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LIVING IN FRANCE

Back to work, driving licences and a history lesson: 6 essential articles for life in France

This week’s must-reads include Macron’s rentrée issues, the return of France’s immigration bill, driving on a foreign licence, mythbusting for Americans and whether boyfriends or bar work are better for your language skills.

Published: 27 August 2023 08:11 CEST
President Emmanuel Macron
President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

The French government is mostly back from its summer holidays and the first ministerial meeting of the new political year took place on Wednesday.

But while Emmanuel Macron might have some big ideas, he also faces some major challenges.

8 of Emmanuel Macron’s biggest problems as France goes back to work

Speaking about the busy government calendar from September, Macron says he wants to ‘significantly reduce immigration’ – so what does this mean for the repeatedly-delayed new immigration law which, among other things, proposes a language test for some foreigners in France?

What’s happening with France’s new immigration law?

If you live in France you should usually swap your driving licence for a French one after a certain period of residence – but is it actually illegal to drive on your old licence? And what are the penalties?

Is it illegal to drive on a foreign licence if you live in France?

It is no secret that Americans love to visit France. In 2022, shortly after pandemic-related travel restrictions were dropped, 3.7 million Americans visited and pre-Covid visitor numbers sometimes exceeded 4 million. 

But while many Americans have a deep knowledge of – and love for – French culture, there are some surprisingly enduring myths that need busting (Diet Coca Cola, guys. Not banned).

Ice to dryers: 14 of the most common American misconceptions about France

Many people assume that once you’re in France you will ‘just pick up’ French. While this might be the case for some gifted linguists, most people will have to work at it if they want a reasonable grasp of the language. 

Of course some people find it easier than others to learn a language and naturally we all learn in different ways – some prefer the structure of a class while others like just getting stuck into a good conversation with the locals.

Bar work, boyfriends or classes: The best techniques for learning French

Let’s end with a history lesson. Friday was the 79th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. From the head-shaving of thousands of women to Jean Cocteau’s cigarette, here are a few facts about a momentous moment in history.

Liberation of Paris: Ten things you might not know

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LIVING IN FRANCE

What is France’s ‘citizen service’ and who has to do it?

Although France no longer has compulsory military service, there is still a requirement for a 'citizen service' known as the JDC - and for most younger people this is compulsory, including young foreigners who take French citizenship.

Published: 24 May 2024 17:11 CEST
What is France's 'citizen service' and who has to do it?

France scrapped compulsory military service in 1997 so its teenagers are no longer required to do 10 months of square-bashing, boot polishing and cross country runs.

They are, however, required to do the Journée défense et citoyenneté (JDC) in most cases – although this at least has the benefit of being just a single day.

What is it? 

The JDC is basically a one-day course or learning exercise about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of France.

You will receive teaching on three main areas;

  • The general issues and objectives of national defence, and on the different forms of commitment required from citizens. This part of the course is usually taught by members of the French military
  • Civics lessons – similar to those given in French schools – based on the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français (Charter of rights and duties of French citizens)
  • Information on equality between men and women, on the fight against sexist prejudice and on the fight against physical, psychological or sexual violence committed within the couple

You will also be given a brief test on your knowledge of the French language. This is for everyone, not just foreigners, and language learners can feel comforted by the fact that plenty of native French people also struggle with the intricacies of their language.

You do not have to pass any kind of exam on the contents of the citizenship course – more on the curriculum here.

The course usually lasts seven and a half hours – basically a standard working day.

Who has to do it?

There are two things that young people in France must do – the recensement citoyen (citizen census) and then, in most cases, the JDC.

The recensement citoyen is compulsory for;

  • Any French citizens who are turning 16 – they must complete the registration within three months of their 16th birthday.
  • Anyone who gains French nationality between the ages of 16 and 25 – they must sign up within a month of getting their citizenship.

It is not required for people older than 25 who gain French citizenship, neither is it required for non-French citizens – even if they are long-term residents in France.

People who fail to complete the recensement citoyen when required cannot be inscribed onto the electoral rolls (and therefore cannot vote), while the certificate of completion is also usually required to enrol for French public exams or administrative exams (eg professional qualifications).

Once you have completed the census, you will then receive notice for the one-day citizenship course (JDC). This is compulsory for most people, although there are exceptions for people who have a disability or a long-term illness.

How do you do it?

First off, the recensement citoyen can be done either online or in person, if you choose the online option it is done at the local mairie.

It’s a relatively simple sign-up process and then you receive the attestation de recensement, which will be required for registering for exams. Once you have completed this, you will automatically be added to the electoral roll once you reach the age of 18.

Once this is completed, you will then receive a convocation (summons) to your one-day JDC. The letter will provide details of how and where to do the course, as well as the options to appeal if you believe you are exempt on the grounds of illness or disability.

It also gives you an autorisation d’absence exceptionnelle – authorisation of absence, which you present to your employer if you are working or an apprentice. They are then legally obliged to give you the day off to attend.

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