The 3 Greatest Moments In French Driving License Cost History

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

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and often costly procedure, specifically for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new citizen, a foreigner wanting to convert an international license, or a French person seeking to renew or replace a lost license, comprehending the different costs included is important. This article supplies a detailed breakdown of the expenses related to the French driving license, along with some often asked concerns to assist navigate the procedure.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is required to operate an automobile legally. The process to acquire a French driving license varies depending upon your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses likewise vary based upon these aspects.

Costs for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the process includes 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 significant expense. As of 2023, the average cost of a driving school bundle in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the region and the number of lessons included. Some driving schools offer versatile plans, allowing you to pay as you go or choose a set variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their bundles. However, if you prefer to study independently, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these products usually varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, however each effort will sustain a new fee.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The cost 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 require an additional cost.
    • Additional Practice: If you need more practice before the test, additional 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 request the actual 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 country, the process of obtaining a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, however it still includes some expenses:

  1. Application Process

    • Application Fee: The application cost 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 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 licensed translator. The cost 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 reciprocal agreement with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. However, 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 may require to take a dry run too. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

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

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

If you already have a French driving license and require to renew or change it, the expenses are usually lower:

  1. Renewal

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

    • Replacement Fee: If you require to change a lost, stolen, or harmed license, the replacement fee 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.

Additional Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance while you are learning. More Signup bonuses of this insurance can differ, but it normally 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 correctly guaranteed. The expense of car insurance coverage can be a substantial extra cost.
  3. Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight related to getting a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The quantity varies based on the type and age of the vehicle.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure to obtain a French driving license normally includes the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a respectable 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 useful test.
  4. Total Driving Lessons: Take the required variety of driving lessons to get ready for the practical 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. Use for the License: Once you pass the useful test, obtain the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent out 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 mutual contract with France, which may simplify the process.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect all essential files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Get the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or practical tests.
  5. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The overall expense for a new student can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school fees, theory test charges, practical test charges, and the issuance charge.

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

  • The expense of converting 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. Nevertheless, it is recommended to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

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

  • Some driving schools use discount rates for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay in advance. It deserves asking about these discounts when choosing a driving school.

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

  • 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 get a French driving license after passing the practical test?

  • 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 provisionary license while awaiting my French driving license?

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

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

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

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to find the one that uses the finest worth for cash. Some schools may provide discounts or special plans.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their bundles, studying separately can conserve you some money on theory products.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or family who are currently licensed chauffeurs, they can help you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly decreasing the number of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you focus on the practical aspects of driving, which might lower the variety of driving lessons you require.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent spending for additional lessons or exams.

Acquiring a French driving license can be an expensive endeavor, however it is a necessary action for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the various expenses and actions included, you can much better get ready for the process and potentially conserve money along the method. Whether obtenir le permis de conduire français are a new student or a skilled driver, the key is to pick the right driving school, research study vigilantly, and complete the needed tests effectively. With the right technique, you can browse the system and enjoy the freedom of driving in France.


This guide offers a thorough summary of the costs related to getting a French driving license, from the preliminary learning phase 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: 24 Feb 2025 10:16 UTC

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