Training
Class B Driving License
Class B, automatic transmission, AAC supervised driving or intensive course: pick the format that fits your pace and budget. Qualiopi-certified driving schools nationwide, CPF financing accepted. Free personalized quote in 2 minutes, 48h callback, no commitment.
The essentials
The Class B driving license, also called the car license, is the French driving license that authorises driving light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and 9 seats. Its 2026 average price stands around EUR 1,290 depending on the format chosen (manual gearbox, automatic or accompanied driving). Training includes 20 to 35 driving hours, a theory exam (highway code) and a practical road exam.
Manual, Automatic or AAC: which Class B license course to choose?
Quick comparison of the 3 Class B license courses in France 2026 to help you decide.
| Course | Min. hours | Average price 2026 | Min. age | Pass rate | Vehicles allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Class B | 20 h | EUR 1,500 - 2,700 | 17 yrs | 58% | All vehicles (manual + auto) |
| Automatic Class B | 13 h | EUR 1,100 - 1,800 | 17 yrs | 58% | Automatic only (code 78 restriction) |
| Accompanied Driving (AAC) | 20 h + 1,000 km accompanied | EUR 1,800 - 2,200 | 15 yrs (exam at 17) | 73% | All vehicles (manual + auto) |
Sources: ONISR and French Road Safety 2026. National average prices; rates vary by city and additional hours required.
Everything about the class b driving license
The French category B license, commonly known as the car license, is your key to everyday independence. It allows you to drive all light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, carry up to 8 passengers and tow a small trailer. It is also the most popular license in France, with over 1 million candidates every year. Depending on your age, schedule and budget, three paths are available: the classic manual transmission route, the faster automatic route, or accompanied driving (AAC) from age 15. Each option has its strengths and suits a different project. At DevisPermis, we connect you with approved driving schools near you, comparing real prices and pass rates so you can make the best choice without stress or unpleasant surprises.
Why get your car license?
- Total independence for daily commutes, work, studies or family holidays.
- A major asset on your CV - many jobs implicitly require it (sales reps, delivery, home carers).
- Recognised across the European Union and exchangeable with most countries worldwide.
- Access to car rental, ride-share driving and all everyday mobility uses.
Who is this course for?
- Young people aged 15+ who want to start with accompanied driving (AAC).
- Those aged 17+ for the standard route (manual or automatic).
- Adults in a hurry looking for an intensive Class B course over 2 to 4 weeks.
- Adults in career transition or needing a license for a new job.
- Foreign drivers looking to regularise their status in France.
How does the training work?
- Initial driving assessment to estimate the volume of hours required (around 1 hour).
- Highway code (ETG) preparation: classroom, mobile app or online, with exam in an approved centre.
- Practical driving lessons: minimum 20 hours manual, 13 hours automatic, at your own pace.
- Practical road exam (32 minutes) with a Road Safety inspector.
- Probationary license valid for 3 years (2 with AAC), with 6 points that build up progressively.
Our tips to choose wisely
- Compare at least 3 quotes: differences can exceed €700 for the same training in the same city.
- Check the school’s official pass rate (published by the prefecture) and recent Google reviews.
- Ask for a clear contract detailing the price of extra hours and exam presentation fees.
- Prefer a labelled school or Qualiopi-certified centre for quality support.
Class B Driving License courses available
3 courses01
Choose your course
Select the training that fits your project and profile.
02
Receive your quote
Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes. An advisor calls you back within 48h*.
03
Start your training
Enrol in the nearest partner driving school.
*Excluding Sundays and public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Which course should I choose: manual or automatic?
The manual license gives you access to all vehicles. The automatic license is faster and cheaper, but limits you to automatic vehicles. If you have no vehicle preference, go for the manual.
Is accompanied driving (AAC) really worth it?
Yes. AAC candidates have a higher exam pass rate and benefit from a reduced probationary period, which can lower their insurance premiums.
How much does a car license (B) cost on average in France?
The national range is between €1,345 and €2,700 for a car license depending on the city, the course chosen and the number of hours needed. Request a free quote for prices near you.
Can the CPF be used to fund a car driving license?
Some preparatory training such as the highway code is partially eligible for CPF funding in approved centres. The practical driving part is generally not fundable through CPF. Check with the partner driving school that calls you back.
What is the car license (B) pass rate in France?
The national pass rate for the practical driving test is around 55-60% at the first attempt. This varies by region and driving school. For accompanied driving (AAC), the rate rises above 70%.
How many driving hours are actually needed?
The legal minimum is 20 hours (manual) or 13 hours (automatic), but the real national average is 30 to 35 hours for manual. Most candidates take 5 to 15 additional hours to feel confident before the exam.
From what age can I register with a driving school?
From age 15 for accompanied driving (AAC), 17 for the standard route (with exam passage possible from age 17 since 2024) and 18 for the final license in the standard route.
What if I fail the practical exam?
A minimum 2-month delay applies between attempts, during which you must take at least 1 hour of driving. On average, 1.5 attempts are needed to pass. Your file remains valid for 5 years from the date of passing the highway code.
Can I tow a trailer with the B license?
Yes, up to a 750 kg trailer without additional training. For heavier loads, the B96 training (7h) allows combinations up to 4.25 t, and the BE license is needed beyond that.
How long is the highway code test valid?
The ETG is valid for 5 years or a maximum of 5 practical exam attempts. If this delay is exceeded without obtaining the license, you must retake it. Once you hold the license, the ETG no longer has an expiry.
By city
Class B Driving License in the largest cities
Discover schools, success rates and practical tips for your training in each city.
Paris
Île-de-France
Marseille
PACA
Lyon
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulouse
Occitanie
Nice
PACA
Nantes
Pays de la Loire
Strasbourg
Grand Est
Bordeaux
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Lille
Hauts-de-France
Montpellier
Occitanie
Rennes
Brittany
Reims
Grand Est
Le Havre
Normandy
Saint-Étienne
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulon
PACA
Grenoble
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Dijon
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Angers
Pays de la Loire