Why Nobody Cares About 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 often pricey process, particularly for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new citizen, a foreigner aiming to convert an international license, or a French resident seeking to restore or replace a lost license, understanding the different expenses involved is vital. This article supplies an in-depth breakdown of the expenditures connected with the French driving license, together with some regularly asked concerns to assist browse 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 get a French driving license varies depending upon your scenario, such as whether you are a new learner, a knowledgeable driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs also vary based on these elements.

Costs for New Learners

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

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most considerable expense. As of 2023, the average cost of a driving school plan in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools use flexible packages, enabling you to pay as you go or choose a fixed variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their plans. However, if you prefer to study separately, you can buy theory books or online resources. The expense of these materials generally varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test multiple times, however each attempt will incur a new cost.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The fee 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 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 require to obtain the actual driving license. The issuance cost is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you currently have a valid driving license from another country, 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 foreigners with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
    • Medical Certificate: You will need to provide a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the physician and the area.
    • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will require to have it translated by a certified translator. The expense 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 agreement with France, you may 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.
    • Dry run: In some cases, you might require to take a practical test as well. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

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

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

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

  1. Renewal

    • Renewal Fee: The renewal fee for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This charge covers the administrative expenses 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, taken, or damaged license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
    • Police Report: If your license has actually been lost or stolen, you might require to file an authorities 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 finding out. The cost of this insurance coverage can differ, however it normally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is correctly guaranteed. The cost of car insurance can be a significant additional expenditure.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly related to getting a driving license, it is worth keeping in mind that you will require to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The amount differs based on 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 includes the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a respectable driving school (auto-école) and register 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 need to pass this test to continue to the dry run.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required variety of driving lessons to prepare 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. Obtain the License: Once you pass the useful test, make an application for the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent out to your address.

For skilled motorists with an international license, the process may be somewhat various:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a mutual agreement with France, which may streamline the process.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Request the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost 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 issued and sent to your address.

Regularly 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, consisting of driving school charges, theory test costs, practical test fees, and the issuance cost.

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

  • The cost of converting an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application fee, 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 as much as one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is suggested to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal issues.

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

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

Q5: What happens if I fail the dry run?

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

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

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can vary, however it typically 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 provisionary license in France. You need to wait for the real license to be issued before driving.

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

  • Yes, it is mandatory 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 value for cash. Some schools might use discounts or unique packages.
  2. Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their plans, studying separately can conserve you some money on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or family who are already accredited motorists, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially lowering the variety of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the practical elements of driving, which may reduce the variety of driving lessons you require.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as quickly as possible to avoid paying for extra lessons or tests.

Obtaining a French driving license can be a costly undertaking, however it is a required action for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending permis de conduire provisoire français and steps included, you can better prepare for the procedure and potentially save money along the way. Whether you are a new learner or a skilled driver, the secret is to pick the best driving school, study vigilantly, and finish the needed tests efficiently. With the ideal technique, you can navigate the system and take pleasure in the liberty of driving in France.


This guide supplies a comprehensive introduction of the expenses connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the initial knowing stage to the last issuance of the license. By following these actions and tips, you can make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.

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Pub: 28 Feb 2025 09:57 UTC

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