Watch Out: How French Driving License Cost Is Taking Over And What To Do About It

Smedegaard Britt

Feb 23, 2025 • 7 min read

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

Obtaining a driving license in France can be a complex and sometimes pricey procedure, particularly for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, a foreigner aiming to convert an international license, or a French citizen looking for to renew or replace a lost license, comprehending the various expenses involved is important. This post offers a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with the French driving license, together with some regularly asked concerns to help browse the process.

Summary of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is released by the Prefecture and is required to operate an automobile legally. The procedure to acquire a French driving license differs depending upon your situation, such as whether you are a new student, a knowledgeable driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses also vary based on these elements.

Expenses for New Learners

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

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most considerable expenditure. As of 2023, the typical expense of a driving school plan in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the variety of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools provide flexible packages, permitting you to pay as you go or choose a set variety of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their plans. Nevertheless, if you prefer to study independently, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these products normally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, but each attempt will incur a new charge.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test 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, but each retake will need an extra charge.
Extra Practice: If you require more practice before the test, additional driving lessons can be costly. The average cost per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will require to make an application for the actual driving license. The issuance cost 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 getting a French driving license can be more simple, but it still involves some expenses:

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 need to provide a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the doctor and the region.
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.

Testing Requirements

Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a country that has a reciprocal arrangement with France, you may be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a nation that does not have such an arrangement, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Practical Test: In some cases, you may require to take a practical test as well. The cost for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

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

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

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

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal cost for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This fee 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.

Replacement

Replacement Fee: If you require to change a lost, taken, or harmed license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
Authorities Report: If your license has been lost or taken, you might need to submit a police report, which can cost around EUR20.

Extra Costs to Consider

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance while you are discovering. The cost of this insurance coverage can differ, but it generally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is correctly insured. The expense of car insurance can be a significant additional expenditure.
Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to acquiring a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will need to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The quantity varies based upon the type and age of the lorry.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to get a French driving license usually involves the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trustworthy driving school (auto-école) and enlist in a driving course.
Total the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and get ready for the theory test.
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.
Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the practical test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the useful driving test. If you stop working, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
Request the License: Once you pass the dry run, obtain the real driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent out to your address.

For experienced drivers with an international license, the procedure might be slightly different:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal contract with France, which might streamline the process.
Collect Documentation: Collect all required files, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if required.
Request the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or useful tests.
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 cost in France for a new learner?

The total expense for a new learner can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school fees, theory test charges, useful test fees, and the issuance charge.

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

The cost of transforming an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application cost, 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 concerns.

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

Some driving schools use discount rates for trainees, young motorists, or those who pay ahead of time. It is worth inquiring about these discount rates when picking a driving school.

Q5: What occurs if I fail the practical test?

If you fail the dry run, 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 dry run?

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 awaiting my French driving license?

No, you can not drive with a provisionary license in France. You should wait on 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 a professional driving school in France. Self-teaching is not allowed.

Tips for Saving Money

Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to discover the one that provides the very best value for cash. Some schools might offer discount rates or unique packages.
Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying individually can save you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or household who are already certified motorists, they can help you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly reducing the number of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the useful aspects of driving, which might minimize the number of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent paying for additional lessons or examinations.

Getting a French driving license can be a costly undertaking, however it is a required step for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending Full Document and steps involved, you can much better prepare for the procedure and potentially save money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or a skilled driver, the secret is to select the right driving school, research study diligently, and finish the needed tests effectively. With the right technique, you can navigate the system and enjoy the freedom of driving in France.

This guide offers an extensive introduction of the expenses associated with getting a French driving license, from the initial knowing phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these actions and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and economical as possible.