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Blog entry by Kathie Hogan

Tips For Explaining French Driving License Cost To Your Mom

Tips For Explaining French Driving License Cost To Your Mom

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

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and sometimes expensive process, specifically for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new local, an immigrant looking to transform an international license, or a French resident seeking to restore or replace a lost license, comprehending the various expenses involved is essential. This post supplies a comprehensive breakdown of the expenditures connected with the French driving license, together with some frequently asked concerns to assist navigate the process.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Examen Du acheter un permis de conduire sans poser de questionsacheter un permis de conduire européen Conduire FrançAis (G2Tc.Ru) acheter un permis de conduire en Franceacheter un permis de conduire français) is issued by the Prefecture and is required to run a motor vehicle legally. The process to acquire a French driving license differs depending upon 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 upon these aspects.

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Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure includes numerous steps, each with its own set of costs:

  1. 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 on the region and the number of lessons consisted of. Some driving schools offer versatile packages, allowing 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 prefer to study individually, you can acquire theory books or online resources. The expense of these products typically varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test numerous times, but each attempt will sustain a new fee.
  2. Practical Driving Test

    • Practical Test Fee: The fee for the practical driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the dry run if you fail, but each retake will require an extra fee.
    • Extra Practice: If you need more practice before the test, additional driving lessons can be expensive. The average cost per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.
  3. Issuance of the License

    • License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will need to look for the real 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 getting a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, however it still involves some costs:

  1. 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 in 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 require to have it equated by a qualified translator. The cost of this service can vary from EUR20 to EUR50.
  2. Testing Requirements

    • Theory Test: If your foreign license is from a country that has a reciprocal arrangement with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you are from a country that does not have such an agreement, you will require to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Dry run: In some cases, you might need to take a dry run as well. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have finished the needed tests and offered all needed documents, 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 replace it, the costs are typically lower:

  1. Renewal

    • Renewal Fee: The renewal charge 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 in between EUR30 and EUR50.
  2. Replacement

    • Replacement Fee: If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement cost is EUR25.20.
    • Cops Report: If your license has actually been lost or stolen, you may need 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 coverage while you are learning. The expense of this insurance coverage can vary, however it normally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
  2. Practice Car: If you select to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is properly guaranteed. The expense of car insurance can be a significant extra expense.
  3. Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to obtaining a driving license, it deserves noting that you will need to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based on the type and age of the car.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new learners, the procedure to obtain a French driving license typically includes the following steps:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a respectable driving school (auto-école) and register in a driving course.
  2. Total the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and prepare 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 proceed to the dry run.
  4. Total Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to prepare for the useful test.
  5. Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the useful driving test. If you stop working, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
  6. Use for the License: Once you pass the dry run, make an application for the real driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

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

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a mutual agreement with France, which may simplify the process.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all needed files, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Request the License: Submit your application and pay the application charge at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or useful tests.
  5. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The overall cost for a new student can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school costs, theory test charges, useful test costs, and the issuance charge.

Q2: What is the cost of converting 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 charge, 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 up to one year from the date of your arrival. Nevertheless, it is suggested to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal issues.

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

  • Some driving schools provide discounts for trainees, young drivers, or those who pay in advance. It deserves asking about these discount rates when picking a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I stop working the practical test?

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

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

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can vary, however it typically 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 real license to be provided before driving.

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

  • Yes, it is obligatory to take driving lessons from a professional driving school in France. Self-teaching is not allowed.

Tips for Saving Money

  1. Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your area to find the one that uses the very best value for cash. Some schools might provide discount rates or special packages.
  2. Research study Independently: While many driving schools include the theory course in their packages, studying independently can conserve you some money on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have friends or family who are already accredited chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially decreasing the variety of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the useful aspects of driving, which may lower the number of driving lessons you need.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to avoid spending for additional lessons or exams.

Getting a French driving license can be a pricey venture, however it is a required action for anybody who wants to drive legally in France. By comprehending the different costs and steps included, you can better get ready for the process and potentially conserve money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or an experienced driver, the key is to pick the best driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the needed tests efficiently. With the ideal approach, you can browse the system and enjoy the liberty of driving in France.


This guide offers an extensive summary of the expenses connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the initial learning stage to the final issuance of the license. By following these steps and ideas, you can make the procedure as smooth and economical as possible.

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