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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
How should you brake on a slippery road?

551. How should you brake on a slippery road?

Brake harder than usual to shorten the stopping distance.
✓ Brake gently and progressively.
Use the parking brake to help slow the vehicle.
Apply the brakes suddenly before the tyres lose grip.

Sudden braking can cause the wheels to lose grip. Smooth, progressive braking reduces the risk of skidding.

Braking on a slippery road surface
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do at a railway crossing when the barriers are closing?

552. What should you do at a railway crossing when the barriers are closing?

✓ Stop and wait until the barriers are completely open.
Continue if the barriers are not fully closed.
Follow the vehicle ahead across the tracks.
Cross quickly if you cannot see a train.

Never enter a railway crossing when barriers are closing or warning signals are active. Stop and wait until it is safe.

Barriers closing at a railway crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra following distance when towing?

553. Why should you leave extra following distance when towing?

To reduce tyre wear on the towing vehicle.
✓ Your vehicle combination may take longer to stop.
To prevent the trailer from blocking your view.
To keep the trailer from moving side to side.

Towing adds weight and can increase stopping distance. Extra space gives you more time to react and brake smoothly.

Vehicle towing a trailer behind other traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you use the clutch and accelerator when moving off?

554. How should you use the clutch and accelerator when moving off?

Press the brake and accelerator together.
✓ Release the clutch smoothly while applying the accelerator progressively.
Keep the clutch fully pressed while accelerating.
Release the clutch suddenly without using the accelerator.

When moving off, release the clutch pedal smoothly through the biting point while applying the accelerator progressively. This helps the vehicle move away smoothly without stalling or excessive engine speed.

Coordinating the clutch and accelerator when moving off
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may drive through an amber light without slowing down.

555. You may drive through an amber light without slowing down.

True.
✓ False.

An amber light means you should stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, continue through the junction with caution.

Vehicle approaching an amber traffic light
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

556. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Lane-departure warning.
Parking assistance.
Automatic emergency braking.
Electronic stability control.

This symbol relates to the lane-departure warning or lane-keeping system. The system monitors the vehicle's position within its lane and may warn the driver if the vehicle begins to leave the lane unintentionally.

Lane-departure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

557. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
✓ Adaptive cruise control.
Lane-departure warning.
Automatic start-stop system.

This symbol relates to adaptive cruise control (ACC). The system can maintain a selected speed and automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to help maintain a set distance from traffic ahead.

Adaptive cruise-control symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for riding a moped in France?

558. What is the minimum age for riding a moped in France?

16 years.
15 years.
18 years.
✓ 14 years.

The minimum age for riding a moped in France is generally 14 years.

Minimum age for riding a moped
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can you check that a manual gearbox is in neutral?

559. How can you check that a manual gearbox is in neutral?

Pull up the parking brake.
Press the accelerator pedal.
Turn the steering wheel.
✓ Move the gear lever gently from side to side.

When a manual gearbox is in neutral, the gear lever can normally be moved freely from side to side across the centre of the gear pattern. Check that neutral is selected before starting the engine when appropriate.

Checking neutral with a manual gear lever
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

560. What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

✓ Flash the main-beam headlights.
Switch on the dipped headlights.
Activate the direction indicators.
Activate the hazard warning lights.

Pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally flashes the main-beam headlights. This briefly illuminates the main beam while the stalk is held or operated.

Lighting stalk used to flash the main-beam headlights
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when riding over loose gravel or road debris?

561. What should cyclists do when riding over loose gravel or road debris?

Brake hard while turning.
Make quick steering movements to avoid loose stones.
✓ Reduce speed and steer smoothly.
Keep the same speed as on a dry, smooth road.

Loose material reduces tyre grip. Smooth steering and controlled speed lower the chance of losing balance.

Cyclist riding over loose gravel
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid sudden steering movements on snow or ice?

562. Why should you avoid sudden steering movements on snow or ice?

They increase fuel consumption.
They make the steering wheel harder to turn.
They reduce the effectiveness of the headlights.
✓ They can cause the tyres to lose grip and the vehicle to skid.

Abrupt steering can overwhelm the limited grip available on a slippery surface. Steering smoothly helps keep the vehicle stable.

Steering a vehicle on a snowy road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in France?

563. Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in France?

✓ Red border with white background.
Red border with yellow background.
Blue border with white background.
Black border with yellow background.

Most warning signs in France have a red border with a white background.

Colour combinations used for road warning signs
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space when passing road workers?

564. Why should you leave extra space when passing road workers?

To avoid damaging temporary road markings.
Road workers always have priority over passing traffic.
✓ They may be working close to moving traffic.
To keep construction dust away from your vehicle.

Workers may be only a short distance from passing vehicles. Reduce speed and leave as much safe space as possible.

Vehicle passing workers close to the road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

565. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Rear fog lights.
✓ Dipped headlights.
Main beam.
Sidelights.

This symbol indicates that the dipped headlights are switched on. Dipped headlights illuminate the road ahead while limiting glare for other road users.

Dipped-headlight symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an object falls into the driver's footwell while driving?

566. What should you do if an object falls into the driver's footwell while driving?

✓ Keep control and stop safely before retrieving it.
Reach down and remove it while continuing to drive.
Keep driving unless the object touches a pedal.
Use your foot to push it towards the passenger side.

Do not reach down for an object while driving, as this takes your attention away from the road and can affect vehicle control. If something falls into the driver's footwell, keep control of the vehicle and stop somewhere safe before removing it.

Dropped object close to the driver's pedals
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

567. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Mirror adjustment.
Steering-wheel adjustment.
✓ Seat adjustment.
Seat heating.

This control adjusts the position of the seat. Depending on the vehicle, it may move the seat forwards or backwards, raise or lower it, or change the backrest angle.

Control for adjusting the driver's seat
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when following a cyclist on a narrow road?

568. What should you do when following a cyclist on a narrow road?

Drive close behind until there is room to pass.
✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when there is enough space.
Pass even if you cannot leave much space.
Sound your horn so the cyclist moves aside.

Cyclists may need to avoid potholes, drains, or wind gusts. Keep distance and only pass when you can leave plenty of space.

Vehicle following a cyclist on a narrow road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

569. What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

Increase speed to warm the brakes.
✓ Drive carefully and test them gently when safe.
Brake hard several times to dry them quickly.
Ignore it if the vehicle still stops.

Water can reduce braking performance. After driving through water, check the brakes gently when it is safe to do so.

Checking braking response after driving through water
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle catches fire?

570. What should you do if your vehicle catches fire?

Keep driving slowly until you find a safer place to stop.
Stay inside the vehicle while waiting for assistance.
✓ Stop, switch off the engine, evacuate everyone, and call the emergency services.
Try to move personal belongings out before leaving.

Move everyone well away from the vehicle and call emergency services. If the fire is small and it is safe to do so, use a suitable fire extinguisher. Opening the bonnet fully can supply additional oxygen and cause the fire to intensify.

Vehicle with a fire breaking out
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

571. What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

Switch on the hazard lights while refuelling.
✓ Switch off the engine before starting to refuel.
Leave the engine running to protect the battery.
Increase the engine speed before removing the fuel cap.

Switch off the engine before refuelling. Fuel vapours are flammable, so avoid ignition sources and follow the safety instructions at the filling station. If fuel is spilled, do not start the vehicle until the situation has been made safe.

Vehicle at a pump before refuelling
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

572. What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

Cover the damaged area and continue charging.
✓ Do not use it, and report or arrange repair of the damage.
Use it if the vehicle still begins charging.
Hold the damaged section away from the vehicle.

Do not use a damaged charging cable or connector. Damage can create a risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire. Use suitable undamaged charging equipment and report the fault or arrange professional repair or replacement.

Damaged electric-vehicle charging cable or connector
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

573. Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

Wider turns reduce the trailer's stopping distance.
Wider turns decrease tyre wear.
Wide turns prevent the trailer from swaying.
✓ The trailer follows a tighter path than the towing vehicle.

Trailer wheels cut closer to the inside of a turn. Allow enough clearance from kerbs, signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

Towing vehicle and trailer negotiating a turn
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

574. Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

The coolant level may become harder to read.
Opening it can reduce the engine oil pressure.
✓ Pressurised hot coolant may escape and cause serious burns.
The cooling fan could stop working.

A hot cooling system may remain under pressure. Allow the engine to cool and follow the manufacturer's instructions before checking or adding coolant.

Coolant cap and the risk of hot pressurised coolant
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should cyclists cross railway or tram tracks?

575. How should cyclists cross railway or tram tracks?

Follow the rails briefly before crossing them.
✓ Cross at a safe angle, as close to perpendicular as possible.
Increase speed so the wheels cannot get caught.
Brake firmly while the front wheel is on the rail.

A bicycle wheel can become trapped in a rail groove. Crossing at a wider angle reduces this risk.

Cyclist crossing rails in the road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

576. What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

That first gear is selected and the accelerator is pressed.
✓ That the gearbox is in neutral and the clutch is pressed.
That the parking brake is released.
That reverse gear is selected.

Before starting a manual vehicle, make sure the gearbox is in neutral and press the clutch pedal. This helps prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the engine starts.

Clutch and gear checks before starting a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

577. Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

✓ It can cause unnecessary clutch wear.
It can lock the steering.
It can increase tyre pressure.
It can apply the parking brake.

Resting your foot on the clutch pedal can apply slight pressure to the clutch mechanism and cause unnecessary wear. Keep your left foot off the clutch when it is not needed.

Foot position near the clutch pedal
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

578. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

The seat belt is not fastened.
The airbag system has a fault.
The anti-theft system is active.
✓ A door is open.

This symbol indicates that one or more vehicle doors are not fully closed. Check that all doors are securely shut before driving.

Door-open warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

579. Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

✓ It may not show everything around the vehicle.
It guarantees that the path behind is clear.
It removes the need to look around before reversing.
It makes mirrors unnecessary when reversing.

Reversing cameras can help, but they may have blind spots and limited coverage. Always check your mirrors and surroundings, look around where possible, and reverse slowly.

Reversing-camera display inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can loud music be dangerous while cycling?

580. Why can loud music be dangerous while cycling?

It reduces the grip of the tyres.
✓ You may not hear traffic or warning sounds.
It makes bicycle lights less effective.
It makes the bicycle harder to balance.

Hearing approaching vehicles, bells, horns, and other warning sounds is an important part of staying aware.

Cyclist listening to music near traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

581. Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

✓ They could interfere with deployment and become dangerous projectiles.
They could cause the airbag warning light to stay on.
They could make the dashboard harder to clean.
They could make the airbag deploy too slowly.

Do not place or attach objects over an airbag cover or in an airbag's deployment area. They may interfere with the airbag as it inflates and could be thrown towards occupants when the airbag deploys.

Objects placed over a vehicle's airbag cover
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it dangerous to cross while listening to loud music?

582. Why is it dangerous to cross while listening to loud music?

✓ You may not hear approaching traffic.
Drivers may not hear you crossing.
Music can make you lose your balance.
You may not see approaching traffic clearly.

Loud music can reduce your awareness of vehicles, bicycles, horns, and other warning sounds.

Pedestrian listening to music while crossing the road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

583. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

Make a U-turn and drive toward the nearest exit.
Reverse toward the tunnel entrance if traffic is light.
Leave the vehicle and walk along the road to find help.
✓ Move aside if possible, use hazard lights, and call for assistance.

If possible, stop in an emergency bay or another safe place and use the hazard lights. Contact tunnel control using an emergency telephone or other available assistance system, and follow the tunnel signs and instructions.

Broken-down vehicle inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

584. What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

Cross between parked vehicles if traffic seems quiet.
Cross near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
Cross diagonally to spend less time in each lane.
✓ Choose a place with a clear view in both directions.

If there is no marked crossing nearby, choose a safe place where you can clearly see approaching traffic.

Pedestrian preparing to cross a road without a marked crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

585. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Direction indicators.
Brake warning.
✓ Hazard warning lights.
Emergency braking.

This symbol indicates the hazard warning lights. When activated, all direction indicators flash simultaneously to warn other road users of a hazard or unusual situation.

Hazard warning light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why are tyre condition and pressure especially important on a motorcycle?

586. Why are tyre condition and pressure especially important on a motorcycle?

They affect only comfort at high speed.
✓ They directly affect grip, stability, and braking.
They mainly affect the engine temperature.
They matter only when carrying a passenger.

A motorcycle relies on a relatively small area of tyre contact with the road. Correct tyre pressure, tread and condition are important for grip, steering, stability and braking. Check the tyres regularly and follow the manufacturer's recommended pressures.

Checking the condition of a motorcycle tyre
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

587. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Front fog lights.
✓ Main beam.
Sidelights.
Dipped headlights.

This symbol indicates that the main beam headlights are switched on. Main beam illuminates the road farther ahead but can dazzle other road users, so it should be changed to dipped headlights when necessary.

Main-beam headlight symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an animal is standing on the road at night?

588. What should you do if an animal is standing on the road at night?

Drive around it immediately without slowing down.
✓ Slow down and be prepared to stop.
Flash your headlights repeatedly to make it move.
Switch off your headlights as you approach.

Animals may freeze, turn back, or move unpredictably when caught in vehicle headlights.

Animal standing on a road at night
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally select before leaving an automatic vehicle parked?

589. What should you normally select before leaving an automatic vehicle parked?

D (Drive).
N (Neutral).
R (Reverse).
✓ P (Park).

Select P (Park) before leaving an automatic vehicle parked. Park locks the transmission to help prevent the vehicle from rolling; the parking brake should also be applied.

Park position on an automatic gear selector
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

590. Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

The tyres may lose pressure while the vehicle is parked.
The alarm system may activate unexpectedly.
✓ The interior can heat up quickly and cause serious heat illness.
The vehicle battery may discharge more quickly.

The inside of a parked vehicle can heat up rapidly, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Leaving a window partly open does not make the vehicle safe.

Parked vehicle and the danger of interior heat
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

591. What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

Release the clutch suddenly.
Push the lever harder until the gear engages.
✓ Avoid forcing the gear lever.
Press the accelerator fully.

If a gear does not engage easily, do not force the gear lever. Make sure the clutch is fully pressed and the vehicle's speed is suitable for the gear before trying again.

Operating a manual gear lever without forcing it
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

592. Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

To make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
To confirm other drivers have seen your indicator.
✓ A cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle may be beside you.
To check whether the road ahead is clear.

Mirrors do not show every area around your vehicle. A blind-spot check can reveal cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or vehicles before you move off.

Driver checking a blind spot before moving off
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

593. It is safe to look at your phone briefly while driving.

✓ False.
True.

Using your phone while driving is distracting and dangerous, even for a very short moment.

Driver glancing at a phone while driving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave a safe following distance inside a tunnel?

594. Why should you leave a safe following distance inside a tunnel?

✓ You need enough space to react if traffic slows or stops.
To make it easier for other vehicles to overtake.
Because vehicles ahead cannot see you in their mirrors.
Because tunnels usually have a poor road surface.

Limited space and visibility can make incidents inside tunnels especially dangerous. A safe gap gives you more time to react.

Gap between vehicles travelling through a tunnel
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

595. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

ABS fault.
Low tyre pressure.
✓ Parking brake applied.
Brake pads worn.

This symbol indicates that the parking brake is applied. It should normally go out when the parking brake is fully released.

Parking-brake indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

596. What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

✓ Check that all lanes are safe before crossing.
Check only the lane nearest to you.
Cross immediately once the driver waves you through.
Watch the stopped driver instead of the other traffic.

One driver may stop, but other vehicles may still be moving. Always check all lanes before crossing.

Driver waving a pedestrian across the road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

597. How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

✓ It can raise the centre of gravity and reduce stability.
It reduces the effect of strong crosswinds.
It lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity.
It makes the vehicle more stable in bends.

Weight carried high on the vehicle can increase body movement and make sudden steering or cornering less stable.

Vehicle carrying a raised roof load
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

598. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Front windscreen demister.
✓ Windscreen washer.
Air recirculation.
Windscreen wiper speed.

This symbol indicates the windscreen washer. Operating the control sprays washer fluid onto the windscreen and normally activates the wipers to help clean the glass.

Windscreen-washer control and spray symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

599. What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

Switches cruise control off completely.
Applies the brakes automatically.
✓ Returns the vehicle to the previously set cruising speed.
Sets the vehicle's current speed as a new limit.

The resume function normally returns the vehicle to the previously set cruise-control speed after the system has been temporarily disengaged. The driver should use it only when traffic and road conditions are suitable.

RES button for resuming the stored cruising speed
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in France?

600. Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in France?

Yes.
✓ No.

Drivers in France are generally not allowed to use a handheld phone while driving.

Driver using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA