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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.

  • Driving
  • France
  • 250 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The French car theory test (code de la route, ETG) has 40 questions. Pass mark: 35 correct out of 40. It is run by Ministry of the Interior (road safety); tests run by approved centres such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas. Minimum age: 17 for a category B licence; you can start the theory test at 16, or at 15 with accompanied learning (AAC). Fee: €30 per attempt. Practise here for free with 250 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the France Code de la Route Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How many questions are in the French car theory test (épreuve théorique générale, ETG)?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 40

    The ETG, often just called 'the code', is a set of 40 multiple-choice questions taken on a tablet or computer.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How many correct answers do you need to pass the French car theory test?
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    Answer: 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.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    After you pass the theory test, how long does the pass stay valid?
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    Answer: D. 5 years

    A theory test pass is valid for 5 years. Within that time you must pass the practical driving test.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    During the 5 years that your theory pass is valid, how many attempts at the practical test are you allowed?
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    Answer: 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.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Who runs the theory test sessions in France?
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    Answer: 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.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What is the earliest age at which you can start learning to drive through accompanied learning (apprentissage anticipé de la conduite, AAC)?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 15

    AAC can start at 15 with a parent's or legal guardian's consent. The traditional route starts at 16.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    From what age can you get a category B (car) licence in France?
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    Answer: 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).

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What is the NEPH number that you need before booking your exams?
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    Answer: 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.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    If you are under 21, which school road safety certificate must you show to register for the licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The ASSR or ASR certificate

    Candidates under 21 must provide the road safety certificate from school (ASSR) or the adult version (ASR).

  10. Question 10 of 25

    On the traditional route, what is the minimum amount of practical driving training for a first-time car candidate?
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    Answer: 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).

  11. Question 11 of 25

    How long does the practical car driving test (épreuve pratique) last?
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    Answer: 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.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What do you need to pass the practical car driving test?
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    Answer: 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.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    In accompanied learning (AAC), what is the minimum distance you must drive with your accompanying person?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3,000 km

    AAC requires at least 3,000 km of driving with an accompanying person, over at least one year.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    In accompanied learning (AAC), what is the minimum length of the accompanied driving period?
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    Answer: C. 1 year

    The accompanied period must last at least one year and cover at least 3,000 km.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    How long must the accompanying person in AAC have held a category B licence?
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    Answer: 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.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Where must the accompanied driving sign be displayed on the car?
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    Answer: 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.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    How many meetings with the driving school (rendez-vous pédagogiques) are required during AAC?
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    Answer: A. 2

    Two teaching meetings are compulsory: one 4 to 6 months after the initial training, and one after 3,000 km.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How long is the probationary period (permis probatoire) after the traditional route, without extra training?
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    Answer: A. 3 years

    After the traditional route, a new driver is on probation for 3 years. It is 2 years after accompanied learning.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    How long is the probationary period after accompanied learning (AAC), without extra training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 2 years

    Accompanied learning shortens the probationary period from 3 years to 2 years.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    How many points does a new licence start with?
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    Answer: 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.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What is the maximum number of points on a French driving licence?
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    Answer: B. 12

    A full licence holds 12 points. Points are removed for offences.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    On the traditional route, how many points does a probationary driver gain at the end of each year without an offence?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What must a probationary driver display on the car?
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    Answer: 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.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the effect of the optional one-day extra training (formation complémentaire) taken 6 to 12 months after passing?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A probationary driver loses 3 points in one offence. What must they do?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

What to know before the test

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Sources

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