Be On The Lookout For: How French Driving License Cost Is Taking Over And What To Do About It

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 knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new local, an immigrant aiming to convert an international license, or a French person seeking to renew or replace a lost license, comprehending the numerous expenses involved is vital. acheter un permis de conduire français provides a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures related to the French driving license, together with some regularly asked questions to assist browse the procedure.

Summary of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is required to run an automobile legally. The process to acquire a French driving license differs depending upon your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs also vary based on these factors.

Costs for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the process involves several 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 considerable expense. As of 2023, the average cost of a driving school bundle in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the number of lessons included. Some driving schools use versatile plans, allowing you to pay as you go or pick a fixed variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their plans. Nevertheless, if you prefer to study individually, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The cost of these materials typically ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The charge for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, however each attempt will sustain a new fee.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Practical Test Fee: The charge for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the useful test if you fail, however each retake will require an additional cost.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be costly. The typical cost per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will need to obtain the actual driving license. The issuance charge is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you currently have a legitimate driving license from another nation, the procedure of obtaining a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, but it still involves some expenses:

  1. Application Process

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

    • Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a country that has a mutual 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 need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Practical Test: In some cases, you may require to take a practical test too. The cost for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

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

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

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

  1. Renewal

    • Renewal Fee: The renewal charge 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 in between EUR30 and EUR50.
  2. Replacement

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

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance while you are discovering. The cost of this insurance can differ, however it usually varies 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 properly guaranteed. The expense of car insurance coverage can be a substantial extra expense.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly related to obtaining a driving license, it deserves noting that you will need to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The quantity varies based upon the type and age of the car.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to acquire a French driving license generally involves the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reputable 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 need to pass this test to continue to the practical test.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required variety 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 duration.
  6. Obtain the License: Once you pass the practical test, obtain the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent to your address.

For knowledgeable drivers with an international license, the procedure may be a little different:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal agreement with France, which might simplify the process.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all needed files, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a licensed translation of your license if needed.
  3. Obtain the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or dry runs.
  5. Receive 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 student?

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

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

  • The expense of transforming an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application fee, medical certificate, and any required translation expenses.

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

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

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

  • Some driving schools offer discounts for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay beforehand. It is worth asking about these discount rates when selecting a driving school.

Q5: What takes place if I stop working the dry run?

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

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

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can differ, but it generally 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 provisional license in France. You must wait for the actual license to be released before driving.

Q8: Is it mandatory to take driving lessons from a professional driving school?

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

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to find the one that provides the best value for cash. Some schools may offer discounts or special bundles.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their packages, studying independently can save you some cash on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have good friends or family who are already certified chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, possibly reducing the number of lessons you require.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the practical elements of driving, which may minimize the number 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 tests.

Obtaining a French driving license can be a costly endeavor, however it is a needed step for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various costs and actions involved, you can much better get ready for the process and possibly conserve money along the method. Whether you are a new student or an experienced driver, the key is to choose the ideal driving school, study vigilantly, and finish the required tests efficiently. With the best method, you can browse the system and enjoy the liberty of driving in France.


This guide provides a thorough introduction of the expenses connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the preliminary learning stage to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and ideas, you can make the process as smooth and economical as possible.

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Pub: 20 Feb 2025 01:50 UTC
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