Moldovan Diaspora in France to Exchange Driving Licences Without Additional Tests

Moldovan citizens living in France will soon be able to exchange their driving licences for French ones without taking additional exams, following approval of a bilateral agreement by the French National Assembly.

The agreement, which still requires formal promulgation by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to remove long-standing administrative barriers faced by the Moldovan community in France. Once enacted, the measure will allow Moldovan drivers to convert their licences more quickly and with fewer bureaucratic steps.

Under the new arrangement, holders of category B driving licences issued from January 1, 2020, will be eligible for direct exchange. Moldovans with older licences will need to first update their documents to the latest national format before applying for conversion in France.

Officials from both countries said the agreement was reached after almost two years of technical discussions and legal review. The process involved evaluating each nation’s licensing standards and ensuring that the exchange system meets French road safety requirements.

Moldovan authorities welcomed the decision, describing it as a major improvement for integration and mobility for citizens living abroad. The move is expected to benefit thousands of Moldovans in France who depend on driving for work, family responsibilities, and daily life.

The issue was a regular topic in diplomatic talks between Moldova and France, including high-level meetings involving President Maia Sandu and President Emmanuel Macron. The new agreement reflects growing cooperation between the two countries on migration and diaspora support.

Moldova already has similar licence recognition agreements with several European countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Lithuania. The country is also pursuing further arrangements to support its citizens abroad, especially in the context of increased migration to the European Union.