A Retrospective: How People Talked About French Driving License Cost 20 Years Ago

Bowen Stroud

Feb 27, 2025 • 7 min read

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

Acquiring a driving license in France can be a complex and sometimes costly procedure, specifically for those who are not knowledgeable about the system. Whether you are a new citizen, a foreigner looking to transform an international license, or a French citizen seeking to renew or replace a lost license, comprehending the numerous costs involved is necessary. This article offers an in-depth breakdown of the expenditures associated with the French driving license, together with some often asked questions to help browse the procedure.

Overview of the French Driving License

In France, the driving license (Permis de Conduire) is issued by the Prefecture and is needed to run a motor vehicle legally. The process to acquire a French driving license differs depending on your circumstance, such as whether you are a new student, a knowledgeable driver, or a foreigner with an international license. The costs likewise vary based on these aspects.

Costs for New Learners

For people who are new to driving, the procedure includes a number of 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 expense. Since 2023, the typical cost of a driving school bundle in France varies from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, depending on the area and the variety of lessons included. Some driving schools provide flexible plans, enabling 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 bundles. Nevertheless, if you choose to study independently, you can purchase theory books or online resources. The expense of these materials normally ranges from EUR20 to EUR100.
Theory Test Fee: The fee for the theory test is EUR34.50. You can take the test numerous times, but each effort will sustain a new charge.

Practical Driving Test

Practical Test Fee: The fee for the useful driving test is EUR101.80. Like the theory test, you can retake the dry run if you stop working, however each retake will require an extra fee.
Additional Practice: If you need more practice before the test, extra driving lessons can be pricey. 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 obtain 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 nation, the process of obtaining a French driving license can be more straightforward, however it still includes some costs:

Application Process

Application Fee: The application charge 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 between EUR30 and EUR50, depending on the doctor and the area.
Translation of Foreign License: If your foreign license is not in French, you will need to have it equated 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 contract with France, you might be exempt from the theory test. Nevertheless, if you 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. faux permis de conduire français à vendre for this test is EUR101.80.

License Issuance

Issuance Fee: Once you have finished the required tests and offered all necessary documents, 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 replace it, the expenses are generally lower:

Renewal

Renewal Fee: The renewal fee for a French driving license is EUR25.20. This charge 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 harmed license, the replacement charge is EUR25.20.
Cops Report: If your license has been lost or stolen, you might require to file a cops 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 discovering. The cost of this insurance coverage can differ, however it generally varies from EUR100 to EUR200 for a year.
Practice Car: If you choose to practice driving beyond driving school lessons, you will require to have a car that is appropriately insured. The expense of car insurance can be a considerable additional expense.
Road Tax (Taxe Routière): While not directly associated to getting a driving license, it deserves keeping in mind that you will require to pay road tax if you own a car in France. The amount differs based on the type and age of the lorry.

Actions to Obtain a French Driving License

For new students, the process to get a French driving license normally includes the following steps:

Enroll in a Driving School: Choose a trustworthy driving school (auto-école) and enlist in a driving course.
Complete the Theory Course: Attend the theory classes and get ready for the theory test.
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.
Total Driving Lessons: Take the required number of driving lessons to get ready for the useful test.
Take the Practical Test: Schedule and take the practical driving test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting duration.
Obtain the License: Once you pass the useful test, get the actual driving license at the Prefecture.
Get the License: Wait for the license to be released and sent out to your address.

For skilled chauffeurs with an international license, the process might be slightly various:

Check Reciprocal Agreements: Verify if your nation has a reciprocal agreement with France, which may simplify the procedure.
Gather Documentation: Collect all needed documents, including your valid international license, a medical certificate, and a qualified translation of your license if needed.
Look for the License: Submit your application and pay the application fee at the Prefecture.
Take Required Tests: If required, take the theory and/or practical tests.
Get 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 learner can vary from EUR1,200 to EUR2,000, including driving school charges, theory test charges, dry run charges, and the issuance fee.

Q2: What is the expense of converting 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 cost, medical certificate, and any needed 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. Nevertheless, it is recommended to convert your license to a French one to avoid any legal concerns.

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

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

Q5: What occurs if I fail the dry run?

If you stop working the practical test, you can retake it after a waiting duration. Each retake will cost an extra EUR101.80.

Q6: How long does it require 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 usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

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

No, you can not drive with a provisionary license in France. You need to wait on the real license to be issued before driving.

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

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

Tips for Saving Money

Choose a Driving School Wisely: Research and compare driving schools in your location to find the one that offers the very best worth for money. Some schools may provide discounts or special packages.
Study Independently: While a lot of driving schools consist of the theory course in their plans, studying independently can save you some cash on theory products.
Practice with Friends or Family: If you have good friends or family who are currently licensed motorists, they can assist you practice driving beyond driving school lessons, possibly lowering the number of lessons you need.
Take the Theory Test Early: Taking the theory test early can assist you focus on the useful aspects of driving, which may reduce the variety of driving lessons you require.
Retake Tests Quickly: If you stop working a test, retake it as soon as possible to prevent paying for extra lessons or examinations.

Acquiring a French driving license can be an expensive venture, however it is an essential action for anyone who wishes to drive legally in France. By comprehending the various costs and actions included, you can better get ready for the procedure and potentially conserve cash along the way. Whether you are a new learner or a skilled driver, the secret is to choose the right driving school, research study vigilantly, and finish the needed tests effectively. With the ideal method, you can browse the system and take pleasure in the liberty of driving in France.

This guide supplies a comprehensive summary of the expenses related to acquiring a French driving license, from the initial learning phase to the last issuance of the license. By following these steps and ideas, you can make the procedure as smooth and cost-efficient as possible.