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.
Kort antwoord
Het officiële examen heeft 40 vragen. Geslaagd: 35 correct out of 40. Afgenomen door: Ministry of the Interior (road safety); tests run by approved centres such as La Poste, SGS, Dekra, Pearson Vue and Bureau Veritas. Minimumleeftijd: 17 for a category B licence; you can start the theory test at 16, or at 15 with accompanied learning (AAC). Kosten: €30 per attempt. Oefen hier gratis met 250 vragen, elk met het antwoord en een uitleg. Gecontroleerd aan de hand van officiële bronnen op 11 oktober 2026.
-
Vraag 1 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. 40
The ETG, often just called 'the code', is a set of 40 multiple-choice questions taken on a tablet or computer.
-
Vraag 2 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 3 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. 5 years
A theory test pass is valid for 5 years. Within that time you must pass the practical driving test.
-
Vraag 4 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 5 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 6 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. 15
AAC can start at 15 with a parent's or legal guardian's consent. The traditional route starts at 16.
-
Vraag 7 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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).
-
Vraag 8 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 9 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. The ASSR or ASR certificate
Candidates under 21 must provide the road safety certificate from school (ASSR) or the adult version (ASR).
-
Vraag 10 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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).
-
Vraag 11 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 12 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 13 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. 3,000 km
AAC requires at least 3,000 km of driving with an accompanying person, over at least one year.
-
Vraag 14 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. 1 year
The accompanied period must last at least one year and cover at least 3,000 km.
-
Vraag 15 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 16 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 17 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. 2
Two teaching meetings are compulsory: one 4 to 6 months after the initial training, and one after 3,000 km.
-
Vraag 18 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. 3 years
After the traditional route, a new driver is on probation for 3 years. It is 2 years after accompanied learning.
-
Vraag 19 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. 2 years
Accompanied learning shortens the probationary period from 3 years to 2 years.
-
Vraag 20 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 21 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. 12
A full licence holds 12 points. Points are removed for offences.
-
Vraag 22 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 23 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 24 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
-
Vraag 25 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: 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.
Toetsenbord: 1–4 om te antwoorden, Enter voor de volgende vraag.
Het echte examen: 35 correct out of 40
Wat je moet weten voor het 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.
Veelgestelde vragen
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.
Bronnen
- 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