License-free car at 14: what parents need to know

AM licence, budget, insurance, suitable models, everything to check before gifting (or buying) a license-free car to a teenager.

The AM licence (BSR): mandatory for those born after 1988

Anyone born after 1 January 1988 must hold the AM licence to drive a license-free car. This licence can be prepared from age 14 at an approved driving school.

14 years

Minimum age

7h practical minimum

Training duration

300 to 500 €

Average cost

Approved driving school

Where to train

The training includes awareness of road risks and at least 7 hours of practical driving. It takes place only at an approved driving school, there is no accompanied-driving option for the AM licence.

Full AM licence guide →

Real budget of a license-free car for a teenager

Beyond the purchase price, several items need to be planned each year.

Item Amount
Purchase (new) 8 000 à 15 000 €
AM licence (training) 300 à 500 €
Insurance (yearly) 960 à 1 800 €/an
Annual upkeep 300 à 500 €/an
Fuel / electricity 200 à 600 €/an

The 3 best license-free car models for a teenager

Selection based on design, reliability and total cost of ownership.

Citroën Ami

electric

Design, electric, urban

An icon of the genre: colourful cube, zero emissions, charging from a standard socket. The number-one choice for teenagers in the city.

À partir de 7 990 €

See the model →

Fiat Topolino

electric

Retro, fun, electric

Bold retro look, electric powertrain, available as a convertible. A strong personality to stand out.

À partir de 9 490 €

See the model →

Ligier Myli

electric

Connected, modern

The most connected in the category: touchscreen, Bluetooth, contemporary design. Built for the smartphone generation.

À partir de 11 900 €

See the model →

Safety: license-free car vs 50cc scooter

For parents wondering about the risks, the license-free car offers far better passive protection than a scooter. Here is the comparison, and to go further: everything about license-free car safety →

Criterion License-free car 50cc scooter
Bodywork Closed, rigid None
Seat belt Yes, mandatory No
Weather protection Total (rain, cold) None
Visibility to other road users Good (car size) Low
Purchase price 8 000 à 15 000 € 1 500 à 4 000 €

Safe navigation with TacTac

For a young driver, the temptation to take a more direct road can lead onto an expressway or a banned motorway slip road. TacTac removes this risk at the source.

No motorway

Route calculation systematically excludes every road banned for license-free cars.

Safe recalculation

In case of a detour or a mistake, TacTac always recalculates an allowed route.

Clear voice guidance

Voice instructions given ahead of time and suited to 45 km/h, to keep your eyes on the road.

Voice guidance

Clear announcements in advance so you never miss a turn.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can you drive a license-free car?

From age 14, with the AM licence (formerly the BSR). The training can begin at 14 at an approved driving school and includes at least 7 hours of practice. People born before 1 January 1988 can drive without a licence at any age.

Do you have to go through a driving school?

Yes. The AM licence requires training at an approved driving school. It includes road-risk awareness and at least 7 hours of practical training. There is no accompanied-driving option for the AM licence.

Which insurance should you choose for a license-free car driven by a teenager?

A standard car insurance policy covering light quadricycles (category L6e). Reckon on between 80 and 150 €/month for a young driver. Some insurers offer policies specific to license-free cars. Third-party liability is mandatory; comprehensive cover is recommended when buying a new model.

License-free car or 50cc scooter: which to choose for a teenager?

The license-free car offers a closed body (protection from weather and impacts), seat belts and better visibility to other road users. The 50cc scooter is cheaper to buy but exposes the rider more in an accident. For daily trips and winter conditions, the license-free car is overall safer.

Explore

Citroën Ami Ligier TacTac license-free car GPS AM licence License-free car at 14, blog

The GPS that avoids banned roads

TacTac calculates only allowed routes for license-free cars. For young drivers as for everyone.

Early access →