The 3 Greatest Moments In French Driving License Cost History

Abildgaard Warren

Feb 24, 2025 • 7 min read

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

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and in some cases pricey process, especially for those who are not knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new citizen, an immigrant wanting to transform an international license, or a French citizen looking for to renew or replace a lost license, understanding the numerous expenses included is important. This post supplies a comprehensive breakdown of the costs related to the French driving license, together with some frequently asked questions to help navigate the process.

Summary of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is needed to operate a motor lorry legally. The process to acquire a French driving license varies depending on your circumstance, such as whether you are a new learner, a skilled driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The costs also vary based on these elements.

Expenses for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the procedure involves numerous steps, each with its own set of expenses:

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most significant expenditure. Since 2023, the average expense of a driving school bundle in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools use flexible plans, enabling you to pay as you go or pick a set variety of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their packages. However, if you prefer to study individually, you can buy theory books or online resources. The cost of these products typically varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, but each attempt will sustain a new fee.

Practical Driving Test

Dry Run Fee: The fee for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the practical test if you fail, but each retake will need an additional fee.
Additional Practice: If you require more practice before the test, additional driving lessons can be costly. The average expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the useful test, you will require to make an application for the actual driving license. The issuance charge is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

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

Application Process

Application Fee: The application charge for a French driving license for immigrants with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
Medical Certificate: You will require to offer 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 certified translator. The expense of this service can vary from EUR20 to EUR50.

Testing Requirements

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

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have finished the needed tests and offered all needed paperwork, 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 need to restore or change it, the expenses are typically lower:

Renewal

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

Replacement

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

Extra Costs to Consider

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance coverage while you are discovering. The cost of this insurance can vary, however it normally ranges from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you select to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is correctly insured. The cost of car insurance coverage can be a considerable extra cost.
Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight 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 quantity differs based upon the type and age of the vehicle.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure to get a French driving license normally involves the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reliable driving school (auto-école) and enlist in a driving course.
Total the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and prepare for the theory test.
Take the Theory Test: Schedule and take the theory test at the Prefecture. You must pass this test to continue to the useful test.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the necessary number of driving lessons to get ready for the useful test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
Make an application for the License: Once you pass the dry run, look for the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent to your address.

For skilled drivers with an international license, the process might be a little various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual contract with France, which may simplify the procedure.
Gather Documentation: Collect all needed documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if required.
Make an application for the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or useful tests.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

Often Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The total expense for a new learner can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school costs, theory test fees, dry run costs, 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 charge, 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, acheter un véritable permis de conduire français is suggested to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

Q4: Are there any discounts readily available for driving school fees?

Some driving schools use discount rates for students, young drivers, or those who pay in advance. acheter un permis de conduire légal is worth asking about these discount rates when choosing a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I fail the dry run?

If you stop working the useful test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Each retake will cost an extra 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 differ, however it normally 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 should wait on the real license to be released before driving.

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

Yes, it is mandatory to take driving lessons from a professional driving school in France. Self-teaching is not permitted.

Tips for Saving Money

Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to find the one that uses the very best worth for money. Some schools might use discount rates or special plans.
Research study Independently: While most driving schools consist of the theory course in their bundles, studying separately can conserve you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have pals or family who are currently certified chauffeurs, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially lowering the number of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you focus on the useful aspects of driving, which may decrease the number of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent spending for additional lessons or tests.

Acquiring a French driving license can be a costly undertaking, however it is an essential step for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the various costs and actions included, you can better get ready for the procedure and potentially save money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or a knowledgeable driver, the key is to choose the right driving school, study vigilantly, and complete the required tests efficiently. With the ideal approach, you can navigate the system and take pleasure in the freedom of driving in France.

This guide provides a thorough summary of the expenses related to acquiring a French driving license, from the preliminary learning phase to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and pointers, you can make the process as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.