10 Meetups On French Driving License Cost You Should Attend

The Cost of Obtaining a French Driving License: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and sometimes pricey procedure, specifically for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new resident, a foreigner aiming to convert an international license, or a French resident looking for to renew or replace a lost license, understanding the different expenses involved is necessary. This article supplies a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, along with some regularly asked questions to assist browse the process.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is needed to operate a motor car legally. The procedure to obtain a French driving license varies depending on your circumstance, such as whether you are a new learner, a skilled driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs also vary based upon these elements.

Expenses for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure involves a number of steps, each with its own set of costs:

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most considerable cost. As of 2023, the typical expense of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the variety of lessons included. acheter un permis de conduire légal driving schools provide flexible bundles, enabling you to pay as you go or select a fixed variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their bundles. However, if you choose to study separately, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these products generally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, but each effort will sustain a new charge.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Practical Test Fee: The fee for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the useful test if you stop working, however each retake will require an additional fee.
    • Additional Practice: If you need more practice before the test, additional driving lessons can be expensive. The average expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the practical test, you will need to make an application for the real driving license. The issuance cost is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you already have a valid driving license from another nation, the procedure of getting a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, but it still includes some expenses:

  1. Application Process

    • Application Fee: The application cost for a French driving license for foreigners with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
    • Medical Certificate: You will require to supply a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50, depending upon the physician and the region.
    • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it equated by a licensed translator. The expense of this service can range from EUR20 to EUR50.
  2. Testing Requirements

    • Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a country that has a mutual agreement with France, you may be exempt from the theory test. However, if you are from a country that does not have such a contract, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Practical Test: In some cases, you might need to take a dry run also. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the needed tests and supplied all needed documentation, the issuance charge for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

If you already have a French driving license and need to restore or replace it, the costs are usually lower:

  1. Renewal

    • Renewal Fee: The renewal cost for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This cost covers the administrative costs and the production of the new license.
    • Medical Certificate: You will need to supply a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50.
  2. Replacement

    • Replacement Fee: If you need to replace a lost, taken, or harmed license, the replacement charge is EUR25.20.
    • Police Report: If your license has actually been lost or taken, you might need to submit a police report, which can cost around EUR20.

Additional Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance coverage while you are finding out. permis de conduire français en ligne of this insurance can differ, but it typically varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you select to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is correctly guaranteed. The expense of car insurance can be a considerable additional expenditure.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to getting a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will need to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based upon the type and age of the car.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the procedure to obtain a French driving license usually includes the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trustworthy driving school (auto-école) and register in a driving course.
  2. Complete the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and prepare for the theory test.
  3. Take the Theory Test: Schedule and take the theory test at the Prefecture. You must pass this test to continue to the useful test.
  4. Total Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the dry run.
  5. Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
  6. Request the License: Once you pass the dry run, obtain the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

For experienced chauffeurs with an international license, the procedure might be somewhat various:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a reciprocal agreement with France, which might simplify the procedure.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all required documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Use for the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or dry runs.
  5. Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does a driving license expense in France for a new learner?

  • The total cost for a new student can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test costs, useful test fees, and the issuance fee.

Q2: What is the expense of transforming an international driving license to a French driving license?

  • The cost of converting an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application fee, medical certificate, and any required translation costs.

Q3: Can I drive in France with an international driving license?

  • Yes, you can drive in France with an international driving license for up to one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is suggested to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal issues.

Q4: Are there any discounts offered for driving school charges?

  • Some driving schools offer discount rates for trainees, young motorists, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves asking about these discount rates when choosing a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I stop working the useful test?

  • If you fail the dry run, you can retake it after a waiting duration. Each retake will cost an additional EUR101.80.

Q6: How long does it require to receive a French driving license after passing the dry run?

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can differ, however it usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

Q7: Can I drive with a provisional license while waiting for my French driving license?

  • No, you can not drive with a provisionary license in France. You must wait for the actual license to be provided before driving.

Q8: Is it compulsory to take driving lessons from an expert driving school?

  • Yes, it is mandatory to take driving lessons from an expert driving school in France. Self-teaching is not permitted.

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Select a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to discover the one that provides the very best value for cash. Some schools may provide discounts or special packages.
  2. Study Independently: While the majority of driving schools consist of the theory course in their packages, studying individually can conserve you some cash on theory products.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have pals or family who are already accredited drivers, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly lowering the variety of lessons you require.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the practical aspects of driving, which may reduce the variety of driving lessons you need.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to prevent paying for additional lessons or exams.

Acquiring a French driving license can be an expensive endeavor, but it is a required step for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various expenses and actions included, you can better get ready for the process and possibly conserve money along the method. Whether you are a new student or a knowledgeable driver, the secret is to pick the best driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the required tests efficiently. With the best approach, you can browse the system and enjoy the freedom of driving in France.


This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the expenses associated with getting a French driving license, from the preliminary knowing phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the procedure as smooth and affordable as possible.

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Pub: 27 Feb 2025 21:53 UTC

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