France Driving Theory Test (Code de la Route) 2026
Practise for the French car theory test, the general theory test (épreuve théorique générale, ETG), usually just called 'the code'. The real test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you need 35 correct answers to pass. These original questions in English cover French licensing rules, speed limits, alcohol, points, and the road rules and signs shared across continental Europe.
Kurz und knapp
Die offizielle Prüfung hat 40 Fragen. Bestanden: 35 correct out of 40. Zuständig: Ministry of the Interior (road safety); tests run by approved centres such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas. Mindestalter: 17 for a category B licence; you can start the theory test at 16, or at 15 with accompanied learning (AAC). Gebühr: €30 per attempt. Hier üben Sie kostenlos mit 250 Fragen, jeweils mit Antwort und Erklärung. Am 11. Oktober 2026 mit offiziellen Quellen abgeglichen.
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Frage 1 von 25
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Antwort: A. 40
The ETG, often just called 'the code', is a set of 40 multiple-choice questions taken on a tablet or computer.
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Frage 2 von 25
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Antwort: A. At least 35 out of 40
The pass mark is 35 correct answers out of 40, so you can make no more than 5 mistakes.
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Frage 3 von 25
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Antwort: D. 5 years
A theory test pass is valid for 5 years. Within that time you must pass the practical driving test.
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Frage 4 von 25
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Antwort: D. There is no set limit
The theory pass stays valid for 5 years until you pass the practical test, whatever the number of practical attempts.
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Frage 5 von 25
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Antwort: B. Approved exam centres such as La Poste, SGS and Dekra
Since the reform of the code exam, approved private operators such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas run the theory test.
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Frage 6 von 25
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Antwort: D. 15
AAC can start at 15 with a parent's or legal guardian's consent. The traditional route starts at 16.
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Frage 7 von 25
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Antwort: B. 17
You can take the practical test and receive a B licence from 17, whichever training route you followed (except supervised driving after 18).
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Frage 8 von 25
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Antwort: A. A personal driving licence file number from France Titres (ANTS)
The NEPH is your driving licence file number. A driving school can request it for you, or you request it online as a private candidate.
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Frage 9 von 25
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Antwort: D. The ASSR or ASR certificate
Candidates under 21 must provide the road safety certificate from school (ASSR) or the adult version (ASR).
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Frage 10 von 25
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Antwort: A. 20 hours
The minimum is 20 hours of practical training, including at least 15 hours on public roads (13 hours for automatic-only training).
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Frage 11 von 25
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Antwort: A. 32 minutes, with at least 25 minutes of driving
The practical test lasts 32 minutes in total, of which at least 25 minutes are spent driving.
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Frage 12 von 25
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Antwort: C. At least 20 points and no eliminatory error
The examiner gives points during the test. You need 20 points or more and must not make any eliminatory error.
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Frage 13 von 25
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Antwort: A. 3,000 km
AAC requires at least 3,000 km of driving with an accompanying person, over at least one year.
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Frage 14 von 25
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Antwort: C. 1 year
The accompanied period must last at least one year and cover at least 3,000 km.
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Frage 15 von 25
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Antwort: A. At least 5 years
The accompanying person needs a B licence held for 5 years or more, with no licence cancellation or invalidation in the last 5 years.
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Frage 16 von 25
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Antwort: B. At the rear left of the vehicle
A sticker or magnetic sign for accompanied driving must be placed at the rear left of the vehicle.
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Frage 17 von 25
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Antwort: A. 2
Two teaching meetings are compulsory: one 4 to 6 months after the initial training, and one after 3,000 km.
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Frage 18 von 25
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Antwort: A. 3 years
After the traditional route, a new driver is on probation for 3 years. It is 2 years after accompanied learning.
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Frage 19 von 25
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Antwort: D. 2 years
Accompanied learning shortens the probationary period from 3 years to 2 years.
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Frage 20 von 25
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Antwort: D. 6
A probationary licence starts with 6 points and rises to 12 by the end of the probation if the driver commits no offence that costs points.
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Frage 21 von 25
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Antwort: B. 12
A full licence holds 12 points. Points are removed for offences.
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Frage 22 von 25
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Antwort: A. 2
After the traditional route, the driver gains 2 points per year (6, 8, 10, then 12). After AAC, it is 3 points per year.
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Frage 23 von 25
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Antwort: A. The 'A' sign at the rear of the vehicle
During the probationary period, the 'A' sign (for apprenti) must be displayed at the rear of the vehicle.
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Frage 24 von 25
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Antwort: A. It shortens the probationary period
The 7-hour extra training at a quality-labelled school shortens probation, for example from 3 years to 2 years on the traditional route.
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Frage 25 von 25
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Antwort: B. Take a road safety awareness course (stage)
For a probationary driver, losing 3 or more points in one offence makes the awareness course compulsory.
Tastatur: 1–4 zum Antworten, Eingabetaste für die nächste Frage.
Die echte Prüfung: 35 correct out of 40
Was Sie vor der Prüfung wissen sollten
- The theory test has 40 multiple-choice questions drawn at random from an official bank. You need at least 35 correct answers to pass.
- A pass is valid for 5 years. In that time you can take the practical test as many times as you need.
- The test is run by approved centres such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas. Each attempt costs €30, and you pay again if you fail.
- You can take the theory test from 16, or from 15 if you follow accompanied learning (AAC). You can get a category B licence from 17.
- You need a NEPH file number from France Titres (ANTS) before you can book. A driving school can get it for you.
- The practical test lasts 32 minutes. You need at least 20 points and no eliminatory error. First-time candidates need at least 20 hours of practical training.
- New drivers get a probationary licence with 6 points. Probation lasts 3 years, or 2 years after AAC, and the alcohol limit is 0.2 g/l.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How many questions are on the French code de la route test?
There are 40 multiple-choice questions, drawn at random from an official bank of more than 1,000 questions. Some questions have more than one correct answer, and the screen tells you when.
What is the pass mark for the French theory test?
You need at least 35 correct answers out of 40, so you can make no more than 5 mistakes. Our mock exam uses the same 35 out of 40 rule.
How long do I have to answer each question?
The official pages we checked do not state a time limit for the theory test, so our mock exam is untimed. Ask your exam centre or driving school how the timing works on the day.
Can I take the French theory test in English?
The official pages we checked describe the test in French only. Separate arrangements exist for people with limited French, deafness or dyslexia; ask the exam centre before you book.
Can I drive in France with my foreign licence?
A licence from an EU or EEA country can be used while it is valid. A licence from outside the EU is recognised for one year after you start living in France; after that you must exchange it, if your country allows it, or pass the French licence.
How long is the theory test pass valid?
Five years. If you have not passed the practical test by then, you must take the theory test again.
Quellen
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Code de la route (ETG), how to take the exam
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Ways to get a category B licence
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Permis B, traditional training
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Accompanied learning (AAC)
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Probationary licence
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Speed limits
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Drink-driving
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Exchanging a non-EU licence
- Prefecture of Guadeloupe (DEAL): new ETG question bank, September 2023