What a French Driver's License Is and Who Can Hold One
A French driver's license (permis de conduire) is issued by the prefecture or sous-préfecture in the department where you live. It is valid for 15 years for drivers aged 18 to 70, and for 5 years for drivers over 70. If you are a resident of France — whether a French citizen, EU citizen, or non-EU resident with a long-stay visa — you can hold one.
The license itself is a plastic card in the EU format, identical in appearance to licenses from other EU countries. It shows your photograph, signature, driving categories you are permitted to use, and any restrictions or conditions. You cannot legally drive a car in France without one, and you must carry it with you whenever you drive.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another country, you do not have to retake the test in France — you can exchange it for a French one. If you do not hold a license, or if your license has expired, you must pass both a written test (code) and a practical driving test (épreuve pratique).
Key Takeaways
- French driver's licenses are issued by your local prefecture and are valid for 15 years (or 5 years if you are over 70).
- If you hold a valid license from another country, you can exchange it for a French one without retaking the test, but you must do so within one year of establishing residency.
- If you are taking the test for the first time, you must pass the written code test before you can book the practical driving test.
- The practical test costs between €150 and €300 depending on the driving school, and the written test is administered by an approved testing centre.
- Processing times for a new license card can take 4 to 8 weeks after you pass both tests.
Exchanging a Foreign License for a French One
If you hold a valid driver's license from another EU country, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or several other countries with reciprocal agreements with France, you can exchange it for a French license without retaking the test. You must do this within one year of establishing your residency in France — after that period, you will be required to pass the French test.
To exchange your license, visit your local prefecture or sous-préfecture with the following documents: your current foreign license, a completed Cerfa form 14948 (available at the prefecture or online), proof of French residency (utility bill, rental agreement, or property deed dated within the last three months), proof of identity (passport or national ID), and a recent passport-sized photograph. Some prefectures also require a medical certificate (visite médicale) if you are over 70 or if your foreign license has restrictions.
There is no fee for the exchange itself, but you will pay for the new card (around €20 to €30) and any required medical examination (€50 to €100). Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, you can continue to drive using your foreign license as long as it remains valid.
Taking the French Driving Test If You Have No License
If you do not hold a valid driver's license from any country, you must pass two separate tests: the code test (written) and the practical driving test. You cannot book the practical test until you have passed the code.
The code test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about French traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 35 correctly to pass. The test is administered by approved testing centres (centres d'examen du permis de conduire) and costs between €30 and €50. You can book a test date through the centre's website or by visiting in person. Tests are usually available within 2 to 4 weeks of booking. You will need to bring your identity document and proof of registration with the testing centre.
Once you pass the code, you can book your practical driving test with a driving school (auto-école). The test lasts 40 minutes and covers vehicle control, observation, hazard awareness, and compliance with traffic rules. You must score at least 20 out of 31 points to pass. The test costs between €150 and €300 depending on the school. Most driving schools require you to complete a minimum number of lessons (usually 20 to 30 hours) before they will enter you for the test, though this is not a legal requirement — you can take the test after fewer lessons if you wish, but your chances of passing are lower.
Waiting times for the practical test vary by region. In busy areas, you may wait 2 to 4 months for an available slot. In less populated areas, you may get a test within 4 to 6 weeks. Once you pass both tests, the prefecture will issue your license card within 4 to 8 weeks.
Renewing an Expired French License
If your French license has expired, you must renew it at your local prefecture or sous-préfecture. You do not need to retake the test — renewal is an administrative process only.
Bring your expired license, a completed Cerfa form 14948, proof of French residency, proof of identity, and a recent passport-sized photograph. If you are over 70, you will also need a medical certificate (visite médicale) confirming you are fit to drive. The medical examination is conducted by a doctor approved by the prefecture and costs €50 to €100.
There is no fee for renewal itself, but you will pay for the new card (around €20 to €30) and the medical examination if required. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks. You can continue to drive using your expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you carry proof that you have submitted the renewal process.
Medical Examinations and Restrictions
All drivers over 70 must undergo a medical examination (visite médicale) when they renew their license. The examination checks your vision, hearing, and general fitness to drive. It is conducted by a doctor on the prefecture's approved list and costs €50 to €100. The doctor will complete a form (Cerfa 14880) confirming whether you are fit to drive, and whether any restrictions should be added to your license (such as glasses required, or automatic transmission only).
Drivers under 70 do not normally require a medical examination unless they have a medical condition that affects their ability to drive, or unless the prefecture requests one during a renewal. If you have a condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition, you should declare it to the prefecture — they will tell you whether an examination is needed.
If the doctor finds that you are not fit to drive, your license will not be renewed, and you will be notified in writing. You have the right to request a second opinion from another approved doctor.
Driving Categories and Restrictions
A French driver's license shows the categories of vehicle you are permitted to drive. The main categories are: AM (mopeds and light quadricycles, minimum age 14), A1 (motorcycles up to 125cc, minimum age 16), A2 (motorcycles up to 35kW, minimum age 18), A (unrestricted motorcycles, minimum age 24), B (cars up to 3,500kg, minimum age 18), C (lorries, minimum age 18), D (buses, minimum age 24), and E (towing trailers, minimum age 18). Most people hold category B.
When you exchange a foreign license or renew a French one, the categories on your new license will match those on your old one, unless the prefecture or a medical examination determines that a restriction is necessary. If you want to add a new category (for example, to ride a motorcycle), you must pass the test for that category.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting too long to exchange a foreign license. You have one year from the date you establish residency in France to exchange it without retaking the test. After that, you must pass the French test. Many people miss this important date because they do not realise the clock is ticking, or because they assume they can exchange it at any time. Check the date you registered with your local town hall (mairie) — that is when your one-year window begins.
Another frequent error is not bringing all required documents to the prefecture. Missing documents will delay your process by weeks. Before you go, call the prefecture or check their website to confirm exactly which documents they require — requirements vary slightly between prefectures.
A third mistake is booking a practical driving test before you are ready. Driving schools will let you book a test after the minimum number of lessons, but if you fail, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it, and you will pay the full fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt, so budget time and money accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in France with my foreign license while I wait for my French one?
Yes. If you are exchanging a foreign license, you can drive with it until your French license arrives. If you are taking the French test for the first time, you can drive with a foreign license until you pass the practical test, but not after. Once you pass the practical test, you must stop driving until your new French license card is issued.
What happens if I fail the practical driving test?
You can retake it, but you must wait at least two weeks and you will pay the full fee again (€150 to €300). There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the test. Most people pass within two or three attempts.
Do I need to take a test if I hold a license from a country not on France's reciprocal list?
Yes. If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement with France, you cannot exchange your license — you must pass the French code and practical tests. Contact your local prefecture to confirm whether your country is on the list.
How long is a French license valid?
A French license is valid for 15 years if you are aged 18 to 70, and for 5 years if you are over 70. You will receive a reminder letter from the prefecture about 6 months before your license expires, but it is your responsibility to renew it on time.
Can I renew my license online?
No. You must visit your local prefecture or sous-préfecture in person to renew your license. Some prefectures allow you to book an appointment online, which can reduce waiting times, but the renewal itself must be done face-to-face.