The Road Transport Licence

Guide to obtaining and obligations

Types of licences, conditions for obtaining one, professional competence: everything you need to know to legally operate a road freight transport business.

Types of transport licences

Domestic licence
Allows goods transport within the national territory only. Mandatory for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

Vehicles > 3.5t GVW, domestic territory

Community licence
Allows goods transport throughout the European Union and the European Economic Area.

Vehicles > 3.5t GVW, European Union

Light transport licence
For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes. Since May 2022 (Mobility Package), a community licence is mandatory for these vehicles in international transport.

Vehicles 2.5t to 3.5t GVW

Conditions for obtaining a licence

Professional competence
Obtained by examination (certificate of professional competence) or through experience (5 years in a management role in a transport company). Examination organised by the DREAL.
Financial standing
Minimum capital: EUR 1,800 for the first vehicle and EUR 900 per additional vehicle (domestic licence). EUR 9,000 and EUR 5,000 for the Community licence.
Good repute
No convictions on the criminal record incompatible with practising the profession (serious road traffic offences, tax fraud).
Stable establishment
Must have premises in France where company documents are kept and where vehicles are parked.

Steps to obtain a licence

1

Obtain the certificate of professional competence (DREAL examination or equivalence)

2

Accumulate the minimum required share capital

3

Register the company with the Trade and Companies Register

4

Submit the application for registration on the carrier register to the DREAL

5

Obtain the operating authorisation and certified copies of the licence

Frequently asked questions

What licence is needed for a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes?

Since the Mobility Package, vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward transport must hold a light transport licence. Below 2.5 tonnes, no licence is required.

How much does it cost to obtain a transport licence?

Costs include: professional competence training (EUR 1,700 to 3,500), the examination fee (EUR 30) and ancillary costs (accountant, registration: approximately EUR 150 to 250), and minimum share capital (EUR 1,800 or EUR 9,000 depending on the licence).

Can you operate transport without a licence?

No, operating road freight transport for hire or reward without a licence is an offence punishable by one year's imprisonment and a EUR 15,000 fine. The vehicle may be impounded.

Is the licence valid for life?

Both the domestic licence and community licence are valid for 10 years and renewable. In both cases, conditions (financial capacity, professional competence, good repute) must be maintained at all times.

How can I verify a carrier's licence?

You can verify the licence on the carrier register maintained by the DREAL. Affretium automatically verifies the validity of licences for all carriers on the platform.

Verify your carriers' compliance

Affretium automatically verifies the licences, insurance, and documents of all your carriers. Zero risk, zero effort.