France in Focus

All the info I have read inc govt sites say that a credit card licence has a validity of 15 years unless there is a notified medical condition. My license was issued in 2016 with no medical issues. The expiry date at 4.b says 2021.Why not 2031?
When trying to rent a car in the U.K. I was nearly refused because they said the licence had expired
Help!

I got a new one recently and it only lasts 7 years until I turn 70

Pathca wrote: ↑Sun Jul 06, 2025 11:47 am I got a new one recently and it only lasts 7 years until I turn 70

I applied in 2020 for a renewal and it expires in 2035. I was 64. Perhaps the rules on the mysterious ANTS have changed?

Sorry Headers I should have said that’s DVLA

Are we talking UK or French Licence?

I got one last year valid until 2039. I did read somewhere to fully check what you receive as they are prone to errors.

I am referring to a French permis de conduire

The only obvious thing I can think of is that you have heavy groups ie. C & D on your licence and not just car and Motorbike. This would explain the 5 years at which time you'd need a medical.
If this is the case then the only way to have a longer validity to your licence would be to get rid of the heavy categories. My husband did this when he stopped being a coach driver.
I'd also suggest you get your application for renewal in asap to avoid getting a possible fine and points removed.

I have heard this before that a new French exchange licence is issued and look what they have given me, I can drive a 44 ton articulated vehicle, and a bus, do they not know what they are issuing. Err I think you might find they are provisional entitlements, I know mistakes can be made, but it's a little dangerous to let someone loose in a 16 speed truck without a few lessons.

rabbit wrote: ↑Sun Jul 06, 2025 11:34 am My license was issued in 2016 with no medical issues. The expiry date at 4.b says 2021.Why not 2031?

Was this your first French licence after exchanging a UK licence ? If so then I was given a 5 year card licence first time round. On renewal 5 years later I was given a 15 year card.