10 Facts About French Driving License Cost That Will Instantly Make You Feel Good Mood

Whitley Borup

Feb 20, 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 pricey process, particularly for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new local, an immigrant aiming to convert an international license, or a French person looking for to restore or change a lost license, understanding the numerous expenses involved is important. This short article supplies a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with the French driving license, together with some often asked questions to assist navigate the process.

Summary of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is released by the Prefecture and is needed to operate a motor lorry legally. The procedure to obtain a French driving license differs depending upon your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses likewise differ based on these factors.

Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure 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 expense. Since 2023, the typical expense of a driving school plan in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the region and the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools provide flexible packages, allowing you to pay as you go or choose a fixed variety of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their bundles. However, if you prefer to study individually, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The cost of these materials usually ranges 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 incur a new cost.

Practical Driving Test

Dry Run Fee: The fee for the practical 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 require 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 need to make an application for the real driving license. The issuance charge is EUR25.20.

Expenses 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 straightforward, but it still involves some expenses:

Application Process

Application Fee: The application cost for a French driving license for foreigners with a valid 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 physician and the area.
Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will require 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 arrangement with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a country that does not have such an arrangement, 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 also. obtenir le permis de conduire français Licence France Xpress for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the needed tests and offered all required documents, 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 need to renew or change it, the expenses are generally lower:

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal charge for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This charge covers the administrative costs and the production of the new license.
Medical Certificate: You will require to provide a medical certificate, which can cost in between EUR30 and EUR50.

Replacement

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

Extra Costs to Consider

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance while you are finding out. The expense of this insurance can differ, but it generally ranges from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is correctly guaranteed. The expense of car insurance coverage can be a considerable extra expense.
Roadway Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly related to obtaining 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 quantity differs based upon the type and age of the automobile.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the process to acquire a French driving license normally involves the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reliable 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 should pass this test to proceed to the dry run.
Complete Driving Lessons: Take the necessary number of driving lessons to prepare for the useful test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the useful driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
Request the License: Once you pass the useful test, request the real driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent to your address.

For experienced drivers with an international license, the procedure may be a little various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a mutual contract with France, which might simplify the process.
Gather Documentation: Collect all required files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if required.
Look for the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or dry runs.
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 learner?

The overall cost for a new learner can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school costs, theory test costs, dry run costs, and the issuance cost.

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

The expense of converting an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application fee, 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 advisable to convert your license to a French one to prevent any legal problems.

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

Some driving schools provide discounts for trainees, young drivers, or those who pay beforehand. It is worth asking about these discount rates when choosing 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 take to get 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 provisionary license while awaiting my French driving license?

No, you can not drive with a provisional license in France. You 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 necessary to take driving lessons from an expert driving school in France. Self-teaching is not enabled.

Tips for Saving Money

Select a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to find the one that offers the best value for money. Some schools might use discounts or special bundles.
Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their packages, studying independently can conserve 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 outside of driving school lessons, possibly decreasing the number of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the practical elements of driving, which may lower the number of driving lessons you need.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to avoid paying for additional lessons or tests.

Getting a French driving license can be an expensive undertaking, however it is a needed action for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various costs and actions involved, you can better prepare for the procedure and possibly conserve cash along the method. Whether you are a new learner or an experienced driver, the key is to choose the best driving school, study diligently, and finish the required tests efficiently. With the right method, you can browse the system and delight in the freedom of driving in France.

This guide supplies a comprehensive introduction of the expenses related to obtaining a French driving license, from the initial knowing phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these actions and tips, you can make the procedure as smooth and cost-effective as possible.