Need to Order French Polynesia driving license? Heres What You Should Know!

Okay, so I recently went through the whole process of getting my driver’s license in French Polynesia, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. I figured I’d share my journey, in case any of you are planning to do the same.

Preparation

First off, I started digging around online to figure out what I needed. Turns out, if you’re not from the EU and your license isn’t in French, you gotta get yourself an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s basically a translation of your license into a bunch of languages, which is super handy.

So, I went ahead and applied for an IDP. The process was pretty straightforward. I just filled out a form, submitted it with a copy of my current license, and bam, a few weeks later, I had my IDP. It’s a small booklet thing, nothing fancy, but it does the job.

Classroom Time

But here’s the kicker – French Polynesia also requires 30 hours of classroom time, which they call “Joshua’s Law” for those under 16, but it’s really for anyone getting their license for the first time. I thought I could just waltz in and take a test, but nope, it’s classroom time for everyone.

I signed up for the course, and man, those 30 hours felt long. We went over all sorts of stuff – traffic rules, road signs, safe driving practices. It was a bit tedious, to be honest, but I guess it’s important to know all that stuff. There were a lot of people there, not just young folks, which made it a bit more bearable.

The Driving Test

After surviving the classroom sessions, it was time for the actual driving test. I was a bit nervous, I’m not gonna lie. I practiced driving around with a friend who already had a license, just to get used to the roads and the way people drive here. It’s a bit different from what I’m used to, that’s for sure.

On the day of the test, I showed up at the testing center with all my documents – my IDP, my current license, proof of the classroom course, you name it. The instructor was a serious-looking guy, but he was pretty chill once we got going. He directed me through a route, and I just focused on driving safely and following all the rules.

Success

And guess what? I passed! I was so relieved. I got my temporary license on the spot, and a few weeks later, my official French Polynesia driver’s license arrived in the mail. It felt good to finally have it in my hands, after all that.

So, that’s my story of getting a driver’s license in French Polynesia. It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s definitely doable. Just make sure you have all your documents in order, brace yourself for some classroom time, and practice your driving. You’ll get there!

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed.
• Complete the 30-hour classroom course.
• Practice driving and get familiar with the local traffic.
• Take the driving test.
• Get your license!

Hope this helps anyone who’s planning to get their license here. Good luck, and safe driving!