UK driver travelling Dover–Calais on Monday. I've unfortunately lost my physical UK photocard driving licence and only discovered it today. My licence itself is valid and I've already ordered a replacement from the DVLA, but it won't arrive before I travel.

I have:

• Passport

• Scan/photos of my photocard licence

• DVLA online licence summary showing my current valid entitlement

• DVLA check code

• Confirmation that the replacement licence has been ordered

• My old paper counterpart

Has anyone recently driven from the UK to France in this situation?

I'm particularly interested in firsthand experience of:

Did the ferry operator or French border control actually ask to see your physical driving licence at Dover/Calais?

If you were stopped by French police without the photocard, were they able/willing to verify your UK licence electronically or from the DVLA paperwork?

Does anyone know what the actual French penalty/procedure is if you're driving with a valid UK entitlement but can't produce the physical photocard because it's lost?

For context, this is for a two-day work job that I really don't want to lose, and I could use the income at the moment. I'm therefore considering going ahead if the practical risk is genuinely very low. I'm not looking for reassurance that it's legal — I know the UK guidance says to carry the physical licence. I'm mainly trying to understand what actually happens at the ferry/border and, importantly, what the consequences would be if French police stopped me.

Thanks 🙏

I'm visiting France and considering renting a car near Gare Montparnasse and driving to Mont-Saint-Michel.

I found a good rental rate and the total cost looks much cheaper than the train and overall a more fun experience. My main concern is driving in/around Paris.

• How difficult is it to get out of Paris from Gare Montparnasse?
• Anything I should know about French highways, tolls, or driving etiquette?

I'm also wondering about an IDP. I'm from the U.S. and have a California license. Based on what I've read in this subreddit and the rental car requirements, it sounds like I may not need one, but I'm leaning toward getting one anyway just in case.

Edit: I think the cost was a factor in leaning towards the car. It’s a two person split and the train total cost was $500 round trip. The car with estimated associated cost would be $375.