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Driving schools in France

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€1,500–€2,500Typical cost
~20Typical lessons needed
30€Theory exam fee
Data sourced from Ministère de l'IntérieurSécurité routière · Last updated

Cities in France

3 cities

  • Paris

  • Lyon

  • Marseille

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France practice questions

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What is the default speed limit in French urban areas (agglomération)?

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France

Driving rules & facts

  1. Right-Hand Traffic

    France drives on the right. Overtake on the left only. On multi-lane roads, stay in the rightmost lane except when overtaking.

  2. BAC Limits: 0.5 g/L / 0.2 g/L

    General limit 0.5 g/L. Novice drivers (permis probatoire) and professional drivers: 0.2 g/L. Above 0.8 g/L is a criminal offence with imprisonment possible.

  3. Mandatory Insurance

    Third-party liability insurance (assurance au tiers) is compulsory for every motor vehicle, even when it is not being driven. Since 1 April 2024 there is no green card or windscreen insurance sticker: police check cover in the national insured-vehicles file (Fichier des véhicules assurés, FVA) using the number plate. Driving uninsured is a criminal offence: a fine of up to €3,750, or a €500 flat-rate fine (€750 with the 50% guarantee-fund surcharge), and the vehicle can be impounded or confiscated.

  4. Contrôle Technique

    Mandatory vehicle inspection every 2 years (first inspection at 4 years). Vehicles failing the inspection have 2 months for repairs. Since 2024, motorcycles also require a contrôle technique.

  5. Crit'Air & ZFE Zones

    Crit'Air vignettes classify vehicles by emissions. Required in all 43 ZFE (Zones à Faibles Émissions) cities. Driving without the correct vignette: €68 fine. Older, more polluting vehicles are progressively banned.

  6. Phone Use Prohibited

    Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited: €135 + 3 points. Since 2022, police can retain the vehicle. Bluetooth hands-free is permitted but earbuds/headphones are not.

How to get your driving license in France

Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your B license in France.

Typical cost

€1,500–€2,500

Total driving school cost including lessons and materials

Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.

Typical lessons needed

~20

60-minute lessons on average

Mandatory theory hours

No mandatory hours.

You can study independently and take the exam when ready.

Mandatory practical hours

20h

Required behind-the-wheel training with an instructor

License requirements in France

Minimum age17 years old
Theory exam fee30€
Car license categoryB
Driving sideRight (drive on the right)
Learner/provisional licenseYes, required before driving
Accompanied drivingYes, learner must be accompanied
Online theory studyYes, available online

Theory test languages

The Sécurité routière theory test is available in these languages:

  • French

Tips for choosing a driving school in France

  1. Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
  2. Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
  3. If France's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.

Source: Ministère de l'Intérieur · Last updated:

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Driving schools