AM licence: is it required to drive a license-free car?
Short answer: yes, if you were born after 1 January 1988. No, if you were born before. Here is everything you need to know about the French AM licence (and its predecessor, the BSR). To go further, see our complete license-free car guide.
Who needs the AM licence?
Born BEFORE 1 January 1988
No licence required
You can drive a license-free car freely, with no prior training, no AM licence and no category B licence.
Born AFTER 1 January 1988
AM licence required
The AM licence (or a BSR obtained before 2013) is essential to drive a license-free car on public roads.
This rule applies across the whole of France, whatever the vehicle's power or the road taken. It does not change if you already hold another type of licence (A, B, C and so on).
Alcohol limit in a license-free car: 0.2 or 0.5 g/l?
The legal alcohol limit does not depend on the vehicle: it is the same behind the wheel of a license-free car, a 50cc scooter or a saloon. What changes is how long you have held your licence.
0.2 g/l
AM licence and new drivers
The limit is 0.2 g/l of blood (0.10 mg/l of exhaled air) during the probationary period and for drivers with less than 3 years' experience. Most AM licence holders fall into this group. In practice, that means zero drinks.
0.5 g/l
Experienced drivers
The general limit is 0.5 g/l of blood (0.25 mg/l of exhaled air), once you are past 3 years of licence and out of the probationary period.
Going over the limit has heavy consequences: from 0.2 g/l for a driver still on probation, it means a loss of 6 points, which voids the AM licence for reaching a zero balance. Behind the wheel of a vehicle capped at 45 km/h, alcohol also clearly raises the risk ( Sécurité routière).
How does AM licence training work?
The training runs in two stages at a driving school approved by the prefecture.
Risk awareness
A compulsory theory session on road hazards and the rules specific to light quadricycles. Its length varies from one school to another.
Practical training (7h minimum)
At least 7 hours of supervised driving on public roads, on a vehicle supplied by the driving school. The instructor assesses how well you handle the vehicle.
Training certificate
At the end of the training, the driving school issues a certificate. It stands in for the AM licence and must be kept on board the vehicle.
Difference between the AM licence and the BSR
The BSR (brevet de sécurité routière, road safety certificate) was the former name of the AM licence before the 2013 reform. Both names cover the same rights: driving a light quadricycle (license-free car) or a moped under 50cc.
If you hold your BSR, there is nothing to do. It stays valid indefinitely.
What can you drive with the AM licence?
The AM licence (category AM) lets you drive light two, three or four-wheeled vehicles. If you are 14, discover the models available in our license-free cars at 14 guide.
License-free cars (L6e)
Light quadricycles, 45 km/h max, 45 cm³ max or electric ≤ 4 kW.
50cc mopeds
Scooters and motorcycles under 50 cm³, capped at 45 km/h.
Light tricycles
Three-wheeled vehicles in category L2e (under 50cc, 45 km/h max).
The AM licence does not allow you to drive a regular car (category B), a motorcycle (A or A2) or a commercial vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What alcohol limit applies in a license-free car?
The same as for any vehicle: 0.5 g/l of blood (0.25 mg/l of exhaled air) for experienced drivers, and 0.2 g/l for drivers on probation or with less than 3 years' experience. The type of vehicle makes no difference, only how long you have held your licence counts.
AM licence: 0.2 or 0.5 g/l of alcohol?
0.2 g/l of blood in the vast majority of cases. The AM licence falls under the probationary period, so the limit is 0.2 g/l (0.10 mg/l of exhaled air), the equivalent of zero drinks. Going over it leads to a loss of 6 points and the licence being voided for a zero points balance.
Can you take the AM licence at 14?
Yes. The AM licence can be taken from the age of 14. The training takes place at an approved driving school and includes at least 7 hours of practical training. There is no minimum age to start the training, but driving on public roads is allowed from 14.
What is the average price of an AM licence at a driving school?
The average cost of AM licence training at a driving school is 300 to 500 €. This price covers road risk awareness and the minimum 7 hours of practical training. Prices vary by region and driving school. There is no regulated rate.
Is the BSR still valid?
Yes. The BSR (brevet de sécurité routière), which was the former name of the AM licence before 2013, remains valid. Everyone who obtained their BSR before the 2013 reform automatically holds rights equivalent to the current AM licence. There is no need to retake it.
Can you drive in France with a foreign AM licence?
Holders of an AM licence issued in a European Union country can drive a license-free car in France without restriction. For licences from outside the EU, the conditions vary depending on bilateral agreements. If in doubt, a licence exchange at the prefecture may be needed.
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