll start with talking about the speed limits and recent changes about them in France. Why so much controversy, and what are the reasons behind these changes? Find out why there often are trees along the road, which I'm raising as something particularly illogical and dangerous. However, we'll learn that there are good reasons for this! We'll also tell you about la priorité à droite, a very important road rule that may not exist in your country. What does a French driving licence look like and how long is it valid for? Do foreigners need an international licence to drive in France? Listen to find out!



Also check out the links in the shownotes for more tips about driving in France and the link to a fun comedy, "Un Point c'est tout", where reckless drivers attend a worksop to get points back on their licence.

Vocab List

autoroute (nf) = freeway

chaussée (nf) = road, roadway

cinétique (adj) = kinetic

clignotant (nm) = indicator

espacer = to space out

essuie-glace (nm) = wiper

manette (nf) = lever, hand command

méfiant,e (adj) = cautious, wary

panneau (nm) = road sign

piéger = to trap, to trick

piéton,ne (n / adj) = pedestrian

poteau (nm) = pole, post

puce (nf) = chip

radar (nm) = speed camera

ralentir = to slow down

rond-point (nm) = roundabout

sens unique (nm) = one-way

signalisation (nf) = signing, marking, signals

terre-plein central (nm) = median strip

tronçon (nm) = (road) section

trottoir (nm) = footpath

virage (nm) = bend, turn, curve

voie (nf) = lane

Questions:



Why are there trees along the roads?

Which hand commands / levers are inverted on Australian cars and European cars?

What used to be the nickname for the French driving licence?



Answers:



It's to artificially add a bit of danger and make drivers more cautious: if a straight line was clear, they would tend to drive faster and take more risks. It's psychological!

The windscreen wipers and the indicators!

Le petit papier rose



Links & Resources



French Your Way Podcast, Episode 75: "France Travel Tips (PART 3): Driving": frenchyourway.com.au/podcast75

"Tips for driving in France" (article)

"Un Point c'est tout" (théâtre, Laurent Baffie)



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