2026 Budget Cuts Threaten Driving License Financing and Mobility Support in France

France's 2026 budget, officially adopted on February 2 following tense parliamentary debates and the government's use of Article 49.3 to bypass censure, imposes significant restrictions on funding for obtaining driving licenses. The Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF), previously a key financing source for driving lessons, is now limited to job seekers or requires co-financing with employers. Additionally, a €500 aid for apprentices and a €1200 financing scheme under France Travail will be eliminated starting April 1.

Patrick Mirouse, president of the ECF driving school network, expressed deep concerns over these changes, emphasizing their negative impact on employees who rely on licensing for employment and mobility. According to Mirouse, the driving license market in France is valued at €2 billion, with about 10% of ECF's business coming from CPF financing. He warned this could increase unlicensed driving as many cannot afford to pay for lessons without aid, noting that 75% of CPF beneficiaries are employees over 25.

Mirouse also highlighted the possibility of social tensions as demand for driving lessons surges amid these funding cuts, with longer waiting times and frustration at driving schools. ECF plans to seek alternative financing methods through partnerships and offer payment plans for monthly lesson fees to mitigate the impact.

This budget alteration signals a challenging period for worker mobility in France, potentially restricting affordable access to driving licenses essential for employment opportunities.