Consumer and banking · Driving instruction · ending the contract
Driving-school contracts: refunds and transfers in France
Retrieving or transferring a French driving-school file is free. Contract termination, initial distance-contract withdrawal and cancelling one lesson are separate steps. The current model requires a proportionate service account and regulated effective timing, immediate for legitimate reason. Termination fees are possible only within narrow conditions; they cannot disguise transfer charges or automatically forfeit every unused lesson.
- Official texts cited
- Sources checked on
- Drafted with AI assistance, our method
General legal information with official references and dated checks. It is not personalised advice: for a decision that commits you, have your situation checked by a qualified professional.
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Does free transfer erase due service charges?
Let’s separate the free file, contract termination and lesson account.
3 free questions at signup. Avoid names and sensitive information.
Which balance and documents should be prepared?
€1,400 prepaid less €840 of services gives €560 to examine, before validating the items.
Fictional example · Your preparation worksheet
The model distinguishes notice from effect fifteen days after first registered presentation. Check the contract and evidence before relying on a date.
- Illustrative paid amount less entered items
- €560.00; positive means an amount to examine for refund
- Read the signed contract, completed services and any booked lessons validly chargeable.
- Request an itemised account of prepaid and due amounts.
- Separately request the file without return or transfer fees.
Entering a fee does not validate it. A balance is not a refund ruling; check each item and the effective date.
Can file release be charged as a transfer?
L213-2 requires free retrieval on request and free transfer. R213-3-1 also prohibits charges or price increases specifically because of previous enrolment elsewhere. Genuinely new services remain a separate matter.
Code de la route, article L213-2R213-3-1 : disguised transfer charges
Which step matches your need?
| Step | Check |
|---|---|
| Transfer | Free file |
| Termination | Reason, notice and account |
| Lesson cancellation | 48 working hours and exceptions |
| Distance contract | Separate initial withdrawal |
Code de la route, article L213-2R213-3-1 : disguised transfer chargesContrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
What does the governing text say about ending the contract?
Le transfert du dossier du candidat vers un autre établissement ne donne lieu à l'application d'aucuns frais.
In plain English: The free-file right remains separate from termination conditions and genuinely due services.
When does termination take effect?
The category-B model provides for fifteen days from first presentation of registered or electronic registered notice, and immediate effect for legitimate reason. It also mentions email notice without supplying that same automatic trigger: check the agreement and evidence.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
How can a prepaid package refund be checked?
List payments and services performed through the effective date, including lessons validly due. The model settles the balance proportionately; it does not automatically forfeit the unused package. Request quantities, prices and supporting records.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
Are termination fees always allowed?
No. The model concerns termination without legitimate reason, outside an arrhes arrangement, before any practical instruction, with fees expressly provided for and duly justified. Do not turn this narrow branch into a universal percentage.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
How do lesson cancellation and distance enrolment differ?
The model separates a lesson’s 48-working-hour notice, with exceptions, from contract termination. It also distinguishes initial fourteen-day distance withdrawal; services expressly requested to begin early may remain payable under that framework.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
What else should you know about ending the contract?
Does free transfer erase due service charges?
No. Free file transfer and the service account are separate.
Code de la route, article L213-2Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
Does any reason permit immediate termination?
No. The model requires legitimate reason, supported by evidence.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
Does 48 hours mean ordinary calendar hours?
The model uses 48 working hours for lessons, subject to specified exceptions.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
Does the worksheet balance validate fees?
No. It totals entered items; their validity needs checking.
Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VII
Which sources explain ending the contract?
- Code de la route, article L213-2Légifrance / DILA
- R213-3-1 : disguised transfer chargesLégifrance / DILA
- Contrat type d’enseignement de la conduite, catégorie B, annexe VIILégifrance / DILA
- Auto-school charges and terminationMinistère de l'Économie
Texts cited last checked: 19 October 2026