10 Things We All Hate About French Driving License Cost

Gustavsen Pickett

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 often pricey process, specifically for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, a foreigner seeking to convert an international license, or a French resident looking for to renew or change a lost license, comprehending the different costs involved is important. This short article supplies an in-depth breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, in addition to some often asked questions to assist navigate the process.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is required to run an automobile legally. The process to acquire a French driving license varies depending upon your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs also vary based upon these aspects.

Costs for New Learners

For individuals who are new to driving, the procedure involves 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 considerable cost. Since acheter un permis de conduire européen , the typical cost of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the variety of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools provide flexible packages, permitting you to pay as you go or choose a fixed variety of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their packages. Nevertheless, if you choose to study individually, you can buy theory books or online resources. The cost 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, however each attempt will incur a new cost.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test Fee: The charge for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the useful test if you fail, however each retake will require an additional charge.
Additional Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be costly. 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 make an application for the real 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 country, the procedure of getting a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, but it still includes some costs:

Application Process

Application Fee: The application fee for a French driving license for immigrants with a legitimate international license is EUR65.90.
Medical Certificate: You will require to provide 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 require to have it equated by a licensed translator. The expense of this service can range from EUR20 to EUR50.

Testing Requirements

Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a country that has a mutual agreement with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a nation 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 might need to take a practical test too. The cost for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have actually finished the needed tests and supplied all required paperwork, the issuance fee for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

If you already have a French driving license and require to restore or change it, the costs are typically lower:

Renewal

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

Replacement

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

Extra Costs to Consider

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance coverage while you are finding out. The cost of this insurance can vary, however it typically varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is correctly insured. The cost of car insurance can be a considerable extra expenditure.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight related to getting a driving license, it is worth keeping in mind that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based on the type and age of the vehicle.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to obtain a French driving license normally includes the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reliable driving school (auto-école) and register 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 should pass this test to continue to the useful test.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the practical test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
Get the License: Once you pass the practical test, get the real driving license at the Prefecture.
Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

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

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal contract with France, which might streamline the procedure.
Collect Documentation: Collect all necessary files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a licensed translation of your license if required.
Make an application for the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or practical tests.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent to your address.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

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

Q2: What is the cost of converting an international driving license to a French driving license?

The cost of transforming an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application cost, 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. However, it is a good idea to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

Q4: Are there any discount rates offered for driving school costs?

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

Q5: What occurs if I fail the useful test?

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

Q6: How long does it take 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 waiting on my French driving license?

No, you can not drive with a provisional license in France. You need to wait for the actual license to be issued before driving.

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

Yes, it is compulsory 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 uses the very best worth for money. Some schools might use discount rates or unique plans.
Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their plans, studying separately can save you some money on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have good friends or family who are currently certified drivers, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly lowering the number of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you concentrate on the useful elements of driving, which may lower the variety of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to prevent paying for additional lessons or exams.

Obtaining a French driving license can be an expensive endeavor, but it is a required step for anybody who wants to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various costs and actions included, you can better prepare for the procedure and possibly save money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or a knowledgeable driver, the secret is to select the right driving school, research study vigilantly, and complete the required tests effectively. With the ideal approach, you can navigate the system and delight in the flexibility of driving in France.

This guide offers a detailed summary of the expenses connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the preliminary learning stage to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and tips, you can make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.