The BSR, now officially called AM license, corresponds to a mandatory training to drive a moped or a light quadricycle from the age of 14. There is no national scheme for completely free training, but several funding mechanisms allow the cost to be reduced to zero for certain profiles.
ASSR and ASR: the educational prerequisite that conditions everything else
Before even seeking funding for the practical part, a common obstacle for candidates is obtaining the school road safety certificate (ASSR) or, for those not in school, the road safety certificate (ASR). Without one of these two documents, no registration for practical training is possible.
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The ASSR level 1 or 2 is issued free of charge in middle schools, respectively in the fifth and third grades. The ASR, on the other hand, is taken at an accredited center (often through a GRETA or a town hall) and does not incur registration fees. The theoretical part of the BSR is therefore always free, regardless of the candidate’s status.
Knowing how to obtain the BSR for free first requires checking that this theoretical step is validated. A candidate who has lost their certificate can request a duplicate from their former school or through the rectorate.
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Practical training for the AM license: what costs and why
The practical training takes place at a driving school over a minimum duration of eight hours, divided between driving in and out of urban areas, technical plateau, and risk awareness. This part represents the total cost of the BSR.
Prices vary according to driving schools and regions. The range goes from a few dozen euros in some non-profit organizations to several hundred euros in traditional driving schools. No regulatory scale sets a maximum price.
Why practical training is never “free” from the driving school
A instructor mobilized for eight hours, a vehicle made available, specific insurance: the cost for the driving school is real. Offers that advertise a “free” BSR always rely on a third-party payer, never on the absence of billing.
Financial aid to obtain the BSR at no cost: concrete schemes
Full coverage of practical training exists, but it depends on the candidate’s status and their territory. Three channels deserve priority exploration.
- Local missions: they support young people aged 16 to 25 in professional integration and sometimes have budgets dedicated to mobility. Coverage for the AM license can be complete when driving a moped is a condition for accessing a job or training.
- Departmental or municipal aids: some local authorities offer mobility aid schemes that cover the BSR. These aids vary from one department to another and require a specific application to the CCAS or the departmental council.
- Integration organizations and associations: structures like mobility platforms or certain charitable associations occasionally fund AM training for socially disadvantaged groups.
The common point of these schemes: they target supported groups, not isolated candidates. A teenager enrolled in a traditional setting, without identified social difficulties, is unlikely to access total free training.
The CPF does not finance the AM license
The Personal Training Account allows for financing the B license, but the AM license is not eligible for the CPF. This confusion frequently arises in online searches and leads to unnecessary procedures on the Mon Compte Formation platform.
Procedure to obtain the AM license after training
Once the eight hours of practical training are completed, the driving school issues a follow-up certificate. This certificate allows for driving for four months while waiting for the production of the final title.
The application for the AM license is then made online on the ANTS (National Agency for Secure Titles) website. The documents to be provided are as follows:
- The practical training certificate issued by the driving school
- The ASSR or ASR (level 1 or 2)
- A valid identity document
- A proof of residence less than six months old
- A compliant digital identity photo (e-photo format or approved photobooth)
The application on the ANTS is free. The title is sent to the home address at no additional cost.
Validity of the AM license according to the date of issuance
BSRs issued before 2013 remained valid indefinitely. Since the transition to the AM license format, the title has a validity period of fifteen years. Renewal is administrative and does not require retaking the training, but one must anticipate the processing times of the ANTS.
Who is exempt from the BSR: the case of individuals born before 1988
Individuals born before January 1, 1988, can drive a moped or a light motor quadricycle without any driving license. This exemption is permanent and does not depend on any procedure.
For individuals born from 1988 onwards, the AM license (or a higher category license such as the B license) remains mandatory. Driving a scooter without this title exposes one to a fine and vehicle immobilization.
The free BSR is not a universal right but a pathway accessible under certain conditions. The theoretical part costs nothing, and the ANTS procedure is also free. The only paid item, the practical training at a driving school, can be covered by a local mission or territorial aid if the candidate’s profile meets the eligibility criteria.