7 Easy Tips For Totally Moving Your French Driving License Cost

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

Obtaining a driving license in France can be a complex and in some cases pricey procedure, especially for those who are not knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new local, a foreigner aiming to transform an international license, or a French citizen seeking to renew or replace a lost license, understanding the different costs included is vital. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, together with some regularly asked concerns to help browse the procedure.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is needed to operate a motor vehicle legally. The procedure to obtain a French driving license differs depending upon your scenario, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses also differ based upon these aspects.

Expenses for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the process involves several 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 expenditure. Since 2023, the average expense of a driving school package in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the variety of lessons included. Some driving schools use flexible plans, permitting 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. Nevertheless, if you choose to study individually, you can buy theory books or online resources. The expense of these materials normally varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The charge for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test multiple times, but each effort will sustain a new charge.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The fee for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the dry run if you stop working, however each retake will need an extra charge.
    • Extra Practice: If you require more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be expensive. The average 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 get the real 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 process of getting a French driving license can be more simple, however it still includes some expenses:

  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 provide a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50, depending upon the physician and the area.
    • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will require to have it equated by a qualified translator. acheter un permis de conduire sans examen Licence France Xpress 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 arrangement with France, you may be exempt from the theory test. However, if you are from a nation that does not have such an arrangement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Practical Test: In some cases, you might need to take a useful test as well. The charge for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have finished the required tests and supplied all needed documents, the issuance cost for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

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

  1. Renewal

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

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

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance coverage while you are learning. The expense of this insurance coverage can vary, however 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 coverage can be a significant extra expense.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to obtaining a driving license, it deserves noting that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based upon the type and age of the vehicle.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to obtain a French driving license usually involves the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reputable driving school (auto-école) and enlist in a driving course.
  2. Total 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. Total Driving Lessons: Take the necessary 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 stop working, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
  6. Request the License: Once you pass the dry run, request 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 knowledgeable drivers with an international license, the process may be a little various:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual arrangement with France, which might simplify the process.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect all needed files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if required.
  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 practical tests.
  5. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

Often Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The overall cost for a new learner can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school charges, theory test charges, practical test costs, and the issuance cost.

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

  • The cost of transforming an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application charge, 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 advisable to convert your license to a French one to prevent any legal problems.

Q4: Are there any discount rates offered for driving school costs?

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

Q5: What takes place if I fail the useful test?

  • If you fail the practical test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Each retake will cost an additional EUR101.80.

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

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

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

  • No, you can not drive with a provisional license in France. You need to wait on the real license to be released before driving.

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

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

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 finest value for cash. Some schools may offer discounts or unique plans.
  2. Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying individually can conserve you some money on theory products.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or family who are currently certified drivers, they can help you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, potentially decreasing the number of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you focus on the useful elements of driving, which might lower 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.

Getting a French driving license can be an expensive venture, but it is a needed action for anybody who desires to drive legally in France. By understanding the different costs and actions involved, you can much better prepare for the procedure and possibly save money along the method. Whether you are a new student or a knowledgeable driver, the key is to pick the right driving school, research study diligently, and finish the needed tests effectively. With the right method, you can browse the system and take pleasure in the liberty of driving in France.


This guide supplies an extensive introduction of the expenses related to getting a French driving license, from the initial knowing stage to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.

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Pub: 20 Feb 2025 09:35 UTC
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