The French Driving License Cost Awards: The Top, Worst, Or Weirdest Things We've Seen

Baun Gorman

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 expensive process, especially for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new local, an immigrant seeking to transform an international license, or a French resident seeking to renew or change a lost license, understanding the various expenses included is essential. This short article offers a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with the French driving license, along with some regularly asked concerns to assist navigate the process.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is released by the Prefecture and is required to run a motor vehicle legally. The procedure to acquire a French driving license differs depending upon your scenario, such as whether you are a new student, a knowledgeable driver, or an immigrant with an international license. acheter un permis de conduire français vary based upon these factors.

Expenses for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the process involves several steps, each with its own set of costs:

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most substantial expenditure. As of 2023, the average expense of a driving school plan in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the area and the variety of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools offer versatile bundles, allowing you to pay as you go or select a set variety of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their bundles. Nevertheless, if you choose to study separately, you can buy theory books or online resources. The expense of these products normally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test multiple times, but each attempt will incur a new fee.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test Fee: The cost for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the dry run if you stop working, however each retake will require an extra cost.
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 dry run, you will require to obtain 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 nation, the procedure of acquiring a French driving license can be more simple, however it still involves some costs:

Application Process

Application Fee: The application cost for a French driving license for immigrants with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
Medical Certificate: You will need to supply a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50, depending upon the medical professional and the region.
Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it translated 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 country that has a reciprocal contract with France, you may be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a country that does not have such an agreement, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Practical Test: In some cases, you may require to take a dry run also. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the needed tests and supplied all essential paperwork, the issuance cost 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 change it, the costs are usually lower:

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal fee 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 need to offer a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50.

Replacement

Replacement Fee: If you need to change a lost, taken, or harmed license, the replacement fee is EUR25.20.
Cops Report: If your license has been lost or stolen, you might require 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 expense of this insurance coverage can vary, but it normally ranges 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 appropriately guaranteed. The expense of car insurance coverage can be a substantial additional expenditure.
Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to obtaining a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will need to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based on the type and age of the lorry.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the procedure to obtain a French driving license usually includes the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trusted driving school (auto-école) and enroll 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 must pass this test to proceed to the useful test.
Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to prepare for the useful 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.
Apply for the License: Once you pass the practical test, request the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

For knowledgeable drivers with an international license, the procedure might be somewhat various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual agreement with France, which may simplify the process.
Gather Documentation: Collect all essential documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
Request the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or dry runs.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The overall expense for a new learner can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school costs, theory test costs, practical test costs, and the issuance fee.

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

The cost of converting an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application cost, medical certificate, and any needed 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 avoid any legal concerns.

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

Some driving schools offer discount rates for trainees, young chauffeurs, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves asking about these discount rates when selecting a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I stop working the dry run?

If you fail the useful test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Each retake will cost an additional 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 differ, however it typically takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

Q7: Can I drive with a provisionary license while waiting for my French driving license?

No, you can not drive with a provisionary license in France. You must wait for the real license to be issued before driving.

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

Yes, it is compulsory to take driving lessons from an expert 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 worth for money. Some schools might offer discounts or special plans.
Research study Independently: While most driving schools include the theory course in their packages, studying independently can save you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have good friends or family who are already certified chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially lowering the variety of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you concentrate on the practical aspects of driving, which may 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 spending for additional lessons or exams.

Getting a French driving license can be a costly endeavor, however it is a needed step for anyone who desires to drive legally in France. By understanding the various expenses and actions included, you can much better get ready for the procedure and potentially conserve cash along the method. Whether you are a new learner or a knowledgeable driver, the key is to pick the best driving school, research study diligently, and finish the required tests effectively. With the right method, you can navigate the system and enjoy the flexibility of driving in France.

This guide supplies a detailed introduction of the costs connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the preliminary knowing phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these actions and tips, you can make the process as smooth and economical as possible.