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.
Respuesta rápida
El examen oficial tiene 40 preguntas. Para aprobar: 35 correct out of 40. Lo organiza: Ministry of the Interior (road safety); tests run by approved centres such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas. Edad mínima: 17 for a category B licence; you can start the theory test at 16, or at 15 with accompanied learning (AAC). Tasa: €30 per attempt. Practica aquí gratis con 250 preguntas, cada una con la respuesta y una explicación. Contrastado con fuentes oficiales el 11 de octubre de 2026.
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Pregunta 1 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 2 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 3 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 4 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 5 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 6 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 7 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 8 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 9 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 10 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 11 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 12 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 13 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 14 de 25
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Respuesta: C. 1 year
The accompanied period must last at least one year and cover at least 3,000 km.
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Pregunta 15 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 16 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 17 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 18 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 19 de 25
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Respuesta: D. 2 years
Accompanied learning shortens the probationary period from 3 years to 2 years.
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Pregunta 20 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 21 de 25
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Respuesta: B. 12
A full licence holds 12 points. Points are removed for offences.
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Pregunta 22 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 23 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 24 de 25
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Respuesta: 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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Pregunta 25 de 25
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Respuesta: 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.
Teclado: 1–4 para responder, Intro para la siguiente pregunta.
El examen real: 35 correct out of 40
Qué debes saber antes del examen
- 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.
Preguntas frecuentes
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.
Fuentes
- 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