Laurier

That's really interesting, Norman. I was trying to explain that to my French teacher (a retired teacher, French native) today and she just couldn't understand how the qualifying years in UK were less but the age of getting pension higher. As you say, difficult to compare systems.

Give up, what is a K7?

OK. Thanks.

I read that the 2-day test (UK) is cheaper if you go in to have it done (somewhere?) when you arrive in UK rather than have the test sent to a UK address and, presumably, post it back.  Are they sent back by normal post or are there drop-boxes available everywhere? Is there a list of these centres in towns where you can go in and get it done? Presumably, you have previously reserved and paid for it on your Passenger locator form.

My OH had it done prior to a cataract op. He said it was extremely uncomfortable. His eyes were watering for along time after. He had been used to 'basic' treatment in the services for many years but was surprised just how uncomfortable this procedure was. It seems to vary from people he has spoken to so maybe it does depend on the infirmiere.

Thank you so much Pomme. Yes, I had read the detail and couldn't understand it as we don't have a PERP savings plan, or any of the others quoted.

That is amazing! We have exactly the same figure. I have absolutely no idea what it is, so no idea as to whether or how to correct. I wrote to the Impots and they wrote back saying it was for information purposes only and we do not need to correct. However, they didn't explain what it was for. I read the notes but couldn't see how or why such a figure applied to our simple declaration.

HiOH is 80!  First we have heard of requesting a medical on age grounds and we didn't have to supply one.  It took 10 days from uploading to receipt.  We sent a copy of his passport which was accepted.

Forgot to mention, his new licence is now valid until 2036.

OH's licence had an expiry date of June 2021 so we decided to apply in advance, just in case there were delays, having read of previous problems with ANTS. We filled in the form at home, downloaded the present licence, passport and justificatif of domicile (less than 6 months old). The photographer (ANTS approved) took the photo then OH had to sign on a pad flat on the counter, with the stylo attached, all connected to the shop computer. We were given the number which we then downloaded into the form at home with the above documents. That 'numerised' photo cost 10 euros. We also ordered extra photos for our new CDS in case we need them which were 8 euros.

Thank you for clarifying that, Norman. As we are happy residents of  France, we would rather our Govt pensions were taxed in France but we have no choice in the matter.

Thanks from me, too. We have a very similar set of circumstances to Slowfox so I was very interested in the postings.

Just a follow-up for information- my OH renewed his French driving licence online and it was received today 10 days after the application. We went to a photographer  and had the Ants approved photo and signature done (thanks Sue for that info) and just filled in the form online with the number and the photo and signature magically appeared. His licence had only been issued previously for 5 years because of the towing category which we didn't want to renew anyway. All very quick and efficient.

yes,I have also been trying the sante.fr site which is down, not unexpected, for my OH.  I thought they might allow the spouse (same household) to be done the same time if under 75 as has happened with our family in UK but, from what I have read, even if he can get done, I won't be eligible until end Feb/beginning of March. Amazing that the UK seem to be streets ahead with the programme.

Hi AnOThank you so much for that, you made my OH's day.  He is so good and a self-taught 'natural' at all the things you mention but also really struggles with the language, despite taking many courses and really trying.  I, on the other hand, just love learning French but, in his words "cannot cope with anything that has more than one working part". I guess, as you say, we all have our strengths (and weaknesses).  Fortunately, I was able to correspond with the Tax Office to sort out a problem which would have been more difficult if I didn't speak French but, even so, I do find it stressful sorting out 'the tax' every year and our affairs are very basic, so I do sympathise with Cf. Am glad Spain is working out for you - have followed your posts in the past.