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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 press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

351. Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

To lock the gear lever in position.
To increase engine speed.
✓ To disengage the engine fully from the transmission.
To apply the brakes.

Pressing the clutch pedal fully disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the gear to be changed smoothly and reducing unnecessary wear on the gearbox and clutch.

Clutch pedal pressed fully for a gear change
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control activates all direction indicators at the same time?

352. Which control activates all direction indicators at the same time?

The headlight switch.
The parking-brake control.
The rear-window demister.
✓ The hazard warning light switch.

The hazard warning light switch activates all direction indicators at the same time to warn other road users of a hazard or emergency.

Hazard warning light switch and triangle symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the charging-system warning light comes on?

353. What should you do if the charging-system warning light comes on?

✓ Reduce electrical use, stop safely, and seek assistance.
Restart the engine repeatedly to reset the warning.
Increase engine speed until the warning light goes out.
Switch on more electrical systems to test the battery.

The alternator or charging system may have failed. The vehicle may stop once the remaining battery charge is exhausted.

Charging-system warning illuminated on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

354. What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

Use your horn so the driver moves aside.
✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when safe.
Overtake as soon as the road becomes slightly wider.
Overtake even if the vehicle is signalling to turn.

Farm machinery may be wide, slow, or turn unexpectedly. Keep distance and only overtake when you have a clear view and enough space.

Vehicle approaching slow-moving farm machinery
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before overtaking another vehicle?

355. What should you do before overtaking another vehicle?

✓ Make sure it is safe and allowed.
Overtake whenever the vehicle ahead is moving slowly.
Signal and expect other traffic to make room.
Move out first and check whether the road is clear.

Before overtaking, check the road, mirrors, blind spots, signs, and markings, use your indicator, and only overtake when it is safe and permitted.

Vehicle preparing to overtake another vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A?

356. Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A?

Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ only.
✓ Motorcycles without the A1 or A2 power limits.
Motorcycles with sidecars only.
Motorcycles up to 35 kW only.

Category A covers motorcycles without the power restrictions that apply to categories A1 and A2. It also covers powered tricycles with power exceeding 15 kW.

Motorcycle covered by unrestricted category A
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

357. How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

It affects stopping distance only on steep roads.
It makes the brakes respond more quickly.
It reduces the driver's reaction time.
✓ It can increase the distance needed to stop.

A heavily loaded vehicle has more mass and may require additional distance to slow down or stop safely.

Loaded vehicle and the space needed for braking
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

358. What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

✓ Wait until it turns green.
Cross if nearby vehicles appear to have stopped.
Cross if there is a large enough gap in traffic.
Cross if another pedestrian has already started.

A red pedestrian signal means you should wait before crossing.

Red pedestrian signal at a crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which distance unit is used on road signs in France?

359. Which distance unit is used on road signs in France?

Miles.
✓ Kilometres.

Road distances in France are normally shown in kilometres.

Distance units used on road signs
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

360. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
✓ Diesel glow-plug preheating.
Charging-system warning.
Diesel particulate filter warning.

This symbol indicates the diesel glow-plug preheating system. In a diesel vehicle, wait for the light to go out before starting the engine when required. If it remains illuminated or flashes while driving, it may indicate a fault.

Diesel glow-plug preheating symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

361. Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

Large vehicles always have priority when turning.
✓ The driver may not be able to see them.
Blind spots matter only when a vehicle is reversing.
Cyclists must always stay behind large vehicles.

Buses and trucks have large areas where the driver cannot see cyclists, especially beside the vehicle and near turns.

Cyclist in a large vehicle's blind spot
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

362. Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

Through whichever door opens first.
From the driver's side in every situation.
From the rear door nearest the centre of the road.
✓ On the side away from moving traffic.

Passengers should get in or out on the side away from moving traffic whenever possible. This is particularly important for children, who may not recognise approaching traffic or other road users. Before opening any door, check that it is safe.

Passenger leaving a vehicle on the side away from traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Speed limits only apply when there is heavy traffic.

363. Speed limits only apply when there is heavy traffic.

✓ False.
True.

Speed limits apply at all times unless a different limit is clearly indicated.

Speed-limit sign beside a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before changing lanes?

364. What should you do before changing lanes?

✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot.
Rely on your mirrors without checking the blind spot.
Check the blind spot only after starting to move.
Check only the lane directly beside you.

Always check your mirrors, look over your shoulder if necessary, and make sure it is safe before changing lanes.

Driver checking surrounding traffic before changing lanes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check after fitting a wheel?

365. What should you check after fitting a wheel?

✓ That the wheel nuts are tightened correctly.
That the wheel nuts are covered by the trim.
That the jack remains partly under the vehicle.
That the wheel can move slightly on the hub.

After fitting a wheel, make sure the wheel nuts are tightened correctly using the manufacturer's specified procedure and torque. Incorrectly tightened wheel nuts can loosen or damage the wheel. Recheck them later if the vehicle or wheel manufacturer recommends it.

Checking wheel nuts after fitting a wheel
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use your indicator before turning?

366. Why should you use your indicator before turning?

To show that the turn is safe to make.
✓ To show other road users what you plan to do.
To give yourself priority over other traffic.
To replace checking mirrors and blind spots.

Indicators help other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians understand your intentions in time.

Vehicle indicator signalling an intended turn
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

367. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.
Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.
Pump it repeatedly while braking.
Press it before using the brake pedal.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

368. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Central door locking.
Fuel-filler flap release.
Window lock.
✓ Boot or tailgate release.

This symbol indicates the boot or tailgate release. Operating the control unlocks or opens the luggage compartment, depending on the vehicle.

Boot or tailgate release control
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which road markings should you follow through roadworks?

369. Which road markings should you follow through roadworks?

Use whichever markings give you the shortest route.
Ignore markings and follow only the vehicle ahead.
Use the markings intended for construction vehicles.
✓ The temporary markings that show the current traffic route.

Temporary road markings may replace the normal lane layout during roadworks. Follow the markings and signs that currently guide traffic.

Temporary road markings through a roadworks area
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

370. What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

Keep riding normally and let the driver find a way past.
Move aside quickly without checking around you.
✓ Stay alert and move to a safe position without obstructing it.
Stop immediately, even if you are in the traffic lane.

Emergency vehicles need a clear route. Move predictably and stop only where doing so is safe.

Cyclist near an approaching emergency vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges and overpasses become icy before nearby roads?

371. Why can bridges and overpasses become icy before nearby roads?

✓ Cold air circulates above and below them.
Traffic usually moves faster across bridges.
Their barriers trap cold air on the road surface.
Road salt is less effective on bridges.

Bridges lose heat from both their upper and lower surfaces, so they can freeze before roads built directly on the ground.

Icy surface on an exposed bridge
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

372. How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

✓ Use both brakes smoothly and progressively.
Use only the front brake.
Use only the rear brake.
Apply both brakes as suddenly as possible.

During normal braking, use both the front and rear brakes smoothly and progressively. The front brake normally provides much of the braking force, while the rear brake also helps slow and stabilise the motorcycle. Sudden or poorly balanced braking can reduce stability or cause a wheel to lose grip.

Motorcyclist using the front and rear brakes
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must luggage or other objects not obstruct the driver's view?

373. Why must luggage or other objects not obstruct the driver's view?

They can make the steering heavier.
✓ They can hide hazards and reduce the driver's ability to see safely.
They can increase tyre pressure.
They can increase the vehicle's braking distance.

The driver must have a clear view of the road and surroundings. Luggage, decorations, or other objects that obstruct the windscreen, windows, or mirrors can hide pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, signs, or other hazards.

Luggage obstructing the driver's view
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can you check which fuel is suitable for your vehicle?

374. How can you check which fuel is suitable for your vehicle?

Choose whichever fuel is cheapest at the station.
Ask another driver with a similar-looking vehicle.
Use petrol unless the engine sounds like a diesel.
✓ Check the fuel-filler label, fuel cap, or vehicle information.

Before refuelling, check which fuel type the vehicle requires. The correct fuel is often shown inside the fuel-filler flap, on or near the fuel cap, or in the vehicle information or owner's manual. Do not rely only on nozzle colours, as these can vary between filling stations and countries.

Checking the fuel label before refuelling
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?

375. What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?

To apply the parking brake.
To slow the vehicle using the brakes.
✓ To disconnect the engine from the transmission.
To increase the engine speed.

Pressing the clutch pedal temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gear or stop without stalling the engine.

Clutch pedal in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another driver behaves aggressively towards you?

376. What should you do if another driver behaves aggressively towards you?

Respond with your horn and gestures.
✓ Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and create more distance.
Speed up to prevent them from passing you.
Stop beside them so you can discuss the problem.

If another driver behaves aggressively, do not retaliate or become involved in a confrontation. Stay calm, increase the distance between you, and let the other vehicle move away when possible. If you feel threatened, go to a safe public place and seek appropriate assistance.

Driver facing aggressive behaviour from another road user
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid using an ordinary extension lead to charge an electric vehicle?

377. Why should you avoid using an ordinary extension lead to charge an electric vehicle?

It prevents the vehicle from locking while charging.
It will always charge the vehicle too quickly.
✓ It may overheat because it is not designed for continuous high-power charging.
It prevents the charging port from closing afterwards.

An ordinary household extension lead may not be designed for the sustained electrical load required for EV charging and can overheat. Use suitable approved charging equipment and follow the vehicle and charging-equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Extension lead used for electric-vehicle charging
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in France?

378. What is the general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in France?

✓ 50 km/h.
60 km/h.
Other speed limit.
30 km/h.

The general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in France is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars in built-up areas
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do before turning or changing position on the road?

379. What should cyclists do before turning or changing position on the road?

Signal only when a vehicle is close behind.
Signal and turn without checking behind.
✓ Look behind, signal clearly, and move only when safe.
Move first, then signal to traffic behind.

Checking behind and signalling gives other road users time to understand what you intend to do.

Cyclist preparing to turn or change road position
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

380. How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

✓ Reduce speed and keep a relaxed, steady grip.
Grip the handlebars as tightly as possible.
Make quick steering corrections as the bike moves.
Accelerate sharply to cross them quickly.

Longitudinal grooves or ruts can affect a motorcycle's steering and may make the wheels follow the uneven surface. Reduce speed where necessary, keep a relaxed but steady grip and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering corrections.

Motorcyclist approaching grooves in the road surface
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

381. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
Adaptive cruise control.
Driving mode selection.
✓ Speed limiter.

The speed limiter allows the driver to set a maximum speed that the vehicle should not normally exceed while the accelerator is being used.

Vehicle speed-limiter control and symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed in fog?

382. Why should you reduce speed in fog?

To reduce fuel consumption.
✓ Because you have less time to react to hazards you cannot see.
To prevent moisture from entering the engine.
To reduce vehicle emissions.

Fog can hide obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Lower speed gives you more time to react.

Fog limiting a driver's view ahead
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

383. How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

✓ With the fuel-filler side close enough for the hose to reach safely.
At an angle so the rear of the vehicle is closest to the pump.
Wherever there is space, regardless of the fuel-filler position.
As close to the pump as possible, even if access is restricted.

Position the vehicle so the fuel filler is close to the pump and the hose can reach without being stretched tightly across or around the vehicle. Stop within the designated refuelling area and leave enough space to use the pump safely.

Vehicle positioned beside a fuel pump
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when an automatic vehicle is stationary in D?

384. What should you do when an automatic vehicle is stationary in D?

✓ Keep the brake pedal pressed.
Select reverse gear.
Press the accelerator lightly.
Release the parking brake.

An automatic vehicle may creep forward when D (Drive) is selected, even without pressing the accelerator. Keep the brake pedal pressed while stationary to prevent unintended movement.

Automatic gear selector in Drive and brake-pedal control
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

385. Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

Street lighting makes dark clothing easy to see.
Clothing colour matters only on unlit roads.
✓ Drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
Headlights make clothing colour unimportant.

Dark clothing makes pedestrians harder to see in low-light conditions. Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility.

Pedestrian wearing dark clothing at night
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A2?

386. Which motorcycles are covered by driving licence A2?

Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ only.
Motorcycles above 70 kW.
✓ Motorcycles up to 35 kW within the A2 limits.
Motorcycles of any power.

Category A2 covers motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. The motorcycle must not be derived from a vehicle with more than double its power.

Motorcycle covered by category A2
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do before selecting D or R in an automatic vehicle?

387. What should you normally do before selecting D or R in an automatic vehicle?

✓ Press and hold the brake pedal.
Apply the parking brake only.
Press the accelerator pedal.
Switch off the engine.

Before selecting D (Drive) or R (Reverse), keep the brake pedal pressed to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the gear is engaged.

Holding the brake before selecting an automatic driving gear
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

388. What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

The animal will usually return the same way.
Wild animals normally cross roads one at a time.
You can continue normally once the animal has passed.
✓ More animals may follow.

Many animals travel in groups. Slow down and continue watching both sides of the road.

Wild animals crossing a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

389. Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

Road signs are harder for animals to recognise.
Animals cannot see vehicles during daylight.
✓ Many animals are more active at these times.
Speed limits change automatically at dawn and dusk.

Many wild animals are most active around dawn and dusk, when visibility may also be reduced.

Wild animal beside a road in low light
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

390. What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

Ignore the signal until the bus starts moving.
Drive closely beside the bus to prevent it moving out.
Sound your horn so the bus waits for you.
✓ Slow down and be prepared to let it move out when safe.

Buses may pull away after picking up passengers. Slow down, check the traffic situation, and allow space when it is safe.

Bus signalling to pull away from a stop
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can happen if you use the brakes continuously on a long descent?

391. What can happen if you use the brakes continuously on a long descent?

Nothing, if the brake fluid level is correct.
The brakes may become more effective as they heat up.
✓ The brakes may overheat and become less effective.
The brakes will automatically cool while being used.

Continuous braking can cause the brakes to overheat and fade, reducing braking performance. Use a lower gear to help control speed with engine braking.

Vehicle braking during a long descent
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

392. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Child safety lock.
✓ Central door locking.
Mirror adjustment.
Window lock.

This control operates the vehicle's central door locking system. Pressing it locks or unlocks the vehicle's doors, depending on the current lock state.

Central door-locking control and symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you normally wait after a breakdown on a high-speed road?

393. Where should you normally wait after a breakdown on a high-speed road?

On the verge beside the broken-down vehicle.
Between the vehicle and the safety barrier.
✓ Behind a safety barrier and well away from the vehicle and traffic.
In front of the vehicle while facing approaching traffic.

A stationary vehicle can be struck by passing traffic. Waiting behind a barrier provides better protection.

People waiting behind a safety barrier after a breakdown
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

394. Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

✓ They are often exposed to stronger gusts.
Steering works less effectively above water.
Bridge lighting makes it harder to judge speed.
Vehicles require more engine power on bridges.

Bridges are often open and exposed, allowing strong winds to affect vehicles more suddenly.

Exposed bridge in strong wind
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

395. What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

Proceed if the other driver appears to be slowing down.
Enter slowly so the other driver has time to react.
✓ Slow down and proceed only when it is safe.
Rely on eye contact and enter the junction first.

If priority is unclear, reduce speed, observe carefully, and avoid entering the junction until you are sure it is safe.

Vehicles approaching a junction with uncertain priority
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

396. What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

Continue if you cannot see or hear a train.
Drive around the barrier if the road ahead is clear.
Follow the vehicle ahead across the tracks.
✓ Stop before the crossing and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Flashing warning lights mean a train may be approaching. Stop before the crossing and wait until the warning has ended and the crossing is clear.

Flashing warning lights at a railway crossing
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

397. What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

To allow pedestrians to cross without checking traffic.
To provide a place where vehicles may stop temporarily.
To separate pedestrians from cyclists along the road.
✓ To help pedestrians cross the road safely.

Pedestrian crossings provide a designated place where people can safely cross the road.

Pedestrian crossing across a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

398. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
✓ Immobiliser or anti-theft system.
Power-steering warning.
Charging-system warning.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's immobiliser or anti-theft system. If it remains illuminated or flashes unexpectedly, the vehicle may not recognise the key or there may be a fault in the security system.

Immobiliser indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

399. How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

It affects reaction distance but not braking distance.
It decreases the distance needed to stop.
✓ It increases the distance needed to stop.
It has no effect if the brakes are in good condition.

As speed increases, the vehicle travels farther while the driver reacts and requires more distance to brake. This means the total stopping distance increases significantly as speed rises.

Vehicle speed and the distance needed to stop
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid keeping the clutch pedal pressed while driving?

400. Why should you avoid keeping the clutch pedal pressed while driving?

It increases tyre pressure.
It applies the parking brake.
✓ It reduces engine braking and vehicle control.
It locks the steering.

Keeping the clutch pedal pressed while the vehicle is moving disconnects the engine from the transmission. This reduces engine braking and can reduce your control of the vehicle.

Clutch held down while a vehicle is moving
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA