This Is The Intermediate Guide For French Driving License Cost

Saleh Cobb

Feb 22, 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 costly procedure, especially for those who are not knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, an immigrant aiming to convert an international license, or a French citizen looking for to renew or change a lost license, understanding the various expenses included is important. This short article provides an in-depth breakdown of the expenses connected with the French driving license, in addition to some often asked concerns to help navigate the procedure.

Summary of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is required to run a motor car legally. The process to acquire a French driving license differs depending on your scenario, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses likewise vary based upon these factors.

Costs for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the procedure includes several 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 expense. Since 2023, the typical expense of a driving school bundle in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the variety of lessons included. Some driving schools use flexible bundles, permitting 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. Nevertheless, if you choose to study independently, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these materials usually varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The charge for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, however each effort will sustain a new fee.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test Fee: The charge 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 need an additional cost.
Additional Practice: If you require more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be expensive. The typical expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will need to look for the actual driving license. The issuance cost is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you already have a valid driving license from another country, the process of obtaining a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, however it still includes some expenses:

Application Process

Application Fee: The application cost for a French driving license for immigrants with a valid international license is EUR65.90.
Medical Certificate: You will require to offer a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50, depending upon the doctor and the region.
Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it translated by a qualified translator. The cost 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 an arrangement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Dry run: In some cases, you might require to take a practical test also. The charge for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have actually finished the required tests and provided all necessary 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 need to renew or replace it, the expenses are usually lower:

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal charge for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This cost covers the administrative costs 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 require to change a lost, taken, or damaged license, the replacement fee is EUR25.20.
Cops Report: If your license has been lost or stolen, you might need to file 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 cost of this insurance can differ, however it typically varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you choose to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is properly insured. The cost of car insurance can be a considerable extra expense.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight related to acquiring a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount differs based upon the type and age of the car.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the procedure to acquire a French driving license usually involves the following actions:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trusted driving school (auto-école) and enroll in a driving course.
Complete 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 continue to the dry run.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the necessary variety 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 period.
Make an application for the License: Once you pass the dry run, get the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

For skilled motorists with an international license, the procedure may be a little various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country 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.
Use for the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost 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 to your address.

Often 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 range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school costs, theory test fees, useful test charges, and the issuance cost.

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

The expense of transforming an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application charge, 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. However, it is a good idea to transform your license to a French one to avoid any legal problems.

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

Some driving schools offer discount rates for trainees, young drivers, or those who pay ahead of time. It deserves asking about these discount rates when choosing a driving school.

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

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

Q6: How long does it require to receive a French driving license after passing the practical test?

The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can differ, 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. Licence France Xpress should await the real license to be provided before driving.

Q8: Is it mandatory 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 area to discover the one that offers the best worth for cash. Some schools may offer discount rates or unique plans.
Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying independently can conserve you some money on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or household who are already accredited chauffeurs, they can help 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 focus on the useful aspects of driving, which may lower the number of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent paying for extra lessons or tests.

Getting a French driving license can be a costly undertaking, however it is a necessary action for anyone who desires to drive legally in France. By understanding the numerous expenses and steps involved, you can much better prepare for the process and potentially conserve money along the method. Whether you are a new student or a skilled driver, the secret is to choose the ideal driving school, study diligently, and complete the required tests effectively. With the right method, you can navigate the system and take pleasure in the liberty of driving in France.

This guide provides a detailed summary of the costs connected with getting a French driving license, from the initial learning phase to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and economical as possible.