Every year, thousands of people turn to the private hire driving profession, drawn by the independence and the opportunity to build their own business. However, the profession is strictly regulated: you cannot simply decide to become a private driver overnight. From the exam and professional license to choosing your business structure and registering, the process follows a specific order—and the rules changed in August 2026. Here are the steps, timelines, and actual costs.
Several cumulative conditions are verified when applying for a professional license: you must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid category B driver's license for more than three years (or two years if you completed an accompanied driving program), be outside of your probationary period, and provide a criminal record certificate (bulletin n° 2) that is compatible with the profession.
In addition, there is a medical fitness certificate, issued by a doctor approved by the prefecture.
On the other hand, one requirement has been removed: the PSC1 first aid certificate is no longer mandatory, although it remains recommended and is appreciated by professional clients.
No diploma is required to take the exam
This is the major change for 2026. Until August 11, former professional drivers could obtain their card by application, based on equivalence. This is no longer possible: every new candidate must now pass the full theoretical and practical exam. Professional card applications submitted before this date are not affected by this requirement.
The exam is organized by the Chambers of Trades and Crafts. It costs €241 and includes a theoretical test followed by a practical driving test.
Once the exam is passed, the application is made online. The file is submitted via demarche.numerique.gouv.fr, with a processing time of about one month — longer if the file is incomplete.
The card is valid for five years and is a prerequisite for the right to practice. It costs €61.01.
Having the card is not enough: it makes you a driver, not an operator. To bill for rides, you must create a legal structure — a micro-enterprise to start simply, or a SASU / EURL once you exceed a certain turnover — and then register the activity in the VTC registry.
This registration costs €170 (€100 for the registry, €70 for the sticker), remains valid for five years, and requires about two months of processing time after submitting a complete file.
Accessing the profession as an independent candidate costs approximately €338 (exam, medical check-up, license), plus the registry fee, the official sticker, insurance, and most importantly, the vehicle, which remains the primary expense in your startup budget.
The vehicle must meet the regulatory criteria applicable to private hire vehicles (VTC), and the maximum permitted age has recently changed—a point to verify before any purchase. You also need professional liability insurance and car insurance that covers the transport of passengers for a fee.
The job is about more than just driving. A private chauffeur is defined by service: punctuality, discretion, and anticipation. Technical skills can be learned in a few months; high standards, however, are cultivated with every ride.
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Becoming a VTC driver requires method more than money: check your eligibility, prepare for the mandatory exam, obtain your license, set up your business, and register. Expect three to six months between your decision and your first ride, taking processing times into account. As regulations change regularly, always check the current requirements on the official government website before incurring any costs.
Source: service-public.gouv.fr
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