Learned in France that it is the (mandatory) driving school that books your licensing exam. And if too many graduates fail the licensing exam, they lose their available exam spots so they have an incentive to educate well (or refuse to book your exam).

But while the upfront license cost is higher, lifetime license cost is low: no French person has had to ever renew their driver’s license. Lots of tattered pieces of valid paper out there. But renewals will start in 2032 (I think).