What is the difference between a cancelled and an invalidated licence?
Invalidation occurs when the points balance reaches zero following accumulated offences. Cancellation is a judicial decision made by a court, often following a serious offence (drink driving, major speeding, hit and run). Both situations are different but both require retaking the driving test.
Case 1: getting your licence back after invalidation (zero points)
The mandatory waiting period
After invalidation, a 6-month waiting period is mandatory before you can retake the test. This is extended to 1 year if the loss of points was related to alcohol or drugs. During this time, driving is strictly prohibited.
Tests to be retaken
You must retake both the theory test (code) and the practical driving test in full. If your invalidation was linked to alcohol, you will also need to pass a medical examination before the prefecture's medical board.
Case 2: getting your licence back after judicial cancellation
After a judicial cancellation, you must wait until the prohibition period ordered by the judge has expired. Then, if the cancellation was for 1 year or less, you only need to retake the practical exam. Beyond that, you retake all tests in full.
Mandatory medical examinations
In many cases (alcohol, drugs, cancellation for medical reasons), a medical examination before the prefecture medical board is mandatory before you can retake the test. This board assesses your physical and psychological fitness to drive.
What does the refresher training cost?
If you have been away from driving for several months or years, refresher hours are strongly recommended before the exam. Budget between €800 and €1,500 depending on your level and the length of your absence, in addition to exam fees.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr directs you to driving schools specialising in refresher training and supporting drivers returning to driving. Fill in the form describing your situation to receive tailored advice.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is the difference between cancelled and invalid licence in 2026?
The licence is invalid when the balance reaches zero points (48SI letter). The licence is cancelled by court decision for serious offence (alcohol, drugs, refusal to comply). The ban on retaking is 6 months for invalidation (1 year if recidivism within 5 years) and 3 years maximum for cancellation. In both cases, theory and driving must be retaken in full.
How to recover your licence after a cancellation?
4 steps: 1) wait for the end of the ban period (6 months to 3 years), 2) pass the medical visit in medical commission (36 euros) and psychotechnical test (90 euros), 3) retake the theory (30 euros), 4) retake driving if cancellation exceeds 1 year. Count 600 to 1,200 euros total and 4 to 8 months of procedures. Driving school registration recommended for intensive sessions.
How much does recovering a cancelled or invalid licence cost?
Count 600 to 1,500 euros total in 2026. Details: medical visit (36 euros), psychotechnical test (90 to 150 euros), theory registration (30 euros), theory preparation (200 to 400 euros if driving school), driving registration (150 to 300 euros if needed), 10 to 20 hours of refresh (50 to 65 euros per hour). CPF and France Travail aid remain mobilisable.
Can you drive during the recovery procedure?
No, no driving is allowed until the new licence is issued. Driving without a valid licence is an offence punishable by 1 year in prison and 15,000 euros fine, or 7,500 euros fine and 2 years for alcohol cancellation. The vehicle may be impounded and confiscated. Use public transport, carpooling or a relative during the 4 to 8 months of procedure.
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