Faster, cheaper, ideal in the city
Class B Automatic Gearbox (BVA)
The Class B automatic gearbox licence (BVA) is a more accessible alternative to the manual Class B licence. With no clutch pedal, learning the automatic gearbox is often faster and requires fewer driving hours: 13 minimum in BVA vs 20 for manual. In return, the BVA licence restricts you to automatic-transmission vehicles only (code 78). This automatic gearbox route is especially attractive in urban areas, notably in Low Emission Zones such as Paris where electric vehicles (all automatic) have become the norm. According to ONISR data, the share of candidates registered for automatic gearbox training has tripled since 2018, driven by the EV boom. You can fund the BVA training through your CPF on Mon Compte Formation, or via France Travail if you are a jobseeker.
The essentials
The French Class B automatic gearbox licence (BVA) authorises only automatic-transmission vehicles (code 78 on the licence). The legal minimum is 13 driving hours in automatic gearbox training instead of 20 for manual. 2026 prices range from EUR 1,100 to EUR 1,800, around EUR 400 to EUR 600 cheaper than manual. Ideal for stressed candidates, electric-vehicle drivers and urban commuters. CPF financing accepted via Mon Compte Formation.
Pricing and rates for Class B Automatic Gearbox (BVA)
The price of the Class B automatic gearbox (BVA) licence ranges from €1,100 to €1,600 on average depending on the city and the number of hours actually needed. That is €400 to €600 cheaper than manual gearbox thanks to the 13 mandatory driving hours in automatic gearbox (vs 20 for manual). In Paris and major cities, expect €1,400 to €1,800. The fee includes the highway code (ETG identical to manual), the 13-hour automatic gearbox package, ANTS registration and exam presentation. Standard funding applies to the Class B BVA: CPF via Mon Compte Formation, Permis 1€/jour, France Travail for jobseekers, €500 apprentice aid.
Intensive training
Intensive training for the Class B automatic gearbox (BVA) licence is even faster than for manual: 2 to 4 weeks on average thanks to the 13 mandatory automatic gearbox practical hours and simplified learning (no clutch, no stalling). Ideal for urban candidates in a hurry, young professionals in transition, or expats needing to drive quickly in France on an automatic vehicle. Intensive BVA surcharge: €100 to €250 for priority on RdvPermis exam slots. Highway code preparation can also be condensed over 7 to 14 days via an online platform.
Manual vs automatic
Difference with manual gearbox: the Class B BVA legally requires 13 minimum driving hours, vs 20 hours for manual. This is the main advantage of the automatic gearbox licence: fewer hours, shorter training, average price €400 to €600 lower. In return, the licence carries the code 78 restriction and limits you to automatic-transmission vehicles (the code 78 can still be lifted later via a 7-hour top-up without exam). For a city-focused project with low-emission zones and electric vehicles, the automatic gearbox B is the logical choice. For driving both manual and automatic indifferently (rentals, professional vehicles), manual remains relevant.
How it works
01
Driving assessment
Assessment of your level to estimate the number of hours needed.
02
Highway code
Preparation and theory test (ETG). Identical to the manual route.
03
Automatic driving
Learning on an automatic vehicle. Take-off is often faster, especially in urban areas.
04
Practical exam
Exam taken in an automatic vehicle. If passed, code "78" is added to your license.
What's included
- ANTS registration and NEPH file
- Highway code sessions
- Minimum 13 hours driving
- Highway code theory test (ETG) at La Poste, Objectif Code SGS or Pointcode
- Practical driving exam
Prerequisites
- Be at least 17 years old (16 with accompanied driving AAC)
- Pass the highway code theory test (ETG) at an approved operator: La Poste, Objectif Code SGS, Pointcode
- Undergo a preliminary driving assessment (minimum 1 hour)
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade to a manual license afterwards?
Yes. You can lift the automatic restriction with a 7-hour minimum top-up course at an approved driving school. No theory or practical exam required: the instructor issues a certificate, submitted to ANTS, and code 78 is removed from your license within 2 to 4 weeks. Average 2026 cost: €400 to €700.
Is the automatic license recognised in Europe?
Yes. The Vienna Convention on road traffic guarantees the recognition of the B license (and its code 78 restriction) throughout the EU, as well as in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway and signatory countries. You may only drive automatic vehicles, regardless of local regulations.
Is it really cheaper than a manual license?
Generally yes. The range is between €1345 and €2375, vs €1,800-€2,700 for manual. The saving comes from fewer driving hours (13 minimum vs 20). You can also use your CPF via Mon Compte Formation (up to €500/year) or France Travail aid if you are a jobseeker.
How long does it take to get an automatic license?
Automatic training is generally faster than manual, as driving is more intuitive (no clutch, no stalling). Allow 2 to 6 months. The highway code is the same as for the manual route and often the longest part: 1 to 3 months of revision before the ETG. You can check your point balance and license history on Mes Points Permis.
Can I rent a manual car with an automatic license?
In France, no. Your automatic license (code 78 in field 12 of the license) prohibits driving manual vehicles, including rentals. To rent or borrow a manual car, you must lift the restriction via a 7-hour top-up course. Many car rental companies (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) now offer 100% automatic fleets to meet demand.
When can I take the practical exam on an automatic vehicle?
After your 13 minimum driving hours and validation by your instructor. The exam slot is allocated via the RdvPermis platform (or by your driving school). National average wait time is 60 to 90 days depending on the department (up to 105 days in Paris according to ONISR figures). The exam lasts 32 minutes and includes a Road Safety question.
Is the automatic license suitable for electric vehicles?
Perfectly: all electric vehicles (Tesla, Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, Dacia Spring, etc.) have automatic transmission. If your plan is to switch to electric, the automatic B license is the consistent choice. You can also combine with the State eco bonus for buying a low-emission vehicle.
Does the automatic license make driving in LEZ easier?
Indirectly, yes. Low Emission Zones ban the most polluting vehicles (Crit’Air 3, 4, 5) in major cities like Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg or Grenoble. With electric and hybrid vehicles (all automatic) booming, learning automatic from the start avoids having to lift code 78 later.
Are there specific aids for the automatic license?
Yes. The State Permis 1€/jour (up to €1,200) is compatible with automatic training. Apprentices receive a flat-rate aid of €500. Some regions (Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) offer additional support. See exact conditions on Service Public.
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