11 "Faux Pas" You're Actually Able To Do With Your French Driving License Cost

Hinson Bullard

Feb 22, 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 sometimes costly procedure, particularly for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new homeowner, a foreigner seeking to transform an international license, or a French person looking for to restore or change a lost license, comprehending the numerous costs included is important. This short article offers a detailed breakdown of the expenditures related to the French driving license, in addition to some frequently asked concerns to help browse the process.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is needed to operate an automobile legally. The process to acquire a French driving license varies depending on your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, a knowledgeable driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses also vary based on these factors.

Expenses for New Learners

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

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The expense of driving lessons is the most significant expenditure. As of 2023, the typical cost of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the number of lessons included. Some driving schools use flexible packages, permitting you to pay as you go or choose a set number of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their bundles. Nevertheless, if you choose to study separately, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these materials usually varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test several times, however each effort will sustain a new charge.

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, but each retake will require an additional fee.
Extra Practice: If you require more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be costly. The typical cost per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will require to use for the actual driving license. The issuance fee is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you currently have a legitimate driving license from another country, the procedure of obtaining a French driving license can be more simple, 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 need to offer a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the doctor and the area.
Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it translated by a licensed 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 mutual contract with France, you may 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.
Practical Test: In some cases, you might require to take a dry run as well. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

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

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

If you already have a French driving license and require to renew or replace it, the expenses are normally lower:

Renewal

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

Replacement

Replacement Fee: If you require to change a lost, taken, or harmed license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
Cops Report: If your license has been lost or stolen, you may 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 coverage while you are discovering. The expense of this insurance can differ, however it normally 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 appropriately guaranteed. The cost of car insurance can be a substantial extra cost.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to acquiring a driving license, it is worth noting that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. coût du permis de conduire français varies based on the type and age of the vehicle.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure 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.
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.
Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the practical 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.
Get the License: Once you pass the dry run, make an application for the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

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

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual contract with France, which might streamline the process.
Collect Documentation: Collect all needed documents, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if needed.
Request the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or useful tests.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent out to your address.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

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

Q2: What is the cost of transforming 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 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 as much as one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is recommended to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal issues.

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

Some driving schools provide discount rates for students, young drivers, or those who pay beforehand. It is worth inquiring about these discount rates when picking a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I fail the dry run?

If you stop working the practical 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 usually 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 need to wait for 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

Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to find the one that provides the best value for cash. Some schools may provide discount rates or unique plans.
Study Independently: While most driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying independently can save you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or household who are currently accredited drivers, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, potentially minimizing the variety of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the useful aspects of driving, which might reduce the number of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to prevent spending for additional lessons or examinations.

Getting a French driving license can be a costly endeavor, however it is a needed step for anybody who wants to drive legally in France. By understanding the various expenses and steps included, you can much better prepare for the process and possibly conserve cash along the method. Whether you are a new student or a skilled driver, the key is to choose the best driving school, research study diligently, and finish the needed tests effectively. With the ideal method, you can browse the system and take pleasure in the freedom of driving in France.

This guide offers a thorough overview of the expenses associated with acquiring a French driving license, from the initial knowing stage to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.