Trixipup

Congratulations, John. We know exactly what you mean, we felt the same. Our change over was also very quick and easy, although we changed from one department plates to another. Kind regards, Dannie

My original posting was to offer some semblance of help for anyone who was changing their licence, but I am now starting to think 'why did I bother?' Let's just say I changed it, this is what I needed to provide and be done with it, eh? If you think I was wrong to change (o) then go ahead, sue me. When I said, "Thought I would let you know of my experiences changing my english licence to a french permis de conduire in the hope it may be of some use to someone", I was not expecting to be shot down in flames because some of you know better and I also did not expect to have to defend my reasons for changing. If you read the posting carefully, you will discover why I changed my licence. Next time I shall think twice before posting a 'helpful' situation. Dannie

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments. I didn't even check actually how long it lasts (too excited/relieved to get it!) but now I am looking again it seems that some categories are for five years only, e.g. lorry, artic, and car+ caravan. A normal car is indefinite, it appears, as there is no end date. Dannie

Thought I would let you know of my experiences changing my english licence to a french permis de conduire in the hope it may be of some use to someone. It may change from department to department but here's what I needed to do in (32) - the Gers: I had searched the LF archives for help but everyone's views seemed to differ so, in the end the first time, I took along with me to the Prefecture... My current english licence (original - they would not accept a photocopy) An EDF bill plus a recent France Telecom bill to show my residency status (if you have a CDS this is even better, but we are still waiting for ours after 8 months) I didn't even want to begin trying to explain that a CDS is no longer essential to live here now Two passport sized photos You will also need to complete form CERFA No: 11247*01 "Demande d'change de permis de conduire" which they should give you. The lady at the desk was extremely condescending (clearly they broke the mould with that one!) and informed me that I did not have all the correct pieces of paper. I also needed a piece of identification, either a photocopy of my carte de sjour or of my passport but in any case she would not be able to do it as I also needed proof of residency for six months. She told me I could gather all the relevant papers and take them to the Mairie along with an attestation from the Mairie saying I haved lived here permenantly for at least six months. Then, she said, the Mairie would send it all to her. I asked whether I could bring it back myself and she looked at my third head and said if I thought that would be any easier... Oh brother! Anyway I returned today with the following, as requested... Original driving licence Two passport sized photographs (identical) Copy of passport as identification Three different bills showing dates over six months old as proof of residency Cheque for 46 Here's the clincher; she almost refused to process it all because I now didn't have a recent bill to prove that I had been living here for at least six months!!! Fortunately, the synapses in my third head connected and I offered my carte vitale which I had with me. She reluctantly accepted it but she did insist that I go and photocopy both sides! She also wanted me to go and photocopy the bills if I wanted to keep the originals. What a palaver After handing over all the relevant stuff I waited maybe half an hour and hey presto! A french licence. I'm sure it is different wherever you go, but this may be helpful as a guideline. It certainly was a good morning's work Dannie

Further to my recent posting re equipment for a knee operation, I wonder if I might backtrack somewhat. I was given to understand that the surgeon who we saw would be able to perform my surgery at my nearest hospital (which is 40 minutes away) as opposed to the place where I had the consultation (which is 2 1/2 hours away). This is not the case and the confirmation letter states that my operation will be only at his usual hospital. On telephoning his secretary this morning she confirmed that and I can only assume that we misunderstood what he agreed to. My quandery is this: how does one know that the surgeon that has been recommended is a good one. I have no reason to doubt it, although my neighbour feels she knows someone better! The 'someone' she talks about can perform the operation at our local hospital, but I am full of uncertainty now. How do I know that the surgeon she mentions is any good? Am I creating bigger problems by trying to change at the eleventh hour? Are there such things as league tables and if so can we access them? Secondly (much smaller thing), I have been asked for a 'carte de groupe sanguin' to bring with me on admission. How do I go about getting one or proving what my blood group is? Thanks in advance for any help with this, I am getting very worried about what to do Regards, Dannie

I wonder if anyone might be able to help? I am due to have an operation on my knee and have been told via letter from the surgeon's secretary that one of the things I will need to bring with me on the day of admission are a pair of "cannes anglaises". Can anyone help and tell me where I can get a pair of crutches for mobility post-op? Any suggestions gratefully accepted Thanks in advance. Dannie

Two days ago I went to collect my father-in-law from the airport and on the way back stopped to get petrol at a station that was on a roundabout. On leaving I became very confused about how to get out (maybe it was the heat!) and instead of turning right, going round the roundabout and continuing happily on my way, I was very stupid and also encouraged by my father-in-law, made an illegal left turn as there was NO traffic and crossed the solid white line. Fatal error. Within seconds I saw gendarmes in my rear view mirror, lights flashing and waving me over. The gendarme asked for my carte gris and licence (I offered my insurance but he declined). "How long have you lived here" he asked. "Six months" I replied. "You need to get a new licence," he said. This even before any punishment had been discussed. We walked back to his car and he explained I would get a fine as I had committed an 'infraction' and asked if I knew what I had done. "Yes," I said, "I turned left when it was not permitted." You crossed the solid white line, said he. "Really?" (me) I must have appeared very dim "Yes, really," he continued..."you do know that is an offence?" (He was actually reading me my rights in a way as he wanted to tick the box to say the driver has understood what you are explaining to them!!) I conceded, as I knew I was wrong. He did smile though when I explained I had become confused. Then payment...90 euros and also points, though he would not be pinned down as to how many, maybe three or four I offered to pay there and then but he declined my kind offer and said I would have to pay by post or go to the post office and they would stamp the receipt. I am so cross with myself, my first ever offense in all my years of driving Now I need to go to the prefecture and sort out a new license. Maybe the points will get missed somehow in the change? At the end of the day, they were doing their job and the gendarme who dealt with me was very nice (there were three of them in the car!). Result - very quiet F-i-L on the way home

Message in your inbox, thanks regards, Dannie

Yes weird combination I know, but I must ask about both I have looked on the 'cheesey facts' thread but didn't find the answer. Can anyone recommend a hard cheese with a strong flavour that is good for gratins? I have tried several different ones and need one that can be grated that is flavoursome enough. Secondly, we are hoping to replace our oven soon (which incidentally, we inherited and has exploded, but sadly still works - one explosion too many in my book) and have always been used to gas. We have bottled gas as we are too rural for mains, and wonder what others would recommend? I would love a range-type but am not sure if they come in the bottled version? Also could a mixte cuisinire be used with the bottled gas for the rings, I don't know. And then where to buy it? Answers on a postcard please... Regards, Dannie

I wonder if anyone can be of help? I have searched the forum and in fact asked the same question last November, but can anyone help me as to how I go about registering our three dogs in case they get lost or have an accident (particularly as our youngest dog enjoys the challenge of escaping and then wandering down the road!)? My last posting gave an indication that the Societe Centrale Canin would be able to do this, but our vet has never been asked to register a dog and does not know what to do. The SCC website is lees than useful I'm afraid and it appears impossible to contact them. From further searches (google) it also seems that the National Fiche Canin (apologies for spelling) may have been disbanded. All of our dogs have tags that give our details and also say "J'ai une micropuce" but this is not really sufficient as anyone could remove their collar and tag if they wished to. Please can someone help? We are very worried about this. Many thanks. T

Actually, now you mention it... We are in the process of getting our CDS and will need our documents translated at some point I think. Any chance? Please do let me know how much it'll be, we are happy to pay. Regards, Trixipup

Actually, now you mention it... We are in the process of getting our CDS and will need our documents translated at some point I think. Any chance? Please do let me know how much it'll be, we are happy to pay. Regards, Trixipup

Thanks for this link. For us this is great news, as we have used Burns food for a couple of years now for our dogs. They love it and are very healthy, but I was beginning to think I would not be able to get it at all. I bought enough to last two or three months before we moved. Regards Trixipup