In 2026, getting or keeping a driver's license has become more expensive and riskier. With reduced government support, stricter penalties, and a revised set of driving rules, both new and existing drivers are facing major changes. From the cost of obtaining a license to the consequences of breaking traffic laws, the updates for 2026 are significant. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and what might come next. The cost of obtaining a driver's license has risen sharply in 2026 due to reduced public funding. Previously, individuals could use their Personal Training Account (CPF) to cover part of the cost. However, new rules now limit this benefit, excluding motorcycle and trailer licenses and requiring strict justification for a B license, which is for standard cars. A mandatory out-of-pocket payment of 100 euros applies to most people, and apprentices no longer receive the 500 euro flat-rate aid. Instead, they must seek help from regional or professional programs, which have stricter conditions. Job seekers with a confirmed job offer or reintegration plan might still get some financial support. Penalties for traffic violations have also become more severe. Speeding over 50 km/h is now considered a serious offense, leading to automatic referral to criminal court rather than just a fine. Fines can now reach up to 3,750 euros, and prison sentences of several months are possible. Under the Ripost law, drivers can lose their licenses without even being behind the wheel, such as for drug use on foot. The law also targets urban stunts, with offenders facing immediate prison time and fines, and their vehicles may be seized and destroyed. Using a smartphone while driving has also become more dangerous in certain regions, with some areas imposing a six-month license suspension immediately, without waiting for a court decision. The driving test and administrative procedures have also changed. The road code exam now focuses more on sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and electric scooter riders, emphasizing safety and awareness. Eco-driving and managing electronic vehicle features are now part of the test. The international driver's license, once free, now costs 7.25 euros to process, which helps reduce unnecessary applications and speeds up processing times. Future reforms may include easier access to the practical exam and road code test for younger drivers, as well as a major European-wide overhaul of driver's licenses by 2030, aiming to improve road safety across the continent.