Why take a points recovery course?
The French points-based driving licence starts with 6 points (12 after the probationary period). Each road traffic offence can result in points being deducted. When your points balance falls, a recovery course is the only legal way to regain points without waiting.
How many points can you recover?
A points recovery course allows you to regain up to 4 points on your licence. However, the total cannot exceed 12 points (or 6 for drivers still in their probationary period). You can only complete one course per year.
Who can take the course?
Any driver holding a driving licence can take a points recovery course, as long as they have not lost all their points. You can choose to attend voluntarily, without waiting until you are in difficulty. It is actually recommended to do so as soon as you have lost points.
How does the course work?
Format and duration
The course runs over 2 consecutive days (or 2 separate sessions of 1 day), in person, at a prefecture-approved centre. It includes practical on-track exercises (risk awareness), scenario simulations and discussions with road safety experts.
Course content
The programme covers awareness of risky behaviours, analysis of accident-prone situations, sensitivity to speed and alcohol, and defensive driving exercises. The aim is behavioural change, not a revision of the highway code.
What does a points recovery course cost?
The cost of a points recovery course ranges from €200 to €300. This fee is set freely by approved centres. Reduced-price courses exist for people on low incomes in some regions.
How to get the right guidance?
DevisPermis.fr directs you to approved points recovery centres available in your department. Fill in the form selecting "Points Recovery Course" and receive contact details for partner centres within 48 hours.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays
Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
How does a points recovery course work in 2026?
The course lasts 14 hours over 2 consecutive days (7h per day) and lets you recover 4 points on the licence, within the 12-point cap. It is led by a psychologist and an approved road safety specialist. Cost: 150 to 280 euros depending on the centre. You can take one per year maximum (1 year and 1 day gap between 2 courses). No final exam, mandatory attendance and punctuality required.
Average price of a 48SI course (driving licence points recovery)?
For a voluntary course or one following a 48SI letter, count 150 to 280 euros depending on the approved centre, with a national average around 200 euros. Paris and Ile-de-France charge the highest rates (220 to 280 euros). The mandatory course imposed after a serious offence is fully paid by the driver. Compare several Prefecture-approved centres as gaps reach 100 euros. Payment is in full at registration, refundable if cancelled 7 days before the session.
Who can take a points recovery course?
Any holder of a valid licence with at least 1 point remaining can take a voluntary course. Probationary licences (3 years) with under 12 points can also do it. The course is forbidden if the licence is suspended, cancelled or invalid for zero balance. You must have held the licence for over 6 months and not have taken any course in the last 12 months and 1 day.
When do you receive your points after a course?
The 4 points are credited the day after the last course day, provided the balance is under 12 points. Proof is the course certificate handed by the approved centre, to keep for 2 years. The balance can be checked on the Mes Points Permis service on service-public.fr. If the licence was already at the 12-point cap, no point is added and the course is financially ineffective.
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