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Blog entry by Cheri Kavel

10 Essentials About French Driving License Cost You Didn't Learn In The Classroom

10 Essentials About French Driving License Cost You Didn't Learn In The Classroom

The Cost of Obtaining a French Driving License: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and often expensive procedure, particularly for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new resident, an immigrant wanting to convert an international license, or a French citizen seeking to restore or replace a lost license, understanding the various costs included is essential. This short article provides an in-depth breakdown of the expenses associated with the French driving license, together with some regularly asked concerns to help navigate the process.

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Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (permis de conduire francais falsifiéobtenir le permis de conduire françaisoù acheter un permis de conduire français) is provided by the Prefecture and is needed to operate an automobile legally. The process to obtain a French driving license differs depending on your circumstance, such as whether you are a new student, a skilled driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The costs 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:

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most considerable expenditure. As of 2023, the average cost of a driving school bundle in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and où acheter un permis De conduire français the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools provide flexible packages, allowing you to pay as you go or pick a fixed variety of lessons.
    • Theory Course: Most driving schools consist of a theory course in their plans. Nevertheless, if you choose to study individually, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these products typically ranges 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 attempt will incur a new charge.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Dry Run Fee: The charge for the practical driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the practical test if you fail, échange permis de conduire france however each retake will need an additional fee.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be costly. The average expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the practical test, you will need to request the actual driving license. The issuance fee is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you currently have a legitimate driving license from another nation, the process of obtaining a French driving license can be more straightforward, but it still includes some expenses:

  1. 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 need to provide a medical certificate, which can cost between EUR30 and EUR50, depending upon the doctor 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 expense of this service can range from EUR20 to EUR50.
  2. 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. However, if you are from a nation that does not have such a contract, 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. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have actually finished the needed tests and supplied all necessary documentation, the issuance charge for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Expenses for Renewal or Replacement

If you currently have a French driving license and require to renew or change it, the expenses are generally lower:

  1. Renewal

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

    • Replacement Fee: If you require to change a lost, stolen, or harmed license, the replacement charge is EUR25.20.
    • Cops Report: If your license has actually been lost or taken, you may require to submit a police report, which can cost around EUR20.

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance while you are finding out. The expense of this insurance can vary, but it normally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you pick to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is properly guaranteed. The cost of car insurance can be a considerable extra cost.
  3. Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to getting a driving license, it is worth noting that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The quantity differs based on the type and age of the car.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the process to obtain a French driving license typically includes the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trustworthy driving school (auto-école) and enlist in a driving course.
  2. Complete the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and get ready for the theory test.
  3. Take the Theory Test: Schedule and take the theory test at the Prefecture. You need to pass this test to continue to the practical test.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the dry run.
  5. Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
  6. Get the License: Once you pass the practical test, get the real driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

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

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a mutual contract with France, which may streamline the process.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all necessary files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if required.
  3. Obtain the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or useful tests.
  5. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be issued 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 expense for a new student can range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school fees, theory test charges, practical test costs, and the issuance cost.

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

  • The expense of transforming an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of the application cost, medical certificate, and any required 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 approximately one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is recommended to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal concerns.

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

  • Some driving schools provide discounts for students, young motorists, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves asking about these discounts when selecting a driving school.

Q5: What takes place if I fail the dry run?

  • If you stop working the dry run, you can retake it after a waiting period. 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 vary, 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 provisionary license in France. You should wait for the actual 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 a professional driving school in France. Self-teaching is not permitted.

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Select a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to find the one that provides the best worth for money. Some schools might use discount rates or unique bundles.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their bundles, studying individually can save you some money on theory products.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or family who are currently accredited motorists, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly lowering the number of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you concentrate on the practical aspects of driving, which might reduce the variety of driving lessons you require.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent paying for additional lessons or exams.

Getting a French driving license can be an expensive venture, but it is a required step for anybody who wants to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various expenses and actions involved, you can better prepare for the process and possibly save cash along the way. Whether you are a new learner or a knowledgeable driver, the key is to select the right driving school, research study vigilantly, and complete the required tests efficiently. With the ideal approach, you can navigate the system and enjoy the liberty of driving in France.


This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the expenses related to acquiring a French driving license, from the initial knowing phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and ideas, you can make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.

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