Non-EU licence? Students drive on it while their permit runs; others have one year, and an official list says who can exchange.

The one-year rule: a non-EU licence is valid for 1 year once you settle in France. Request the exchange within 1 year of receiving your first residence permit (or of validating your VLS-TS); a renewal does not restart the clock.

Students: with a student permit or a RECE card, you drive on your licence while that permit runs; no exchange on a student permit. Changing permit? Request the exchange when you switch, at the latest a year after you get the new one.

Can you exchange? Check the reciprocity list, updated 1 May 2026. China is on it, for licences issued from 1 April 2008 (car, and motorcycle as an A2). India and Pakistan are not: after the year, holders must pass the French test.

Apply online on the France Titres (ANTS) site, with scans of your licence, ID, proof of address and a driving-rights attestation. The stamp costs 40 €.

While your file is processed, you keep your licence and can drive.

How did it go for you? Share it in a note — it helps the next person. Full guide: https://pionra.world/en/p/convertir-permis-conduire-etranger-france