10 Things We Hate About French Driving License Cost

Hegelund Steele

Feb 25, 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 often expensive process, especially for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new resident, an immigrant wanting to transform an international license, or a French resident looking for to restore or replace a lost license, understanding the different expenses involved is important. This post supplies a detailed breakdown of the expenses related to the French driving license, in addition to some often asked concerns to assist navigate the process.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is required to run a motor vehicle legally. The procedure to get a French driving license varies depending upon your circumstance, such as whether you are a new learner, a skilled driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The costs likewise differ based upon these factors.

Expenses for New Learners

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

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most considerable cost. Since 2023, the typical expense of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the region and the variety of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools use versatile bundles, allowing you to pay as you go or select a fixed number of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their plans. Nevertheless, if exigences du permis de conduire français choose to study individually, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these products normally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The charge for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test numerous times, however each attempt will incur a new charge.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test Fee: The cost for the practical driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the useful test if you stop working, but each retake will require an additional fee.
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.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the practical test, you will require to look for the real 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 obtaining a French driving license can be more straightforward, however it still includes 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 need to provide a medical certificate, which can cost 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 need to have it equated by a qualified 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 might be exempt from the theory test. However, if you are from a nation that does not have such an agreement, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Dry run: 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 completed the required tests and provided all essential documentation, the issuance fee for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

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

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal cost 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 supply a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50.

Replacement

Replacement Fee: If you need to change a lost, stolen, or harmed license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
Cops Report: If your license has been lost or taken, you might require to submit a cops 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 expense of this insurance coverage can differ, however it generally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you select to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is effectively insured. The cost of car insurance can be a considerable additional expense.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight related to acquiring a driving license, it deserves noting that you will need to pay roadway 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 acquire a French driving license generally includes the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trustworthy driving school (auto-école) and register 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 need to pass this test to proceed to the useful test.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the necessary number of driving lessons to prepare for the dry run.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
Get the License: Once you pass the practical test, make an application for the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

For knowledgeable chauffeurs with an international license, the procedure may be slightly various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual arrangement with France, which may streamline the process.
Collect Documentation: Collect all needed files, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if required.
Apply for 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 released and sent to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does a driving license cost in France for a new student?

The total expense for a new student can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test costs, dry run costs, and the issuance fee.

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 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 as much as one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is advisable to convert your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

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

Some driving schools offer discounts for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay in advance. It is worth asking about these discounts when selecting a driving school.

Q5: What takes place if I stop working the useful test?

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

Q6: How long does it take to get a French driving license after passing the dry run?

The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can vary, however it generally 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 provisional license in France. You must await the actual license to be provided before driving.

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

Yes, it is obligatory to take driving lessons from an expert driving school in France. Self-teaching is not permitted.

Tips for Saving Money

Select a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to discover the one that provides the finest value for cash. exigences du permis de conduire français may provide discounts or unique packages.
Study Independently: While the majority of driving schools consist of the theory course in their plans, studying independently can conserve you some money on theory materials.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or household who are currently certified drivers, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially minimizing the number of lessons you need.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you concentrate on the useful aspects of driving, which might lower the variety of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to avoid spending for additional lessons or examinations.

Getting a French driving license can be a pricey endeavor, however it is an essential step for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the different expenses and actions included, you can much better get ready for the process and possibly conserve money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or an experienced driver, the secret is to choose the ideal driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the required tests efficiently. With the right approach, you can navigate the system and enjoy the freedom of driving in France.

This guide provides a comprehensive introduction of the costs connected with obtaining a French driving license, from the initial learning stage to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and pointers, you can make the process as smooth and affordable as possible.