The French highway code evolves to match contemporary mobility. In 2026, the official question bank managed by Road Safety has 1,250 items across 10 themes. Since the July 2023 overhaul, new topics are integrated: soft mobility, low-emission zones (LEZ), eco-driving, autonomous vehicles, vulnerable-user safety. This guide details the news and proposes an effective revision method.
2026 exam structure
The general theory test (ETG) lasts about 30 minutes and has 40 questions randomly drawn from 1,250. Pass threshold: minimum 35 correct answers (87.5%). Single €30 fee paid directly at the approved exam centre (La Poste, SGS, Bureau Veritas, DEKRA, Objectif Code). Result communicated within 48h by email and post.
The 10 official themes
1) Legal provisions on road traffic. 2) The driver. 3) The road (signs, markings). 4) Other road users. 5) Mechanics and equipment notions. 6) Vehicle safety elements. 7) Vehicle use rules. 8) Driving practice. 9) Environment (eco-driving, pollution). 10) First aid. The 40-question distribution follows quotas ensuring balanced coverage.
New themes introduced since 2023
Since the July 2023 overhaul and 2024-2025 updates, several new themes enrich the exam. Soft mobility: traffic rules for e-scooters, bikes, cargo bikes, cycle lanes. LEZ and Crit'Air: obligations, checks, fines. Autonomous vehicles: automation levels (0 to 5), driver liability. Vulnerable-user safety: lateral distances, truck blind spots, new signs (B22c yield to cyclists). Eco-driving: environmental impact, fuel-saving techniques.
Sample 2026 question
Sample question: " In a metropolitan low-emission zone (LEZ), on a weekday at 2 pm, which vehicle is allowed to drive? A) A 2005 Crit'Air 3 diesel. B) A 2020 Crit'Air 1 petrol. C) A 2009 Crit'Air 4 diesel van. D) An unclassified 2006 motorbike. " Right answer: B (Crit'Air 1 allowed, Crit'Air 3 banned since 2025, 4 and 5 since 2022, unclassified always banned).
2026 success rate
According to Road Safety's 2025 review, first-attempt national success rate stands at 61%, steadily progressing since 2022 (58%, 59.5%, 60.3%, 61%). This figure varies strongly by region: 64% in Brittany, 56% in Île-de-France, 52% in Corsica. Average candidate age is 19.4; the success rate is higher for 17-19 year olds (63.8%) than for 30+ (54%).
Effective revision method
Best approved platforms offer between 2,000 and 5,000 practice questions, more than the official bank to cover all variants. Teacher-recommended method: 1) Initial assessment to identify weaknesses. 2) Revise by theme (1 theme/day). 3) 20 mock tests of 40 questions over 4 weeks. 4) Review only errors the last week. 5) Take the official exam at cycle end.
Average revision time
For a novice (never taken the code), median revision time is 35-50 hours over 4-8 weeks. For a candidate retaking after failure, 15-25 hours generally suffice. Driving-school students benefit from unlimited access to their school's revision platform.
2026 digital tools
The revision ecosystem has diversified. Mobile apps with realistic simulation: €15-25/month, unlimited access. Free websites limited to 40 questions/day (Passe Ton Permis, Code Gratuit). Official paper books: €19-29. VR simulations in some equipped schools (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux): real exam feeling.
Classic exam traps
Five common traps. 1) Double negation in statements ("it is forbidden not to slow"): read slowly. 2) Ambiguous illustrations: observe signs, horizontal markings, vegetation to situate environment (city, road, motorway). 3) Multiple-choice questions (several true): all-or-nothing, select all correct. 4) Priorities at complex intersections: apply right-priority rule lacking a sign. 5) Speed limits: distinguish built-up, non-built-up, expressway, motorway.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What new questions on the code exam in 2026?
The 2026 code exam integrates 90 new questions across 4 themes: electric vehicles (30 questions), ZFE and Crit'Air (20), soft mobility (25) and level 3 automation (15). The total base goes from 1,000 to 1,090 active questions in 2026. The format remains unchanged: 40 randomly drawn questions, 35 minimum correct answers required, 30-minute maximum duration in approved centre.
What themes are most difficult in the 2026 code?
The 3 most failed themes in 2026: 1) priorities and complex intersections (37 percent errors), 2) road signage and marking (28 percent), 3) ZFE and Crit'Air rules (24 percent, new). Conversely, alcohol and drugs have the best rates (90 percent correct answers). Tip: spend 40 percent of revision time on priorities, the most eliminatory theme.
What tips to pass the 2026 code exam?
4 effective tips: 1) practice on at least 1,500 questions spread over 5 weeks (40/day), 2) target 2026 novelties (electric, ZFE, soft mobility, 90 specific questions), 3) complete 10 timed mock exams under real conditions, 4) only validate series at 38/40. National pass rate reaches 64 percent in 2026, but rises to 80 percent for candidates applying this method.
How long does it take to prepare the code in 2026?
It takes on average 30 to 40 hours of revision spread over 4 to 8 weeks to pass the 2026 code on the first try. For intensive courses: 20 to 24 hours over 3 days suffice for 75 percent of candidates. Optimal method: 40 minutes per day on app + 1 timed mock exam per week. Tip: only present the exam after passing 5 consecutive series at 38/40 minimum.
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