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

Obtaining a driving license in France can be a complex and often expensive procedure, specifically for those who are not acquainted with the system. Whether you are a new citizen, an immigrant aiming to transform an international license, or a French resident looking for to restore or replace a lost license, comprehending the various costs involved is necessary. This article offers a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with the French driving license, in addition to some often asked questions to assist browse the process.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is provided by the Prefecture and is required to run an automobile legally. The procedure to get a French driving license varies depending upon your circumstance, such as whether you are a new learner, an experienced driver, or an immigrant with an international license. The expenses likewise vary based on these elements.

Expenses for New Learners

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

  1. Learning to Drive

    • Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most substantial expenditure. Since 2023, the average cost of a driving school plan in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the region and the variety 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 individually, you can buy theory books or online resources. The expense of these products usually ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
    • Theory Test Fee: The cost for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test multiple times, however each attempt will sustain a new charge.
  2. 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 fail, however each retake will require an additional cost.
    • Additional 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 dry run, you will need to request the real driving license. The issuance cost 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 uncomplicated, but it still includes some costs:

  1. Application Process

    • Application Fee: The application fee for a French driving license for foreigners 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 doctor and the region.
    • Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it equated by a licensed translator. The expense of this service can vary 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 country that does not have such an agreement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
    • Practical Test: In some cases, you may require to take a practical test too. The charge for this test is EUR101.80.
  3. License Issuance

    • Issuance Fee: Once you have completed the required tests and offered all required 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 need to restore or replace it, the expenses are normally lower:

  1. Renewal

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

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

Extra Costs to Consider

  1. Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools require you to have insurance while you are learning. The expense of this insurance can differ, however it generally ranges 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 correctly insured. The cost of car insurance coverage can be a considerable additional expenditure.
  3. Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to getting 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 lorry.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

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

  1. Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a reliable driving school (auto-école) and enroll 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 must pass this test to continue to the useful test.
  4. Total 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 practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
  6. Request the License: Once you pass the dry run, look for 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 procedure might be a little various:

  1. Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a reciprocal arrangement with France, which may simplify the process.
  2. Collect Documentation: Collect all needed documents, including your legitimate international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if required.
  3. Look for 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 provided and sent to your address.

Often Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

  • The total expense for a new learner can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test fees, dry run charges, and the issuance charge.

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

  • The expense of converting an international license can range from EUR120 to EUR200, including the application charge, 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 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 concerns.

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

  • Some driving schools use discounts for students, young drivers, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves inquiring about these discounts when selecting a driving school.

Q5: What takes place if I fail the practical test?

  • 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 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 normally takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

Q7: Can I drive with a provisional license while waiting on my French driving license?

  • No, you can not drive with a provisionary license in France. You need to await the actual license to be released before driving.

Q8: Is it compulsory to take driving lessons from a professional 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

  1. Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to discover the one that uses the best worth for cash. Some schools may use discount rates or unique bundles.
  2. Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their packages, studying separately can save you some cash on theory materials.
  3. Practice with Friends or Family: If you have buddies or family who are already certified chauffeurs, they can assist you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, possibly reducing the variety of lessons you need.
  4. Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you focus on the useful aspects of driving, which might decrease the variety of driving lessons you need.
  5. Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent spending for extra lessons or examinations.

Obtaining a French driving license can be a costly undertaking, but it is a needed action for anybody who wishes to drive legally in France. By understanding the numerous expenses and actions involved, you can much better get ready for the procedure and possibly conserve cash along the method. Whether you are a new student or a knowledgeable driver, the secret is to choose the best driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the needed tests effectively. With the best method, you can browse the system and enjoy the flexibility of driving in France.


This guide offers a comprehensive summary of the costs related to obtaining a French driving license, from the initial learning phase to the last issuance of the license. By following acheter un permis de conduire avec paypal and suggestions, you can make the process as smooth and economical as possible.



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