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QuizTraffic rulesFrance

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of France.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France
True/false 17 France 37 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Driving licence 40 Show all 644
Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

1. Why should you be careful when turning across oncoming traffic?

Turning makes your vehicle take longer to accelerate.
Your steering becomes less responsive during the turn.
Oncoming vehicles need more distance to change lanes.
✓ You must judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.

Turning across traffic requires careful observation. Misjudging speed or distance can lead to a serious collision.

Vehicle preparing to turn across oncoming traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do near a large vehicle that may be turning?

2. What should cyclists do near a large vehicle that may be turning?

Pass quickly before the vehicle starts turning.
✓ Stay back and do not pass on the turning side.
Move alongside it if there appears to be enough space.
Ride beside it so the driver can see you.

Large vehicles need extra space to turn and may move across a cyclist's path. Remaining behind is usually safer.

Cyclist near a turning large vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should stay focused on the road and avoid unnecessary distractions.

3. You should stay focused on the road and avoid unnecessary distractions.

False.
✓ True.

Distractions reduce awareness and reaction time, making driving more dangerous.

Driver keeping attention on the road ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a road worker directs traffic?

4. What should you do when a road worker directs traffic?

✓ Follow the worker's signals and instructions.
Follow the normal traffic signs instead.
Follow the vehicle ahead instead of the worker's signal.
Obey only if traffic has completely stopped.

Authorised road workers may control traffic through a work zone. Watch carefully and follow their directions.

Road worker directing traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

5. Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

Reverse.
2nd gear.
Neutral.
✓ 1st gear.

1st gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill because it provides the greatest pulling power at low speed.

Manual gear lever and gear-selection pattern
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

6. How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

With both hands together at the bottom.
With one hand resting on the gear lever.
✓ With both hands in a balanced position.
With one hand at the top of the wheel.

Hold the steering wheel with both hands in a balanced position so that you can steer smoothly and react quickly. A position around nine and three o'clock generally provides good control.

Driver holding the steering wheel with both hands
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

7. Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

To make the headlights work more effectively.
To give the engine more time to warm up.
✓ Because stopping distances can be much longer.
Because ice increases tyre wear.

Tyres have much less grip on ice, so braking takes longer. Extra distance gives you more time to slow down safely.

Following distance between vehicles on an icy road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before overtaking a slow-moving vehicle?

8. What should you do before overtaking a slow-moving vehicle?

Signal first and then check whether there is enough space.
✓ Check that the road ahead is clear and that overtaking is safe.
Move closer before checking whether the road ahead is clear.
Use your horn to make the driver move aside.

Before overtaking, make sure you have enough visibility, space, and time. Signal clearly before moving out, do not exceed the speed limit, and never overtake if the road ahead is not clear.

Vehicle preparing to pass slow-moving traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

9. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Passenger airbag deactivation.
Child safety lock.
Central door locking.
Airbag-system fault.

This control allows the front passenger airbag to be deactivated on vehicles equipped with this function. The airbag must be deactivated when a rear-facing child restraint is used on the front passenger seat.

Front passenger airbag deactivation control
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which language is commonly used on text-based road signs in France?

10. Which language is commonly used on text-based road signs in France?

✓ French.
German.
English.
Spanish.

Text-based road signs in France commonly use French.

Road signs with French wording
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should tyre pressure normally be checked?

11. How should tyre pressure normally be checked?

By looking at whether the tyres appear firm.
Using the maximum pressure shown on the tyre.
Only by a certified maintenance service.
✓ When the tyres are cold, using the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Tyre pressure rises as tyres become warm. Check them when cold and use the pressure specified on the vehicle label or in the owner's manual.

Checking a vehicle's tyre pressure
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

12. What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

The vehicle will stop immediately when the engine stops.
✓ Steering and braking may require more effort, so move to a safe place.
The steering will become lighter as the vehicle slows.
The steering and brakes will stop working completely.

Power assistance may be reduced when the engine stops. Keep control, use the hazard lights if needed, and steer toward a safe stopping area.

Driver responding to an engine stall while moving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

13. Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

✓ True.
False.

Indicators help communicate your intended direction and improve safety for everyone on the road.

Vehicle signalling its intended direction
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

14. Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

The hazard warning switch.
The windscreen-wiper control.
✓ The lighting control.
The rear-window demister.

The lighting control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a rotary switch or part of a lighting stalk.

Lighting control for switching on dipped headlights
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A1?

15. Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A1?

Motorcycles of any power.
Mopeds only.
Cars up to 3,500 kg.
✓ Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW.

Category A1 covers motorcycles with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cm³, power of no more than 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1 kW/kg. It also covers powered tricycles up to 15 kW.

Light motorcycle covered by category A1
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

16. What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

Change lanes immediately to avoid slowing down.
Brake only when the vehicle ahead begins braking.
✓ Reduce speed early and be prepared to stop.
Maintain speed until you are close to the queue.

Motorway queues can appear suddenly. Early braking gives following traffic more time to react.

Slow-moving traffic ahead on a motorway
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

17. Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

To make the steering lighter.
✓ To help keep the vehicle stable.
To reduce fuel consumption.
To increase the available luggage space.

A high or uneven load can make the vehicle unstable, especially during braking, cornering, or sudden steering.

Heavy luggage positioned low in a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

18. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Diesel particulate filter warning.
Oil-pressure warning.
Engine-temperature warning.
✓ Engine-management warning.

This symbol indicates a fault detected by the engine-management or emissions-control system. If it remains illuminated while driving, the vehicle should be checked according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Engine-management warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicle type is mainly associated with driving licence D?

19. Which vehicle type is mainly associated with driving licence D?

Truck.
Moped.
✓ Bus.
Car.

Driving licence D is mainly associated with buses. Category D1 covers smaller buses, D covers larger buses, and D1E and DE allow heavier trailers.

Driving licence card for category D
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before entering a roundabout?

20. What should you do before entering a roundabout?

✓ Slow down and give way when required.
Maintain your speed unless another vehicle blocks your path.
Stop before every roundabout, even when it is clear.
Enter without giving way if you are going straight ahead.

Before entering a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, and give way according to the local rules.

Vehicle approaching a roundabout
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

21. What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

Ignore it if the tyres appear normal.
Increase speed to see if the vehicle straightens.
Reduce pressure in the tyre on the opposite side.
✓ Check the tyre pressures and have the steering, alignment, and brakes inspected.

Persistent pulling can be caused by incorrect tyre pressure, wheel misalignment, suspension wear, or a braking fault. It should not be ignored.

Vehicle pulling to one side while travelling
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should hard braking be avoided while a motorcycle is leaning in a bend?

22. Why should hard braking be avoided while a motorcycle is leaning in a bend?

✓ It can reduce stability and available tyre grip.
It can make the engine overheat.
It makes the motorcycle turn more sharply.
It increases tyre pressure immediately.

When a motorcycle is leaning, the tyres are already using grip to turn. Hard braking can demand additional grip and may reduce stability. Whenever possible, adjust speed before the bend and use smooth, controlled inputs while cornering.

Motorcycle leaning while travelling through a bend
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should rear-seat passengers be securely restrained?

23. Should rear-seat passengers be securely restrained?

Yes, but only children need restraints in the rear.
Only when travelling on motorways or at higher speeds.
✓ Yes, using seat belts or suitable child restraints as appropriate.
No, only front-seat occupants need to be restrained.

Rear-seat passengers should be securely restrained using seat belts or suitable child restraints as appropriate. Proper restraint reduces the risk of serious injury and prevents occupants from being thrown around or forwards in a collision.

Rear-seat passengers secured for a journey
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum licence for a C vehicle towing a trailer over 750 kg?

24. What is the minimum licence for a C vehicle towing a trailer over 750 kg?

Licence C.
Licence C1E.
✓ Licence CE.
Licence BE.

Category C permits a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. A category C vehicle towing a trailer or semi-trailer above 750 kg requires category CE.

Category C vehicle towing a trailer over 750 kg
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

25. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Headlight flash.
Hazard warning lights.
✓ Horn.
Cruise control.

This symbol indicates the horn control. The horn is used to warn other road users of your presence when necessary.

Vehicle horn control and symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

26. What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

✓ Stop before the signal or temporary stop line.
Proceed if no road workers are visible.
Continue if the road ahead appears clear.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the signal.

Temporary traffic signals must be obeyed like permanent signals. Stop and wait until you are permitted to continue.

Red signal on temporary roadworks traffic lights
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

27. Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

Parked vehicles have priority over moving traffic.
✓ Pedestrians, cyclists, and children may be nearby.
Traffic from side roads must always give way.
Because residential roads are usually more slippery.

Residential areas often have pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, driveways, and children, and hazards may appear suddenly. Lower speed gives you more time to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling through a residential street
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

28. What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

✓ Follow the manufacturer's instructions about inspection or replacement.
Use it normally after tightening the straps.
Keep using it if no damage is visible.
Replace only the seat cover.

A child restraint may be damaged in a collision even when the damage is not obvious. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as the restraint may need to be inspected or replaced before it is used again.

Child car seat requiring inspection after a collision
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

29. What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

Turn on your interior lights to reduce the glare.
✓ Slow down and look toward the edge of your lane.
Move closer to the centre of the road for a clearer view.
Maintain your speed until the vehicle has passed.

Bright headlights can reduce your vision. Avoid staring at them, slow down if needed, and use the road edge or lane markings to guide you safely.

Oncoming headlights dazzling a driver at night
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can air conditioning help demist the windows?

30. How can air conditioning help demist the windows?

✓ By removing moisture from the air.
By increasing air recirculation.
By heating the rear window directly.
By opening the windows automatically.

Using the air conditioning can help demist the windows because it removes moisture from the cabin air. Directing this drier air towards the windscreen can clear condensation more quickly.

Air-conditioning controls used to demist the windscreen
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

31. You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

False.
✓ True.

Checking your mirrors helps you see surrounding traffic before moving into another lane.

Driver checking a mirror before changing lanes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

32. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Brake-pad wear warning.
✓ Brake-system warning.
Low tyre pressure.
Parking brake applied.

This symbol indicates a possible brake-system fault. If it remains illuminated after the parking brake is released, stop safely and have the braking system checked.

Brake-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

33. What should you do if your vehicle becomes stuck on a railway crossing?

✓ Get everyone out, move away, and contact the emergency services.
Move everyone beside the vehicle while waiting.
Stay inside the vehicle and call for assistance.
Try to restart the vehicle until help arrives.

Move everyone well away from the tracks. Use the crossing emergency telephone or displayed contact information where available, or contact the emergency services immediately.

Vehicle stranded on a railway crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check your mirrors before braking?

34. Why should you check your mirrors before braking?

To check whether your brake lights are working.
To shorten the distance needed to stop.
✓ To know what is happening behind you.
To decide which gear to use while slowing down.

Checking your mirrors helps you understand what is happening behind you and anticipate how following traffic may react. In an emergency, do not delay necessary braking.

Driver checking following traffic before braking
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a child use a suitable child restraint?

35. Why should a child use a suitable child restraint?

✓ To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision.
To prevent the vehicle from braking suddenly.
To make it easier for the child to sleep.
To make the seat belt more comfortable.

A suitable child restraint is designed to protect a child according to their size and development. It helps position and restrain the child correctly, reducing the risk of serious injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Child secured in a suitable car seat
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are bicycle helmets generally required in France?

36. Are bicycle helmets generally required in France?

✓ No.
Yes, for all cyclists.
Yes, for all adults.

Bicycle helmets are not generally required for all cyclists in France, although specific age or regional rules may apply.

Cyclist wearing a bicycle helmet
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main emergency number in France?

37. What is the main emergency number in France?

000.
111.
✓ 112.
911.

The main emergency number in France is 112.

112 emergency telephone number
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

38. What should you do if you feel tired while driving?

Turn up the radio to stay alert.
Drink coffee and continue without stopping.
Drive faster to reach your destination sooner.
✓ Stop in a safe place and take a break.

Driving while tired reduces concentration and reaction time. Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing.

Tired driver taking a break from a journey
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

39. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Windscreen demisting.
✓ Cabin fan speed.
Air conditioning.
Seat heating.

This control adjusts the cabin ventilation fan speed. Increasing the setting moves more air through the vehicle's ventilation and climate-control system.

Control for adjusting the cabin fan speed
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

40. It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

True.
✓ False.

You must still drive safely and obey traffic laws. Speeding increases risk and is not automatically justified by overtaking.

Vehicle overtaking another road user
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

41. What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the work zone.
Ignore temporary signs if permanent signs are still visible.
✓ Slow down and follow the temporary signs.
Maintain normal speed if your lane remains open.

Roadworks can create narrow lanes, workers near traffic, uneven surfaces, and temporary rules. Slow down and follow the signs.

Roadworks and temporary traffic signs ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

42. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Power-steering warning.
Electronic stability control.
Engine-management warning.
✓ Low tyre pressure.

This symbol indicates that one or more tyres may have low pressure. Check the tyre pressures and inspect the tyres for damage or a puncture.

Tyre-pressure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do before starting an automatic vehicle?

43. What should you normally do before starting an automatic vehicle?

Leave the selector between two positions.
Select D and press the accelerator.
Select R and release the parking brake.
✓ Select P or N and press the brake pedal.

Before starting an automatic vehicle, make sure P (Park) or N (Neutral) is selected and press the brake pedal. Many automatic vehicles will only allow the engine to start when these conditions are met.

Gear selector and brake before starting an automatic vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do after hitting an animal with your vehicle?

44. What should you do after hitting an animal with your vehicle?

Continue driving if the vehicle still works.
Move the animal yourself before checking for traffic.
✓ Stop safely, warn other traffic, and seek appropriate help.
Leave the scene and report it later.

After an animal collision, stop in a safe place if possible and protect yourself and other road users from further danger. Do not approach an injured or frightened animal unless it is safe to do so. Contact the appropriate police, road authority, animal service, or emergency service as required by the situation and local rules.

Vehicle stopped after a collision with an animal
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

45. What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

Leave it flashing until the next turn.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.
Press the horn.
✓ Return the indicator control to its neutral position.

Direction indicators often cancel automatically after a turn, but if an indicator remains on, return the indicator control to its neutral position so you do not mislead other road users.

Returning the indicator stalk to its neutral position
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before leaving a motorway?

46. What should you do before leaving a motorway?

Wait until the exit begins before checking your mirrors.
✓ Check your mirrors, signal in good time, and enter the exit lane safely.
Signal only after entering the exit lane.
Brake sharply before entering the exit lane.

Plan your exit early, move into the correct lane safely, and reduce speed after entering the exit road where appropriate.

Vehicle preparing to take a motorway exit
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

47. What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

✓ Reduce speed and clear the visor safely.
Wipe the inside of the visor while riding.
Look around the side of the visor instead.
Keep riding at the same speed until it clears.

A fogged visor can seriously reduce your view of the road. Reduce speed and use the helmet's ventilation, demisting or anti-fog features where available. If you cannot restore a clear view safely, stop in a safe place before continuing.

Misted visor on a motorcycle helmet
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

48. What should you do if a seat belt is frayed or damaged?

✓ Have it inspected and replaced before relying on it.
Twist the damaged section so it cannot tear further.
Use it normally if the buckle still locks.
Cover the damaged section and continue using it.

A damaged seat belt may not provide proper protection in a collision. Frayed webbing, damaged buckles, faulty retractors, or other defects should be professionally inspected and repaired or replaced before the seat belt is relied upon.

Frayed or damaged seat-belt webbing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle climbing a steep hill?

49. Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle climbing a steep hill?

Its engine may become louder on the hill.
Its headlights may point higher uphill.
✓ It may slow down suddenly or roll backward.
Its tyres may warm up more quickly.

Vehicles may lose speed or briefly roll backward when starting on a steep incline. Extra space gives you more time to react.

Vehicle following another up a steep hill
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you check the engine oil level?

50. How should you check the engine oil level?

✓ Follow the manufacturer's instructions with the vehicle on level ground.
Use the coolant reservoir to measure the oil level.
Add oil every time you refuel the vehicle.
Check it while the engine is running at high speed.

Use the dipstick or electronic oil-level system as described in the owner's manual. The engine is usually switched off, and the vehicle should be standing on level ground.

Checking the engine oil level
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA