14 Smart Ways To Spend Your On Leftover French Driving License Cost Budget

Dinesen Coughlin

Feb 26, 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 expensive procedure, specifically for those who are not knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new citizen, an immigrant seeking to transform an international license, or a French citizen seeking to renew or replace a lost license, understanding the different costs included is vital. This post provides an in-depth breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, together with some often asked concerns to assist browse the procedure.

Introduction of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is required to run an automobile legally. The process to acquire a French driving license varies depending on your situation, such as whether you are a new student, a skilled driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs also vary based upon these elements.

Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure includes a number of steps, each with its own set of expenses:

Learning to Drive

Driving School (Auto-école) Fees: The cost of driving lessons is the most considerable expenditure. Since 2023, the typical cost of a driving school plan in France ranges from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the variety of lessons included. Some driving schools offer flexible packages, allowing you to pay as you go or pick a fixed number of lessons.
Theory Course: Most driving schools include a theory course in their plans. Nevertheless, if you choose to study individually, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The cost of these materials typically 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 attempt will incur a new fee.

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, but each retake will need an additional fee.
Additional Practice: If you require more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be pricey. The typical expense per lesson is around EUR35 to EUR45.

Issuance of the License

License Issuance Fee: After passing the dry run, you will need to get the actual driving license. The issuance cost is EUR25.20.

Costs for Experienced Drivers with an International License

If you already have a valid driving license from another country, the procedure of getting a French driving license can be more straightforward, however it still involves some costs:

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 supply a medical certificate, which can cost in 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 qualified translator. The expense of this service can range from EUR20 to EUR50.

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 nation that does not have such an arrangement, you will need to take the theory test, which costs EUR34.50.
Practical Test: In some cases, you might need to take a dry run too. The cost for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have actually completed the required tests and offered all necessary documentation, the issuance charge 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 normally lower:

Renewal

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

Replacement

Replacement Fee: If you need to replace a lost, taken, or damaged license, the replacement fee is EUR25.20.
Police 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

Driving School Insurance: Many driving schools need you to have insurance coverage while you are learning. The cost of this insurance coverage can differ, however it usually varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you choose to practice driving outside of driving school lessons, you will need to have a car that is appropriately insured. The cost of car insurance can be a substantial extra cost.
Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not straight associated to acquiring a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will need to pay road tax if you own a car in France. coût du permis de conduire français varies based on the type and age of the lorry.

Steps to Obtain a French Driving License

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

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a credible driving school (auto-école) and register in a driving course.
Total the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and prepare for the theory test.
Take the Theory Test: Schedule and take the theory test at the Prefecture. You must pass this test to proceed to the practical test.
Complete Driving Lessons: Take the required variety of driving lessons to get ready for the useful test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you stop working, you can retake the test after a waiting period.
Look for the License: Once you pass the useful test, get the real driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be issued and sent out to your address.

For knowledgeable drivers with an international license, the procedure might be a little various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your country has a mutual agreement with France, which might simplify the process.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary files, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a certified translation of your license if required.
Look for the License: Submit your application and pay the application cost at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or practical tests.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be provided and sent to your address.

Regularly 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 range from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, consisting of driving school charges, theory test charges, useful test costs, and the issuance fee.

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

The cost of converting an international license can vary 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. However, it is a good idea to transform your license to a French one to avoid any legal concerns.

Q4: Are there any discounts offered for driving school fees?

Some driving schools provide discount rates for students, young chauffeurs, or those who pay beforehand. It deserves inquiring about these discounts when choosing a driving school.

Q5: What happens if I fail the dry run?

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 get a French driving license after passing the practical test?

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

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

No, you can not drive with a provisional license in France. You should wait for the actual license to be released before driving.

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

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

Tips for Saving Money

Pick a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to discover the one that provides the very best value for money. Some schools might offer discounts or unique plans.
Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools include the theory course in their plans, studying separately can save you some money on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have pals or family who are already accredited drivers, they can help you practice driving outside of driving school lessons, potentially decreasing the number of lessons you require.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can help you concentrate on the useful aspects of driving, which might decrease the number of driving lessons you need.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you fail a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent paying for additional lessons or examinations.

Getting a French driving license can be a pricey endeavor, however it is a needed step for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the different expenses and steps included, you can better prepare for the process and potentially conserve cash along the method. Whether you are a new student or an experienced driver, the key is to select the right driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the required tests effectively. With the ideal approach, you can browse the system and enjoy the flexibility of driving in France.

This guide offers a detailed overview of the expenses connected with getting a French driving license, from the preliminary learning phase to the final issuance of the license. By following these actions and pointers, you can make the procedure as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.