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 platforms (Ornikar, Codes Rousseau, Prepacode, PermisÉcole) 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, often backed by Codes Rousseau or Digischool.
2026 digital tools
The revision ecosystem has diversified. Mobile apps with realistic simulation (Ornikar Code, Prepacode, PermisEcole, ENPC): €15-25/month, unlimited access. Free websites limited to 40 questions/day (Passe Ton Permis, Code Gratuit). Official paper books (Codes Rousseau): €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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