20 Resources That'll Make You More Successful At French Driving License Cost

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

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and in some cases costly process, especially for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new resident, a foreigner wanting to transform an international license, or a French person looking for to renew or replace a lost license, understanding the various expenses included is necessary. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the expenditures connected with the French driving license, along with some regularly asked concerns to assist browse the process.

Summary of the French Driving License

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

Costs for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the procedure involves several steps, each with its own set of expenses:

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most significant expense. As of 2023, the average expense of a driving school plan in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools provide flexible bundles, enabling you to pay as you go or select a set number of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their bundles. However, if you choose to study individually, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these products generally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, however each attempt will sustain a new charge.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The charge for the practical driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the dry run if you fail, however each retake will need an extra charge.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be pricey. The average expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the useful test, you will require to look for the actual driving license. The issuance cost is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you already have a legitimate driving license from another country, the procedure of obtaining a French driving license can be more simple, but it still includes some costs:

  1. Application Process

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

    • Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a nation that has a reciprocal contract with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a country that does not have such a contract, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Practical Test: In some cases, you may need to take a dry run as well. acheter un permis de conduire en France for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have actually completed the required tests and offered all essential documents, the issuance charge for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

If you currently have a French driving license and need to renew or replace it, the expenses are generally lower:

  1. Renewal

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

    • Replacement Fee: If you need to change a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement fee is EUR25.20.
    • Authorities Report: If your license has actually been lost or taken, you may need to submit a cops report, which can cost around EUR20.

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance coverage while you are learning. The cost of this insurance coverage can differ, however it usually ranges from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you choose to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is appropriately guaranteed. The cost of car insurance can be a considerable additional cost.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight related to acquiring a driving license, it deserves noting that you will require to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The quantity differs based upon the type and age of the vehicle.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to acquire a French driving license usually involves 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 get ready for the theory test.
  3. Take the Theory Test: Schedule and take the theory test at the Prefecture. You should pass this test to continue to the practical test.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the necessary number of driving lessons to get ready for the useful test.
  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. Apply for the License: Once you pass the dry run, use for the real driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent out to your address.

For experienced motorists with an international license, the procedure might be a little different:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal contract with France, which might streamline the procedure.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect all required documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Make an application 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 practical tests.
  5. Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does a driving license cost in France for a new student?

  • The total expense for a new student can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school charges, theory test fees, useful test charges, and the issuance fee.

Q2: What is the cost of converting an international driving license to a French driving license?

  • The cost of converting an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application fee, medical certificate, and any needed 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 approximately one year from the date of your arrival. However, it is recommended to transform your license to a French one to avoid any legal concerns.

Q4: Are there any discounts readily available for driving school costs?

  • Some driving schools provide discounts for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay ahead of time. It is worth inquiring about these discount rates when picking a driving school.

Q5: What occurs if I stop working the practical test?

  • If you stop working the useful test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Each retake will cost an extra EUR101.80.

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

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can vary, but it normally takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

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

  • No, you can not drive with a provisional license in France. You need to await the actual license to be issued before driving.

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

  • Yes, it is obligatory 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 location to discover the one that uses the very best worth for money. Some schools may offer discount rates or unique bundles.
  2. Study Independently: While the majority of driving schools include the theory course in their plans, studying independently can save you some money on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or family who are currently accredited chauffeurs, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, possibly lowering the variety of lessons you require.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the useful aspects of driving, which might minimize the variety of driving lessons you require.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent spending for extra lessons or tests.

Obtaining a French driving license can be an expensive undertaking, but it is a required step for anyone who wants to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various costs and actions involved, you can much better prepare for the procedure and potentially save cash along the method. Whether you are a new student or a knowledgeable driver, the secret is to select the right driving school, study vigilantly, and complete the needed tests efficiently. With the right technique, you can browse the system and take pleasure in the flexibility of driving in France.


This guide provides a detailed overview of the expenses associated with obtaining a French driving license, from the initial learning phase to the last issuance of the license. By following these actions and suggestions, you can make the procedure as smooth and economical as possible.

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Pub: 26 Feb 2025 05:15 UTC
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