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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 is riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol dangerous?

501. Why is riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol dangerous?

A helmet protects you from alcohol-related risks.
✓ Alcohol can reduce your balance, coordination, judgement, and reaction time.
Alcohol affects driving more than cycling.
Cycling after drinking is safe on quiet roads.

Alcohol can make it harder to balance, steer, judge distances, and react to hazards. Riding a bicycle while impaired may also be against the law.

Alcohol consumption and bicycle-riding safety
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

502. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

✓ False.
True.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
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You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

503. You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

False.
✓ True.

Keeping proper control of the steering wheel helps you react safely to changes in traffic and road conditions.

Driver keeping both hands on the steering wheel
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What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

504. What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

To release the seat belt from the buckle.
✓ To take up slack and lock the belt when necessary.
To tighten the parking brake.
To adjust the seat height.

The seat-belt retractor takes up slack and helps keep the belt properly positioned against the body. It allows normal movement but can lock during sudden braking, rapid belt movement or a collision.

Seat-belt webbing and retracting mechanism
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

505. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
Mirror adjustment.
Child safety lock.
✓ Electric window control.

This control operates the vehicle's electric windows. Pressing or pulling the switch lowers or raises the corresponding window.

Switch for operating an electric window
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

506. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror adjustment.
Central door locking.
Seat adjustment.
Mirror folding.

This control adjusts the vehicle's exterior mirrors. The driver normally selects the left or right mirror and then moves the control to change its angle.

Control for adjusting the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

507. What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

Take an extra dose before a long journey.
✓ Check whether it may affect your ability to drive.
Drive normally if the medicine was prescribed.
Drive slowly until you know how it affects you.

Some medicines can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions, or reduced concentration. Check the label or patient information and follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Checking medicine warnings before driving
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How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

508. How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

Keep your speed and pass as close as possible.
Brake hard just before reaching the pothole.
✓ Check surroundings, reduce speed, and avoid it smoothly.
Swerve around it as soon as you notice it.

Sudden swerving can place you in the path of traffic. Check your surroundings and change direction gradually.

Cyclist approaching a pothole
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

509. What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

Try to push the vehicle out of the traffic lane.
Walk along the road to find assistance.
Switch off all lights to preserve the battery.
✓ Stay inside, use hazard lights, and call the emergency services.

If leaving the vehicle would put you in greater danger, remain restrained, make the vehicle visible, contact the emergency services, and follow their instructions.

Vehicle stranded among moving traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

510. Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

✓ They help you see, be seen, and communicate your intentions.
They improve braking performance in poor weather.
They make the vehicle use less fuel.
They prevent the windscreen from misting.

Dirty or faulty lights reduce visibility and make it harder for other road users to understand when you are braking, turning, reversing, or changing position.

Checking and cleaning a vehicle's exterior lights
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

511. When should you select reverse gear in a manual vehicle?

Whenever you want to reduce speed.
While the vehicle is still moving forward slowly.
Before pressing the clutch pedal.
✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

Select reverse gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Press the clutch fully before selecting reverse to avoid unnecessary wear or damage to the transmission.

Selecting reverse gear in a stationary manual vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

512. What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

Remove it from the ignition.
Turn it immediately to ACC.
✓ Release it so it returns from START to ON.
Keep holding it in the START position.

Once the engine starts, release the ignition key so it returns from START to the ON position. Holding the key in START unnecessarily can keep the starter motor engaged.

Releasing the ignition key after the engine starts
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

513. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Steering-wheel adjustment.
Cruise control.
Exterior mirror adjustment.
Seat adjustment.

This control adjusts the position of the steering wheel. Depending on the vehicle, the steering wheel may be moved up or down and forwards or backwards to obtain a safe and comfortable driving position.

Control for adjusting the steering-wheel position
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

514. What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

✓ Stop using the tyre and arrange professional inspection or replacement.
Increase the tyre pressure and continue driving.
Move the damaged tyre to another wheel position.
Cover the damaged area and keep using the tyre.

Cuts, bulges, and exposed cords can indicate serious structural damage. The tyre may fail suddenly and should not be used normally.

Damaged vehicle tyre requiring inspection
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a designated driver do?

515. What should a designated driver do?

Stop drinking shortly before driving.
Drink only low-alcohol drinks.
✓ Remain alcohol-free for the entire journey.
Drink only a small amount with food.

A designated driver should remain sober so they can drive safely and respond properly to traffic conditions.

Alcohol-free designated driver for a journey
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

516. Which licence category is mainly associated with mopeds?

Licence A.
Licence C.
✓ Licence AM.
Licence D.

Driving licence AM is mainly associated with mopeds. Category AM covers mopeds with a design speed above 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h.

Moped and category AM driving licence
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who should always wear a seat belt?

517. Who should always wear a seat belt?

✓ Everyone in the vehicle.
Only the driver.
Only people in the front seats.
Only children and young passengers.

Seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash and should be worn by everyone in the vehicle.

Vehicle occupants wearing seat belts
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What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

518. What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

✓ Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering.
Use smooth steering movements.
Look where you want the vehicle to go.
Stay calm and maintain control.

Sudden braking, acceleration, or steering can make a skid worse. Stay calm and use smooth controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle beginning to skid
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in France?

519. What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in France?

Yellow.
✓ White.

Roads in France normally use a white centre line to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions.

Centre-line markings separating opposing traffic
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Are winter tyres generally required in France?

520. Are winter tyres generally required in France?

Yes, throughout winter.
✓ No.
Yes, throughout the year.

Winter tyres are not generally required for cars in France, although they may still be recommended or required in specific situations.

Winter tyres for cold-weather driving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

521. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Instrument-panel brightness.
Parking lights.
Hazard warning lights.
✓ Interior lighting.

This control operates the vehicle's interior lighting. Depending on the vehicle, the lights can be switched on manually or set to illuminate automatically when a door is opened.

Control for the vehicle's interior lighting
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

522. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electric window control.
✓ Exterior mirror folding.
Seat adjustment.
Exterior mirror adjustment.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
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Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in France?

523. Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in France?

✓ Yes.
No.

Drivers in France are generally required to use dipped headlights when driving through tunnels.

Vehicle using dipped headlights in a road tunnel
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Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

524. Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

Where the puncture occurred, as long as the hazard lights are on.
✓ On firm, level ground well away from moving traffic.
As close to moving traffic as possible to keep off the verge.
On soft ground if the jack appears stable.

The vehicle must be stable and protected from traffic. Apply the parking brake and follow the manufacturer's wheel-changing instructions.

Wheel change on firm ground away from traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

525. What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

✓ Reduce speed before the bend and look through it.
Brake hard after beginning to lean.
Look only at the road directly in front of the wheel.
Accelerate before checking how sharp the bend is.

Adjust your speed before entering the bend so you can steer smoothly and remain within a safe position. Look through the bend towards where you want to travel and be prepared for hazards that may be hidden from view.

Motorcyclist approaching a bend
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving near a school area?

526. What should you do when driving near a school area?

Watch only for children already on the road.
✓ Slow down and watch carefully for children.
Drive close behind other vehicles to keep traffic moving.
Maintain your usual speed if the road looks clear.

Children near schools may cross unexpectedly or be hidden between parked vehicles. Reduce speed and be ready to stop.

Vehicle travelling near a school
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What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

527. What should you do when traffic lights are not working?

✓ Proceed carefully and follow signs or priority rules.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.
Proceed if the junction appears clear.
Treat the junction as if you have priority.

If traffic lights are not working, slow down, observe carefully, and follow signs, road markings, or local priority rules.

Junction with traffic lights out of operation
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before joining a motorway?

528. What should you do before joining a motorway?

✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and look for a safe gap.
Wait until the end of the slip road before checking for a gap.
Check your mirrors only and assume the blind spot is clear.
Signal and expect motorway traffic to make space for you.

Observe motorway traffic early, signal clearly, and merge only when there is a safe gap.

Driver checking motorway traffic before merging
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What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

529. What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

Drive slowly and avoid busy roads.
Drive only if you do not feel drunk.
✓ Do not drive and arrange a sober form of transport.
Drink coffee before driving.

Alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, vision, and reaction time. A sober driver, taxi, public transport, or an overnight stay is the safer choice.

Alcohol consumption and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

530. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Charging-system warning.
Engine-management warning.
Rear fog lights.
✓ Exterior-light failure.

This symbol indicates a possible failure of an exterior vehicle light, such as a headlight, tail light, brake light or indicator. Check the vehicle's exterior lights and replace or repair any faulty light.

Exterior-light failure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

531. Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

Because parked vehicles have priority over cyclists.
Because the road could be slippery beside parked cars.
✓ A door may open suddenly.
To make it easier for traffic to overtake you.

A driver or passenger may open a door without seeing you. Leaving space reduces the risk of a dooring collision.

Cyclist riding beside parked cars
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

532. What should you do if an overtaking vehicle is coming toward you?

Maintain your speed and expect the other driver to return to their lane.
Brake sharply as soon as the vehicle enters your lane.
✓ Slow down and move slightly aside if safe.
Move closer to the centre so the other driver notices you.

If an oncoming vehicle creates danger while overtaking, reduce speed and make space if it is safe to do so. Avoid sudden movements that could create an additional hazard.

Oncoming vehicle overtaking into the driver's lane
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in France?

533. What is the minimum age for a standard car driving licence in France?

16 years.
21 years.
✓ 17 years.
18 years.

The minimum age for a standard car driving licence in France is 17 years.

Minimum age for obtaining a car driving licence
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

534. What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

Shift into neutral and let the vehicle roll freely.
Accelerate between bends to reduce brake use.
✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.

Continuous braking can cause overheating and reduced braking performance. A lower gear provides engine braking and reduces demand on the brakes.

Vehicle descending a hill with overheating brakes
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What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

535. What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

Reaction distance and following distance.
✓ Reaction distance and braking distance.
Visibility distance and reaction distance.
Braking distance and overtaking distance.

The total stopping distance consists of the distance travelled while the driver reacts to a hazard plus the distance travelled while the vehicle is braking to a stop.

Reaction and braking distances before a vehicle stops
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

536. Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

Pedestrians may be crossing near them.
They provide shortcuts to nearby roads.
They mark areas where vehicles may stop temporarily.
✓ You may need to reach one quickly during an emergency.

Knowing where emergency exits and refuge areas are located can save valuable time during a fire, collision, or evacuation.

Emergency exit inside a road tunnel
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What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in France?

537. What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in France?

70 km/h.
✓ 80 km/h.
Other speed limit.
100 km/h.

In France, the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars outside built-up areas
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What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

538. What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

✓ Ease off the accelerator and steer back smoothly when safe.
Accelerate slightly before steering back onto the road.
Keep driving on the shoulder until the road becomes wider.
Steer back onto the road as quickly as possible.

If you drift onto the shoulder, avoid sudden steering or braking. Slow gently and return to the road smoothly when it is safe.

Vehicle drifting towards the road shoulder
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

539. Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can make road signs harder to read.
They can cause the speed limiter to switch off.
They can prevent the horn from working properly.

Headphones or very loud music can reduce your awareness of horns, sirens, warning sounds, and surrounding traffic. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to remain aware of what is happening around the vehicle.

Driver wearing headphones at the wheel
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What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

540. What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

✓ Reduce speed and have the tyres, wheels, and steering checked.
Keep driving if the vehicle still steers normally.
Reduce the tyre pressure slightly to smooth the ride.
Increase speed until the vibration becomes less noticeable.

An unusual vibration may indicate tyre damage, wheel imbalance, loose components, or another mechanical fault. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver experiencing vibration through the steering wheel
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

541. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Fresh-air ventilation.
Front windscreen demister.
Rear window demister.
✓ Air recirculation.

This symbol activates air recirculation, which reduces the amount of outside air entering the vehicle and recirculates air already inside the cabin. It can be useful when driving through polluted air or when cooling the interior quickly.

Cabin air-recirculation control and symbol
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What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

542. What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually.
Steer quickly toward the side of the road.
Pump the brake pedal repeatedly.
Accelerate briefly to stabilise the vehicle.

A tyre burst can make the vehicle unstable. Hold the wheel firmly, avoid sudden braking or steering, and slow down gradually.

Vehicle tyre damaged by a sudden blowout
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

543. What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

Continue filling the tank and clean it up afterwards.
Wash the spill away with water and continue refuelling.
✓ Stop refuelling, avoid ignition sources, and alert station staff.
Start the engine and move the vehicle immediately.

If fuel is spilled, stop refuelling immediately and keep flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away. Do not start the vehicle until the situation is safe. Alert filling-station staff and follow their instructions for dealing with the spill.

Fuel spilled during refuelling
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What is the minimum licence for a moped with a design speed over 25 and up to 45 km/h?

544. What is the minimum licence for a moped with a design speed over 25 and up to 45 km/h?

Licence A1.
Licence B.
✓ Licence AM.
No driving licence is required.

Category AM covers certain two- and three-wheeled mopeds with a maximum design speed above 25 km/h and not exceeding 45 km/h, as well as light quadricycles.

Moped with a design speed up to 45 km/h
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

545. Why should you be cautious when following a vehicle carrying a loose load?

Loose loads give the vehicle priority when changing lanes.
The vehicle must always travel at a lower speed.
✓ Objects may fall onto the road.
Loose loads prevent the driver from using the mirrors.

A poorly secured load can fall or shift suddenly. Keep extra distance and avoid following too closely.

Vehicle carrying an unsecured load ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before attempting to jump-start a vehicle?

546. What should you do before attempting to jump-start a vehicle?

Start both vehicles before connecting the leads.
Use any battery that physically fits the vehicle.
✓ Check the owner's manual and make sure the connections are compatible.
Ignore battery damage if the terminals look clean.

Incorrect jump-starting can damage electrical systems, cause sparks, or make a battery explode. Connect the leads in the correct order before starting the vehicles, and follow the manufacturer's procedure exactly.

Preparing to jump-start a vehicle battery
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What is the main safety risk of aggressive driving?

547. What is the main safety risk of aggressive driving?

It can increase fuel consumption.
It can make the journey less comfortable.
✓ It increases the risk of crashes.
It may attract the attention of the police.

Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, speeding, or sudden lane changes, reduces safety margins and increases the risk of crashes and conflict with other road users.

Driver displaying aggressive behaviour in traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before releasing the parking brake on a slope?

548. What should you do before releasing the parking brake on a slope?

✓ Make sure the vehicle is securely controlled before releasing it.
Press the accelerator fully.
Turn the steering wheel fully.
Select neutral and release all pedals.

Before releasing the parking brake on a slope, make sure the vehicle cannot roll unexpectedly. Use the service brake or, when moving off in a manual vehicle, establish the clutch biting point and sufficient power before releasing the parking brake.

Preparing to release the parking brake on a slope
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

549. What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

Continue slowly until the brakes begin working again.
Shift into neutral and let the vehicle coast to a stop.
Apply the parking brake suddenly at full force.
✓ Reduce speed using other available braking methods and stop safely.

Remain calm, warn other road users, and use other available braking methods to reduce speed. This may include engine braking or a lower gear, and careful use of the parking or emergency brake according to the vehicle's design. Steer toward the safest available stopping area.

Vehicle braking-system failure while driving
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What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

550. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
Engine-management warning.
Anti-theft system.
✓ Automatic start-stop system.

This symbol relates to the automatic start-stop system, which can switch the engine off temporarily while the vehicle is stationary and restart it when driving resumes. The exact colour and appearance may vary between vehicles.

Automatic start-stop system symbol on the dashboard
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