You'll need to contact driving schools local to your area - use the Pages Jaunes website and type in Ecole de Conduite or Vehicule Ecole as your subject. I think that they may be reluctant because not all driving instructors speak English. But perseverance may be the key - even if it means trekking around the local schools once you arrive. Please be aware that it costs a lot to have driving lessons in France! Good luck!

Most Ecoles de Conduire here in France require that you take a block of lessons with them. Some even ask that you take your test with them too. As Alcasienne says, it isn't cheap. They may also ask that you have a French driving licence too. It's not going to be easy, but bon chance!

A friend of mine used to run his own driving school in France. They also have a written test which IIRC you have to pass before being allowed inside a car! The written test also included having knowledge of the workings of the car. His school had it's own classroom where the students took lessons including things like changing wheels etc.

The theory part of the driving test here in France is taken by pupils in their last year of school. It can be taken at any time thereafter too, but of course you then have to pay for it! I'm not sure if you have to have proof that you've passed a theory test either here in France or elsewhere before you can take lessons. Good point!

Thank you for all of your replies. It doesn't sound as if it will be as easy as I had thought. Does France have the equivalent of the AA so that I could arrange something before I go over? If not ~ I think I will need to go through the Yellow Pages when I get there, but it doesn't sound as if anyone would be able to do only a few hours of tuition.

The Club Automobile de France does exist, but it really isn't quite as well-organised as the AA for services like breakdown recovery etc! It specialises in things such as the Contrôle Technique (the French equivalent of the MOT), discounted insurance and events such as rallies.

You can look through the French Yellow Pages via the net so you can get some idea of whom to contact before you go, or even telephone them in advance from the UK. You need to google Annuaire Pages Jaunes and then type in Vehicule Ecole or Ecole de Conduite in the first box, then fill in the name of the town you are staying in or the department number. This should help you make a start.

Thank you Alsacienne, I will look this up now in time for my next visit.
Maz.

I advice you to try in little cities but not in big cities like Lyon or Paris, it's difficult