How To Get More Results With Your French Driving License Cost

· 7 min read
How To Get More Results With Your French Driving License Cost

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

Getting a driving license in France can be a complex and sometimes pricey procedure, specifically for those who are not familiar with the system. Whether you are a new citizen, an immigrant looking to transform an international license, or a French person looking for to restore or replace a lost license, understanding the various expenses included is important. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses connected with the French driving license, along with some regularly asked concerns to help browse the process.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is required to operate a motor car legally. The procedure to acquire a French driving license differs depending on your situation, such as whether you are a new learner, a skilled driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses likewise vary based on these aspects.

Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the process includes numerous actions, each with its own set of expenses:

Learning to Drive

  • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most significant cost. As of 2023, the average expense of a driving school package in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending upon the area and the variety of lessons included.  exigences du permis de conduire français  driving schools provide versatile packages, enabling you to pay as you go or choose a set variety of lessons.
  • Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their packages. However, if you choose to study individually, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The cost of these products generally varies from EUR20 to EUR100.
  • Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test numerous times, however each effort will sustain a new cost.

Practical Driving Test

  • Practical Test Fee: The cost 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 need an extra cost.
  • Additional Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be expensive. The average cost per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

  • License Issuance Fee: After passing the practical test, you will require to request the actual driving license. The issuance charge 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 acquiring a French driving license can be more uncomplicated, but it still includes some expenses:

Application Process

  • Application Fee: The application fee 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 in between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the medical professional and the area.
  • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will require to have it translated by a certified translator. The cost 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 may be exempt from the theory test. However, if  permis de conduire français abordable  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 may need to take a dry run too. The fee for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

  • Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the needed tests and offered all essential documents, the issuance fee for the French driving license is EUR25.20.

Costs for Renewal or Replacement

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

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 supply a medical certificate, which can cost 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 require to file a cops 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 learning. The expense of this insurance coverage can vary, however it typically 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 appropriately insured. The cost of car insurance coverage can be a significant additional expense.
  3. Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to getting a driving license, it is worth noting that you will need to pay roadway tax if you own a car in France. The amount varies based upon the type and age of the automobile.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the procedure to acquire a French driving license generally involves the following actions:

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reliable 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 practical test.
  4. Complete Driving Lessons: Take the necessary number of driving lessons to get ready for the practical test.
  5. Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the useful driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
  6. Use for the License: Once you pass the dry run, obtain the real driving license at the Prefecture.
  7. Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent to your address.

For experienced motorists with an international license, the procedure may be slightly different:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal agreement with France, which may simplify the process.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all required documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if needed.
  3. Use for the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
  4. Take Required Tests: If needed, take the theory and/or dry runs.
  5. Receive the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The total cost for a new student can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test fees, useful test costs, and the issuance cost.

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

  • The cost of transforming an international license can vary from EUR120 to EUR200, consisting of 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. However, it is a good idea to transform your license to a French one to prevent any legal concerns.

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

  • Some driving schools provide discounts for trainees, young motorists, or those who pay in advance. It is worth asking about these discount rates when selecting a driving school.

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

  • 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 get a French driving license after passing the practical test?

  • The processing time for the issuance of a French driving license can differ, however it usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

Q7: Can I drive with a provisional license while waiting for 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 necessary to take driving lessons from a professional 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

  1. Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to discover the one that offers the very best value for money. Some schools might offer discounts or unique plans.
  2. Research study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their bundles, studying individually can save you some cash on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or family who are currently certified motorists, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, possibly lowering the variety of lessons you require.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the useful aspects of driving, which may minimize the number of driving lessons you require.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as quickly as possible to avoid spending for extra lessons or tests.

Getting a French driving license can be a pricey undertaking, but it is an essential action for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the numerous costs and actions involved, you can better get ready for the process and possibly save money along the method. Whether you are a new learner or a skilled driver, the key is to select the ideal driving school, study vigilantly, and complete the required tests efficiently. With the ideal approach, you can navigate the system and delight in the flexibility of driving in France.


This guide provides a detailed overview of the costs connected with acquiring a French driving license, from the preliminary knowing phase to the last issuance of the license. By following these actions and pointers, you can make the procedure as smooth and economical as possible.