No-licence car: 2026 definition
A VSP (also called voiturette or light quadricycle) is a vehicle weighing less than 425 kg empty, with max power 6 kW (8.16 hp) and speed capped at 45 km/h. Leading brands in 2026: Aixam, Ligier, Microcar, Chatenet, Citroën Ami (technically also a VSP).
Who can drive it?
Drivers born BEFORE 1988
No licence required (so-called "prior use" regime). This is the original idea: allow people who never took a licence to retain individual mobility.
Drivers born AFTER 1 January 1988
AM licence (or BSR) mandatory. The AM licence is obtained from age 14 after 8 hours of training (€300-500). Valid for life without exam.
Holders of B licence or higher
No extra step: the B licence "includes" the VSP. Many seniors who lost their B for medical reasons (AMD, Parkinson) opt for a VSP as an alternative.
Budget in 2026
New diesel VSP
Between €10,000 and €18,000 depending on the model (Aixam D-Truck, Ligier JS60, Microcar M.Go). Diesel use: 3-4 L/100 km. Maintenance: €300-500/year.
New electric VSP
Segment boom since 2022. Citroën Ami electric (€9,790), Opel Rocks-e (€10,490), Aixam e-City (€15,990), Ligier Myli (€16,800). Range 75-150 km. 2026 eco bonus: €900.
Used 3-5 years old
Between €4,000 and €9,000 for a recent diesel VSP. Electric still rare used, €6,000-10,000. Check catalyst condition (diesel) or battery (electric).
Insurance and yearly costs
Third-party insurance: €350-600/year. Comprehensive: €700-1,200/year. Higher rates for under-25s. Registration: exempt (quadricycle). Technical inspection: not mandatory until 2026, planned for 2027 under the latest mobility law.
Where can you drive? 2026 rules
Allowed roads
All roads except: motorways, expressways and roads where minimum speed exceeds 45 km/h. In Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and other LEZs, the electric VSP is widely favoured.
Number of passengers
Maximum 2 seats (driver + passenger). No rear seats allowed for light quadricycles (L6e).
VSP or 50cc scooter: which to choose?
The VSP offers car comfort (shelter, boot, heating) but a much higher cost than a scooter (€10,000 vs €2,500). Recommended for rural areas (where rain and cold make a scooter painful) and for seniors. Scooter better suited to dense urban areas and tight budgets.
DevisPermis.fr for your AM licence
If you seek the AM licence to drive a VSP from age 14, our form connects you with an AM-approved partner school within 48 h. Average fee: €300-500.
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.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
Who can drive a licence-free car VSP in 2026?
2 driver categories: 1) from age 14 with AM licence (former BSR, 8-hour training), 2) anyone born before 1 January 1988 without any licence. The VSP is limited to 45 km/h, 350 kg empty and 2 seats. Top models: Citroen AMI (7,990 euros), Aixam Coupe (12,500 euros), Ligier JS50 (13,800 euros). Mandatory insurance from age 14. Free parking in Paris for electric VSPs.
How much does a licence-free car cost in 2026?
A licence-free car costs 7,990 to 18,500 euros new in 2026. Model breakdown: Citroen AMI electric (7,990 euros), Aixam Coupe (12,500 to 14,800 euros), Ligier JS50 or JS60 (13,800 to 16,200 euros), Microcar Due (13,500 euros), Chatenet CH40 (15,800 euros). Used market starts at 3,500 euros for 2018-2020 thermal models. 1,000 euro ecological bonus on electric VSPs in 2026.
What rules to drive a VSP in 2026?
5 rules: 1) speed limited to 45 km/h everywhere, 2) banned from motorways and expressways (Paris ring road forbidden), 3) mandatory insurance (300 to 600 euros yearly), 4) mandatory registration card with plates, 5) technical inspection every 2 years from age 5 (free in 2026 for electric VSPs). Standard highway code applies: alcohol, drugs, phone.
Do you need training to drive a VSP in 2026?
Yes from age 14, the AM licence (8-hour training, 250 to 400 euros) is mandatory for people born after 1 January 1988. Before 1988, no training required even without any licence. Training includes 2 hours theory, 3 hours off-road and 3 hours road. Certificate valid for life. Prerequisite: ASSR2 (passed at middle school in 5th grade) or ASR for non-schooled.
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