Were you counting on the €500 boost to fund your driving licence during your apprenticeship? Bad news: this aid no longer exists as of spring 2026. Here's what's changing in practical terms and, above all, the solutions that remain to get behind the wheel without breaking the bank.
In short: the flat-rate €500 aid reserved for adult apprentices to fund the category B licence has been scrapped by the 2026 Finance Act, which took effect on 21 February 2026. No new applications have been accepted since that date. Several alternatives remain: the €1-a-day licence, regional aid, your OPCO's funds and the CPF under certain conditions.
What exactly is changing in 2026?
Since 1 January 2019, any apprentice aged at least 18 and preparing for the category B licence could apply for €500 in aid, paid by the Agence de services et de paiement (ASP), with no means testing and combinable with other schemes. It was a simple and valuable support for many young people on a contract.
The 2026 Finance Act, published in the Journal officiel on 20 February 2026, put an end to this scheme. The removal is effective from 21 February 2026.
Only applications submitted before 21 February 2026 and forwarded to the ASP before 30 April 2026 could be processed under the old terms. Since then, the window has been permanently closed.
The government justifies this removal with a twofold goal: to save between €36 and €40 million a year and to restore fairness with other students in initial training, who did not benefit from an equivalent national aid.
Which schemes remain to fund your licence?
The end of the €500 aid does not leave you without options. Here are the schemes still available in 2026:
- The €1-a-day licence: an interest-free loan, offered by the State's partner banks, which spreads the cost of the licence with no interest. Available to those aged 15-25.
- Aid from the regional councils: many regions fund all or part of the licence for young people in training. Amounts and conditions vary from one area to another.
- The OPCO social action funds: your skills operator may offer mobility aid. In the construction sector, for example, Pro BTP can fund up to €600 of an apprentice's category B licence.
- Local aid and France Travail aid: municipal grants, departmental funds or mobility aid for jobseekers.
Can you still use the CPF to take the driving test?
Yes, but the rules have tightened since 21 February 2026. Funding the category B licence through the Personal Training Account (CPF) is now reserved for jobseekers registered with France Travail, up to a limit of €900. An employee or apprentice cannot use it alone: a third party must co-fund at least €100 of the training to unlock the rest.
| Scheme | Who's eligible | Indicative amount |
|---|---|---|
| Former €500 apprentice aid | Adult apprentices | Scrapped (21/02/2026) |
| €1-a-day licence | Aged 15-25 | Interest-free loan |
| CPF category B licence | Jobseekers (or with co-funding) | Up to €900 |
| OPCO (e.g. Pro BTP) | Apprentices in the sector | Up to €600 |
Before funding your licence, also check your overall budget: an apprentice's salary, housing aid and good organisation may be enough to absorb the cost. Estimate your pay with our pay calculator and review the schemes available on our financial aid page.
How do you find your way through all these schemes?
The public platform 1jeune1permis.fr lists the schemes available based on your age, your region and your situation: it's the right move to make sure you don't miss anything. Also remember to ask your CFA and your employer, who often know about little-known local aid.
The driving licence remains a major asset for landing and keeping an apprenticeship, especially in areas poorly served by public transport. If mobility is a barrier in your search, broaden your scope wisely: check out the apprenticeship offers near you, and top up your income by exploring all the housing aid for apprentices.