I do wonder- is this what the Brexiters wanted?

In the short term, if you have to have to have no car, with all the expenses of running costs - petrol, tyres, MOT etc - ring for a taxi there & back locally. It’s not expensive, trust me.

Same for Spain and Italy.

From Connexion magazine this month:

There is still no agreement on the exchange of UK driving licences in France due to Brexit.

France agreed that those who were driving on UK licences last year can continue to do so during 2021, as long as the licence is valid.

British newcomers may drive on a UK licence for 12 months.

After that, or if the licence expires, the only option is a French driving test or exchange for a French licence.

However, a swap is currently not possible as France only exchanges non-EU licences if it has a deal with the country concerned. No deal exists with the UK, although talks that started in March are continuing.

The UK has agreements now with all EU states apart from France, Italy and Spain. Some countries require exchange by a cut-off date while others have agreed to recognise ongoing validity for unexpired UK licences.

The situation with France is not reciprocal. Both UK government and French consulate websites say it is possible to drive on a valid EU licence indefinitely in the UK, though exchange is necessary when the driver reaches 70. An exchange is also possible before 70.

An Interior Ministry source said: “Everything is being done so negotiations can be concluded as quickly as possible.”

Several readers, such as Jacky Chater, 70, from the Lot-et-Garonne, can no longer drive due to the expiry of their licence – in Ms Chater’s case, because she recently reached 70.

UK licences are invalid after this and cannot be renewed if you live out of the UK.

She applied for exchange in 2018 when a paper process was in place. Her application was returned unprocessed in early 2020, along with many others, due to backlogs which meant only “obligatory” cases were being dealt with. She reapplied via the new online process at ants.gouv.fr in November.

France says applications made on the site before January 1, 2021, will be processed but Ms Chater said she fears delays as a number of Britons who applied earlier in 2020 report not receiving theirs.

She said: “On top of dealing with Covid and the associated isolation, people are having to deal with the enforced isolation of not being able to drive, with many living in communities without public transport.

“I rely on friends to get my shopping for me and to take me to important appointments.”

Peasblossom your posts are very informative. It’s good to be told what’s happening on the ground. Not just anecdotal tales. Thank you for sharing.
?

The British driving licenses have been European ones for some years and as such can be used in any EU country.
Your idea about everyone needing to take a test, however short, is fine but what about tourists? Those living in the country would have far better knowledge of the roads than those on holiday for a couple of weeks - who also may be a first time continental drivers!
The Europeans were very happy with the situation as it was and in fact we were told no need to change the license when we tried - how things change with the mark of a pen on paper.

vegansrock

Kamiso I did not tell you why you voted. The only individual I have named is my late mil - the epitome of a thick racist.

I thought we should never speak ill of the dead.

How was your relationship with her?

Kamiso I did not tell you why you voted. The only individual I have named is my late mil - the epitome of a thick racist.

I wonder what any conclusions, if any, can be drawn from this news item in the DT today?

That ID cards for all might be a good idea?

At least, knowing how many people reside here in total, it could help with strategic planning eg infrastructure, schools, hospitals, housing etc.

And on that note, I will go and get my dinner
?

Given that free movement works both ways, I wonder what any conclusions, if any, can be drawn from this news item in the DT today?

MORE than five million EU citizens living in the UK have applied for settled status – 50 per cent higher than the number thought to be resident before the EU referendum, figures revealed yesterday

Home Office data showed 4.9 million of the 5.4 million had already been granted the status, of which 4.88 million were living in England. This compares with the 3 million estimated to have been in the UK at the time of the vote on Brexit in 2016

Chewbacca

^The more I think about this, the more I find it worrying and think having a couple of lessons^ and taking a test is a good idea.

Yes, I think that this is a good point actually; certainly from a road safety aspect. I'm not sure why, if you're a competent driver, why it would be a problem to take a few lessons and get a licence to drive in another country? Especially if it enhanced your insurance cover in that country. In fact, it makes perfect sense.

Many ex-pats living in the EU may drive long distances too, if they wish to return here to the UK from time to time.

If they have been driving on European roads for a long time, are competent and have good health/eyesight then it should not be a problem.

Am I on the wrong thread?
This is about India!

I haven't actually driven in India, but we do have family in Sri Lanka where they drive on the left.

Kali2

Not for you- but the end of a dream for many.

I think the word I have in mind is empathy - but it seems to pass you by, sadly.

I think the word I have in mind is empathy

I think you'll find, Kali2 that ,when it comes to defending their beloved Brexit, most Leavers have a total empathy bypass.

The more I think about this, the more I find it worrying and think having a couple of lessons and taking a test is a good idea.

Yes, I think that this is a good point actually; certainly from a road safety aspect. I'm not sure why, if you're a competent driver, why it would be a problem to take a few lessons and get a licence to drive in another country? Especially if it enhanced your insurance cover in that country. In fact, it makes perfect sense.

UK people who moved to Spain, or France or anywhere in the EU, were able to just swap, and vice-versa.

The more I think about this, the more I find it worrying and think having a couple of lessons and taking a test is a good idea.

I know of two tragic accidents which were as a result of Europeans driving on the wrong side of the road in Australia but anyone wishing to live there permanently has to take a driving test there. They were on short-term visas so did not have to take a test, sadly.

Not for you- but the end of a dream for many.

I think the word I have in mind is empathy - but it seems to pass you by, sadly.

It’s not the end of the world is it.

You can be concerned for others and interested, even if it does not apply directly to you, no? Friends who have moved to EU have told me about their problems with this and sent me a copy of a recent copy of Connexion magazine which highlights the problems so many are facing due to new Brexit regulations.

Just trying to imagine what it would feel like to be facing this.

Why are you so worried if it’s nothing to do with you Kali ?
You have brought this subject up on a few threads now, have you been told to take a test?

Ilovecheese

I think you are quite right Peasblossom We are no more lazy as a nation than any other. There is nothing wrong with wanting a secure permanent job, to raise a family in security. We should not feel that anyone should be grateful to do any job, we should aspire to more than that for everyone.

I agree, and large fruit farm or veg farms will have to pay a more reasonable wage in the future, to anyone who will do the job, be they British or from the EU countries or any other country.It’s about time.

vegansrock

Let’s face it, those who voted for Brexit will deny they wanted to halt immigration and are welcoming to anyone from all over the world, ( apart from all the French and Germans obvs) though my MIL vote leave as she didn’t like Nigerians. Maybe we can bring in Indian workers to pick our fruit and veg, would solve a few problems.

Thank you for telling me why I voted! That’s a real ?‍♂️ superpower!

Nanof3

We lived in Germany and were obliged to take the German driving test, we bought a left hand drive car and soon became used to driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and also had German insurance.
Surely if you lived in Spain it would be part of integrating into your new life.

This puzzles me. Ever since we have been part of the EU, we have been able to just swap driving licence during first year. So did you have UK driving licences? And why did you take the test instead of swapping as perfectly legal?

UK people who moved to Spain, or France or anywhere in the EU, were able to just swap, and vice-versa. They were also promised they would be able to continue to do so after Brexit- but the UK did not negotiate an agreement- leaving them stranded, and having to retake all 3 parts of the test in full, in the local language. Of course they have to have local car insurance (although, and I have NO sympathy with them)- many cheated and kept UK plates and insurance, illegally (as said NO sympathy with them).

BTW, nothing to do with me.

It’s viable for migrant workers because

they moved around Europe in “gangs” from one seasonal crop to another

because accommodation and food was provided all their earnings, even if low, could be saved

What they hoped for Maizie was a return to agricultural work as a permanent job that would enable them to raise their families.

No they don’t really want twelve weeks of work at low pay because single accommodation in caravans is part of the deal.

It’s not a viable job.

The whole economics of farming changed. Most farms were mixed to a greater or lesser extent which provided enough variety to employ throughout the year.

But mixed didn’t pay as well as specialised seasonal crops so most conglomerate owned farms moved to that. So although mechanisation reduced the number of workers need it wasn’t that that prompted the move from permanent work to short term temporary. It was the type of crops that were grown that did that.

It’s a complex issue and I don’t feel I’m covering it very well. Change happens but it’s impact has to be recognised and affected communities supported through the transition if you want people to accept the transition.

That didn’t happen and Brexit was the result.

But it’s naive to expect agricultural workers to appear. It’s work that calls for an amazing amount of fitness and stamina. A bit like being expected to run a marathon without training.

A bit of understanding and support and things might have been different.

I see where you're coming from, Peasblossom, but I feel a contradiction in what you're saying. When the rural voters achieved what they wanted by voting for Brexit they still don't actually want the work. I think this is what people just don't understand.