How To Get More Value Out Of Your French Driving License Cost

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

Acquiring a driving license in France can be a complex and often expensive procedure, particularly for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, a foreigner looking to transform an international license, or a French person seeking to restore or replace a lost license, comprehending the numerous expenses included is important. This article provides an in-depth breakdown of the expenses associated with the French driving license, together with some often asked questions to help navigate the procedure.

Summary of the French Driving License

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

Expenses for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the process includes numerous actions, each with its own set of costs:

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most significant expenditure. As of 2023, the average cost of a driving school plan in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the variety of lessons included. Some driving schools provide versatile packages, enabling you to pay as you go or choose a set number of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their packages. However, if you choose to study separately, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these materials usually varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test multiple times, however each effort will incur a new cost.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The fee for the practical driving test is EUR101.80. Like acheter un permis de conduire maintenant , you can retake the dry run if you fail, but each retake will need an extra fee.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be costly. 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 require to get the actual driving license. The issuance fee is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you currently have a legitimate driving license from another country, the process of getting a French driving license can be more straightforward, but it still involves some costs:

  1. Application Process

    • Application Fee: The application fee for a French driving license for immigrants with a valid 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 doctor and the area.
    • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will require to have it translated 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 arrangement with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a nation that does not have such a contract, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Dry run: In some cases, you might require to take a dry run too. The cost for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

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

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

If you currently have a French driving license and require to restore or change it, the expenses are generally lower:

  1. Renewal

    • Renewal Fee: The renewal cost 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 provide a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50.
  2. Replacement

    • Replacement Fee: If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or harmed license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
    • Police Report: If your license has been lost or stolen, you might need to submit an authorities 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. The cost of this insurance can vary, however it normally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is correctly insured. The cost of car insurance coverage can be a considerable extra cost.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to getting a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will need to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The quantity differs based upon the type and age of the automobile.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to get a French driving license usually includes the following steps:

  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 dry run.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required variety 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. Look for the License: Once you pass the dry run, request the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

For knowledgeable drivers with an international license, the process may be somewhat different:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a mutual contract with France, which might streamline the procedure.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all required files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if required.
  3. Get the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or useful tests.
  5. Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

Often Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The overall cost for a new student can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test fees, dry run charges, and the issuance charge.

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

  • The cost of transforming an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application charge, 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. However, acheter un permis de conduire maintenant is advisable to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

Q4: Are there any discount rates available for driving school fees?

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

Q5: What occurs if I stop working the dry run?

  • If you stop working the useful test, you can retake it after a waiting duration. Each retake will cost an extra 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 vary, however it normally takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

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

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

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

  • Yes, it is necessary to take driving lessons from a professional driving school in France. Self-teaching is not allowed.

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to discover the one that provides the very best worth for cash. Some schools may use discount rates or unique packages.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their plans, studying individually can conserve you some money on theory products.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have good friends or family who are currently accredited chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, possibly lowering the variety of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you concentrate on the practical elements of driving, which may minimize the variety of driving lessons you need.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as quickly as possible to prevent spending for additional lessons or exams.

Obtaining a French driving license can be a pricey endeavor, however it is a necessary step for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the numerous expenses and steps included, you can much better get ready for the process and potentially save cash along the method. Whether you are a new learner or an experienced driver, the secret is to pick the ideal driving school, study vigilantly, and finish the required tests effectively. With the ideal technique, you can navigate the system and enjoy the liberty of driving in France.


This guide offers a detailed summary of the expenses related to obtaining a French driving license, from the initial learning phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.

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Pub: 28 Feb 2025 03:02 UTC
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