It's Time To Forget French Driving License Cost: 10 Reasons That You No Longer Need It

Ahmed Dyer

Feb 27, 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 in some cases costly process, particularly for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, a foreigner wanting to transform an international license, or a French person seeking to renew or change a lost license, understanding the numerous expenses involved is important. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures connected with the French driving license, in addition to some often asked questions to help navigate the procedure.

Overview 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 automobile legally. The procedure to get a French driving license varies depending on 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 aspects.

Costs for New Learners

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

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most considerable cost. As of 2023, the typical cost of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the region and the number of lessons included. Some driving schools use flexible packages, allowing you to pay as you go or choose a fixed number of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their bundles. Nevertheless, if pop over to these guys choose to study separately, you can buy theory books or online resources. The cost of these products generally 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 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 dry run if you stop working, but each retake will require an extra charge.
Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, additional driving lessons can be costly. 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 get the actual driving license. The issuance charge is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Experienced Drivers with an International License

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

Application Process

Application Fee: The application charge for a French driving license for foreigners with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
Medical Certificate: You will require 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 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 might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a nation that does not have such an arrangement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Practical Test: In some cases, you might require to take a dry run too. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the required tests and offered all essential documents, 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 restore or change it, the costs are usually 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 need to offer a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50.

Replacement

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

Additional Costs to Consider

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance while you are learning. The expense of this insurance coverage 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 appropriately insured. The cost of car insurance can be a substantial extra expenditure.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to obtaining 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 amount differs based on the type and age of the car.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure to acquire a French driving license normally 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 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 dry run.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the dry run.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you stop working, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
Obtain the License: Once you pass the useful test, make an application for the real driving license at the Prefecture.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

For knowledgeable chauffeurs with an international license, the process may be slightly different:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal arrangement with France, which may streamline the procedure.
Gather Documentation: Collect all essential documents, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
Look for the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or useful tests.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

Often Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The overall cost for a new learner can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school charges, theory test fees, dry run charges, and the issuance fee.

Q2: What is the cost of transforming 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 fee, 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 approximately one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is advisable to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal issues.

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

Some driving schools offer discount rates for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay beforehand. It is worth inquiring about these discounts when choosing a driving school.

Q5: What occurs if I stop working the useful test?

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

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

The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can differ, but it normally takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

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

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

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

Yes, it is obligatory 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 offers the best value for money. Some schools might provide discount rates or unique plans.
Research study Independently: While the majority of driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying individually can conserve you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have pals or family who are currently licensed motorists, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially decreasing the number of lessons you need.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you focus on the practical aspects of driving, which may minimize the number of driving lessons you need.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to avoid spending for extra lessons or exams.

Getting a French driving license can be a pricey venture, however it is a necessary step for anyone who desires to drive legally in France. By understanding the various expenses and steps involved, you can much better get ready for the process and potentially save money along the way. Whether you are a new student or an experienced driver, the secret is to select the right driving school, study diligently, and complete the required tests efficiently. With the best technique, you can browse the system and take pleasure in the flexibility of driving in France.

This guide supplies a thorough overview of the costs connected with getting a French driving license, from the initial knowing stage to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and pointers, you can make the procedure as smooth and economical as possible.