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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
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

601. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Four-wheel-drive system.
Parking assistance.
Electronic stability control.
Differential lock.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's four-wheel-drive system, which can transmit power to all four wheels. The exact symbol and operating modes vary between vehicles.

Four-wheel-drive system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

602. Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

They are needed only on roads without street lighting.
They make the bicycle easier to control.
✓ They help you see and help others notice you.
They make reflective clothing unnecessary.

Front and rear lights improve visibility and make it easier for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to detect you.

Bicycle lights used when riding at night
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

603. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Winter tyres are fitted.
The windscreen is frozen.
Air conditioning is active.
✓ Risk of icy road conditions.

This symbol warns that the outside temperature is low enough for ice to form. Road surfaces, especially bridges and shaded areas, may be slippery even when they appear clear.

Icy-road warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

604. Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

✓ It helps control speed using engine braking.
It allows the vehicle to coast more freely.
It increases tyre grip on steep roads.
It reduces engine braking to save fuel.

Engine braking helps prevent the vehicle from gaining too much speed and reduces strain on the brakes.

Lower-gear selection for a downhill road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

605. What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

Stop only if other traffic is approaching.
Continue if the junction appears clear.
✓ Stop and wait until you may proceed.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.

A red traffic light means you must stop before the stop line, pedestrian crossing, or intersection unless a sign or signal indicates otherwise.

Red traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the windscreen washer reservoir contain suitable washer fluid?

606. Why should the windscreen washer reservoir contain suitable washer fluid?

✓ It helps remove dirt, salt, insects, and spray from the windscreen.
Plain water always cleans the windscreen just as well.
Washer fluid is needed only in freezing weather.
Any household cleaning product can be used instead.

A clear windscreen is essential for safe observation. Suitable washer fluid helps clean the glass and may provide protection against freezing in cold conditions.

Windscreen washer-fluid reservoir in a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally apply the brake pedal for a smooth stop?

607. How should you normally apply the brake pedal for a smooth stop?

Press it as hard as possible immediately.
Use the parking brake instead.
Pump the pedal repeatedly.
✓ Apply pressure progressively.

For normal braking, apply the brake pedal progressively and smoothly. As the vehicle comes to a stop, easing the pressure slightly can help avoid a sudden jerk.

Progressive brake-pedal pressure for a smooth stop
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another road user makes a mistake?

608. What should you do if another road user makes a mistake?

Keep your course and expect them to correct their mistake.
✓ Stay calm and avoid creating more danger.
Immediately overtake them to get past the situation.
Drive closer so they notice your presence.

Road users can make mistakes. Staying calm and reacting safely helps prevent crashes.

Driver responding to another road user's mistake
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

609. What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

Enter at a low speed and let motorway traffic adjust.
✓ Match your speed, check around you, and merge into a safe gap.
Stop at the end of the entry lane and wait for a large gap.
Merge as soon as the entry lane begins.

Use the entry lane to build a suitable speed, check carefully, signal, and merge only when it is safe.

Vehicle joining a motorway from an entry lane
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

610. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

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

This symbol indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), often because soot has accumulated in the filter. The vehicle may require regeneration or professional inspection, depending on the vehicle and warning status.

Diesel particulate filter warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid remaining beside a large vehicle on a motorway?

611. Why should you avoid remaining beside a large vehicle on a motorway?

Driving beside them improves your view of the road ahead.
Large vehicles cannot change lanes at motorway speeds.
Their tyres may reduce the motorway speed limit.
✓ You may remain in its blind spot and have less room to escape.

Large vehicles have significant blind spots. Avoid travelling alongside them longer than necessary.

Vehicle alongside a large vehicle on a motorway
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

612. What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

Brake only after entering the curve if necessary.
Move slightly toward the centre for a better view.
✓ Slow down and stay in your lane.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the curve.

A curve can hide oncoming traffic, obstacles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Reduce speed and keep a safe position.

Road bend with a restricted view ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

613. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Parking assistance.
Electronic stability control.
Automatic emergency braking.
Adaptive cruise control.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's parking assistance system. Depending on the vehicle, the system may use sensors or cameras to detect obstacles and assist the driver while parking.

Parking-assistance symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

614. What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

✓ Wait patiently and let them finish crossing.
Drive around them if there is enough room.
Pass as soon as they have cleared your part of the road.
Sound your horn to encourage them to cross faster.

Some pedestrians may need more time to cross. Stay patient, keep a safe distance, and do not pressure them.

Pedestrian crossing the road slowly
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

615. What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

Swerve around them immediately without checking traffic.
Stop beside the rocks to inspect the road.
✓ Slow down and avoid them smoothly when safe.
Maintain speed and drive over smaller stones.

Loose rocks can damage tyres, affect steering, or block part of the road. Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements. If rocks are actively falling, do not enter or stop in the danger area. Keep a safe distance and, if necessary, wait in a safe place until it is safe to continue.

Fallen rocks on a mountain road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if exhaust fumes begin entering the car?

616. What should you do if exhaust fumes begin entering the car?

Switch the ventilation to recirculation and keep driving.
Turn up the heater to clear the fumes.
✓ Open the windows, stop safely, leave the vehicle, and seek assistance.
Ignore the fumes if no warning lights appear.

Exhaust gases may contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and may not be visible. The exhaust system should be inspected before the vehicle is used again.

Vehicle exhaust fumes and cabin ventilation
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

617. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Front windscreen demister.
Rear window demister.
Windscreen washer.
Air conditioning.

This symbol indicates the front windscreen demister. It directs airflow towards the windscreen to help clear condensation, mist or frost and restore a clear view.

Front windscreen demister symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which gear is used to drive a manual vehicle backwards?

618. Which gear is used to drive a manual vehicle backwards?

✓ R (Reverse).
Neutral.
1st gear.
2nd gear.

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive a manual vehicle backwards. The vehicle should be stationary before Reverse is selected.

Manual gear lever and gear-selection pattern
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

619. Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

✓ In a protected place well away from moving traffic.
Wait in the traffic lane until help arrives.
Wait just behind the vehicle away from the traffic lane.
Wait close beside the vehicle where drivers can see you.

Move passengers, children, and pets away from the carriageway. On high-speed roads, wait behind a safety barrier where possible.

Passengers moving away from a broken-down vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when passing a horse rider?

620. What should you do when passing a horse rider?

Pass closely to reduce the time beside the horse.
Accelerate while passing to get past quickly.
✓ Slow down and give plenty of space.
Sound your horn so the rider knows you are passing.

Horses can be startled by noise or sudden movement. Slow down, pass carefully, and leave enough space.

Vehicle passing a horse and rider
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are normally covered by driving licence B?

621. Which vehicles are normally covered by driving licence B?

Heavy goods vehicles of any mass.
Buses carrying more than eight passengers.
Any vehicle towing a heavy trailer.
✓ Cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg.

Category B normally covers motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3,500 kg and designed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. Trailer rules depend on the trailer and combined authorised mass.

Car covered by category B
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

622. What should you check before starting a bicycle journey?

Only the brakes if the journey is short.
✓ The brakes, tyres, lights, and steering.
Only the tyres and chain.
The lights, but not the steering or brakes.

A basic safety check can reveal problems with the brakes, tyres, lights, or steering before they cause an accident.

Checking a bicycle before a journey
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you use the brake pedal during emergency braking in a vehicle with ABS?

623. How should you use the brake pedal during emergency braking in a vehicle with ABS?

✓ Press it firmly and keep it pressed.
Pump it rapidly.
Release it if the pedal vibrates.
Use the parking brake instead.

During emergency braking with ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and keep it pressed. Pulsation or vibration through the pedal can be normal while ABS is operating, so do not pump or release the brake.

Firm brake-pedal pressure during emergency braking with ABS
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum licence for a bus designed for more than 16 passengers?

624. What is the minimum licence for a bus designed for more than 16 passengers?

Licence C.
Licence D1.
Licence D1E.
✓ Licence D.

Category D1 is limited to vehicles designed for no more than 16 passengers in addition to the driver. A bus designed for more than 16 passengers therefore requires category D.

Bus designed for more than 16 passengers
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicle type is mainly associated with driving licence A?

625. Which vehicle type is mainly associated with driving licence A?

Truck.
✓ Motorcycle.
Moped.
Bus.

Driving licence A is mainly associated with motorcycles. Category A1 covers lighter motorcycles, A2 covers medium-powered motorcycles, and A covers more powerful motorcycles.

Driving licence card for category A
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

626. Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

Temporary lanes are designed for frequent lane changes.
Lane changes are safer when traffic is moving slowly.
Drivers should always use the lane with fewer vehicles.
✓ Narrow lanes and changing layouts increase the risk of collision.

Frequent lane changes create additional risk where space is limited and drivers are already adapting to temporary layouts.

Vehicles travelling through restricted roadworks lanes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is a stop sign usually?

627. What colour is a stop sign usually?

White.
Blue.
✓ Red.
Yellow.

Stop signs are almost always red because red is universally associated with danger and the need to stop immediately.

Red octagonal stop sign
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

628. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Air recirculation.
Air conditioning.
Cabin temperature adjustment.
✓ Airflow direction.

This control selects the direction of the ventilation airflow, such as towards the face, feet or windscreen.

Control for directing cabin ventilation airflow
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the best place to cross the road?

629. What is the best place to cross the road?

✓ At a designated crossing.
At the shortest point, even if visibility is limited.
Between parked vehicles if traffic appears quiet.
Near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.

Use a designated crossing whenever possible. It is usually the safest place to cross the road.

Designated crossing for pedestrians
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep your windscreen clean?

630. Why should you keep your windscreen clean?

To prevent windscreen damage.
To make the headlights brighter.
To improve engine cooling.
✓ To see the road clearly.

A clean windscreen gives you a clear view of the road, signs, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

Cleaning a windscreen to improve the driver's view
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Is a warning triangle required in cars in France?

631. Is a warning triangle required in cars in France?

✓ Yes.
No.

Cars in France are required to carry a warning triangle.

Warning triangle carried as vehicle safety equipment
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

632. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Rear window wiper.
Windscreen wiper.
Windscreen washer.
Rear window demister.

This symbol controls the rear window wiper. Depending on the vehicle, the same control may also operate the rear-window washer.

Rear-window wiper control and symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

633. What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

That the charging cable is as long as possible.
That the vehicle doors remain unlocked.
✓ That the connector and charging equipment are suitable for the vehicle.
That the vehicle's headlights are switched on.

Charging connectors and charging capabilities can vary between vehicles and charging stations. Use compatible charging equipment that is suitable for the vehicle and follow the vehicle and charger manufacturer's instructions.

Matching an electric vehicle's connector to suitable charging equipment
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should cyclists brake on a wet road?

634. How should cyclists brake on a wet road?

Use only one brake to avoid skidding.
Brake normally because wet roads do not affect grip.
Brake sharply once you are close to stopping.
✓ Brake earlier and more gradually than usual.

Wet surfaces reduce grip and increase stopping distance. Smooth, early braking helps prevent skidding.

Cyclist braking on a wet road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are covered by driving licence AM?

635. Which vehicles are covered by driving licence AM?

Motorcycles up to 125 cm³.
✓ Mopeds over 25 and up to 45 km/h, and light quadricycles.
Any two-wheeled motor vehicle.
Cars up to 3,500 kg.

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.

Category AM mopeds and light quadricycles
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

636. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Charging-system warning.
✓ Low fuel level.
Low engine oil.
Engine-temperature warning.

This symbol indicates that the fuel level is low. Refuel soon to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.

Low-fuel warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?

637. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?

Apply the parking brake to straighten the vehicle.
Steer rapidly from side to side.
Accelerate sharply to regain traction.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want to travel.

Avoid sudden braking or steering. Look where you want to go and use gentle controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle skidding on an icy road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should a passenger get on or off a motorcycle?

638. When should a passenger get on or off a motorcycle?

As soon as the engine has been started.
Before the rider has balanced the motorcycle.
Whenever the passenger feels ready.
✓ When the motorcycle is stationary and the rider is ready.

A passenger getting on or off can shift the motorcycle's balance suddenly. The motorcycle should be stationary and stable, and the passenger should wait until the rider is ready and prepared to support the extra movement.

Passenger getting onto a stationary motorcycle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are bicycle lights required at night in France?

639. Are bicycle lights required at night in France?

✓ Yes.
No.

Cyclists in France are generally required to use bicycle lights at night.

Bicycle lights used at night
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid driving through deep water?

640. Why should you avoid driving through deep water?

Water causes the tyres to lose air pressure.
✓ It can damage your vehicle or make you lose control.
Increase speed to maintain full control through the water.
Driving through deep water is always prohibited.

Deep water can damage the engine, reduce braking ability, hide hazards, or cause the vehicle to lose grip. Reduce speed, assess the depth and conditions carefully, and avoid entering the water if you are unsure it is safe. If necessary, stop and use another route.

Deep water covering part of a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which speed unit is used in France?

641. Which speed unit is used in France?

Miles per hour (mph).
✓ Kilometres per hour (km/h).

Road speeds in France are shown in kilometres per hour (km/h).

Road speed expressed in kilometres per hour
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Does the priority-to-the-right rule apply in France?

642. Does the priority-to-the-right rule apply in France?

No.
✓ Yes.

In France, the priority-to-the-right rule generally applies at uncontrolled intersections.

Vehicle approaching a junction from the right
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What may happen if you release the clutch too quickly when moving off?

643. What may happen if you release the clutch too quickly when moving off?

The headlights may switch off.
The steering may lock.
The parking brake may engage.
✓ The engine may stall.

Releasing the clutch pedal too quickly when moving off can cause the engine to stall. Release the clutch smoothly through the biting point while applying the accelerator progressively.

Clutch release and engine stalling when moving off
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

644. What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

Shake the vehicle to make room for more fuel.
Pull the nozzle partly out and continue filling.
Remove the nozzle and restart the engine immediately.
✓ Stop refuelling rather than continuing to top up the tank.

When the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off, stop refuelling rather than repeatedly topping up the tank. Continuing can cause fuel to spill or overflow and may interfere with the vehicle's fuel-vapour control system.

Fuel nozzle in a vehicle's filler opening
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA