10 Things We Hate About 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 costly process, especially for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new citizen, a foreigner looking to convert an international license, or a French citizen looking for to restore or replace a lost license, comprehending the different costs included is vital. échange permis de conduire france offers a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, together with some frequently asked concerns to assist navigate the process.

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 lorry legally. The process to obtain a French driving license varies depending on your scenario, such as whether you are a new learner, a skilled driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The costs likewise vary based upon these factors.

Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure involves numerous actions, each with its own set of costs:

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most substantial expenditure. Since 2023, the typical expense of a driving school plan in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the area and the variety of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools offer flexible bundles, enabling you to pay as you go or select a fixed variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their plans. However, if you prefer to study individually, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these products usually varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test numerous times, but each effort will sustain a new cost.
  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 need an extra fee.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be pricey. The typical expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the practical test, you will need to obtain the actual driving license. look what i found is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Experienced Drivers with an International License

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

  1. Application Process

    • Application Fee: The application charge for a French driving license for foreigners with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
    • Medical Certificate: You will require to offer a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the physician and the region.
    • 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 vary 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 may be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a country that does not have such an arrangement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Dry run: In some cases, you may require to take a practical test 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 needed documents, the issuance cost for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

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

  1. Renewal

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

    • Replacement Fee: If you need to change a lost, taken, or damaged license, the replacement fee is EUR25.20.
    • Police Report: If your license has actually been lost or stolen, you might need to submit a cops report, which can cost around EUR20.

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance coverage while you are learning. The expense of this insurance can vary, however it generally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you select to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is properly insured. The cost of car insurance can be a substantial extra expenditure.
  3. Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to obtaining a driving license, it is worth keeping in mind that you will need to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount differs based on the type and age of the car.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure to acquire a French driving license generally involves the following steps:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a respectable driving school (auto-école) and enroll 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 must pass this test to proceed to the practical test.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the necessary variety of driving lessons to prepare 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. Make an application for the License: Once you pass the dry run, use for the real driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

For experienced chauffeurs with an international license, the process may be a little various:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual agreement with France, which may streamline the procedure.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect all needed documents, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Apply for 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 issued 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 learner can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test fees, useful test fees, and the issuance charge.

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

  • The cost of converting an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application cost, 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. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

Q4: Are there any discounts available for driving school charges?

  • Some driving schools provide discounts for students, young motorists, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves inquiring about these discount rates when selecting a driving school.

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

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

Q6: How long does it require 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 normally 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 provisionary license in France. You need to await the actual license to be released before driving.

Q8: Is it mandatory 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 permitted.

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to find the one that uses the very best worth for cash. Some schools might offer discounts or unique plans.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their plans, studying separately can save you some money on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have pals or family who are already certified chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly minimizing the number of lessons you require.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the practical aspects of driving, which might lower the number 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 tests.

Acquiring a French driving license can be an expensive endeavor, however it is a required step for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the different expenses and actions involved, you can better prepare for the procedure and potentially conserve money along the way. Whether you are a new student or a skilled driver, the key is to pick the right driving school, study diligently, and complete the needed tests effectively. With the ideal method, you can navigate the system and delight in the liberty of driving in France.


This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the initial learning stage to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the procedure as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.

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Pub: 22 Feb 2025 13:17 UTC

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