Learning the highway code and knowing its 10 themes is essential for candidates for the theoretical highway code exam to pass the general theoretical test (ETG) . This precious sesame will not only allow you to continue your learning towards your driving license , but you will also be a better driver. Fortunately, it is now easy to revise the highway code for free with the En Voiture Simone website and mobile application. Here is a brief overview of the highway code themes on which you will be questioned at the end of your theoretical training:

Summary:

Road traffic rules

Road signs

Speed ​​limits

Know the road

Other road users

Rules for the driver

Be fit to drive

Driving in difficult conditions

The mechanical functioning of cars

New technological aids

Getting in and out of the vehicle

Safety on board

Providing first aid to accident victims

Ecology at the wheel

Mandatory and optional administrative documents

Assimilate and know French and European legislation

Road traffic rules:

When you drive, you must follow several obligations . These road traffic rules include:

• know how to position yourself correctly on the road , that is to say on the rightmost lane in the desired direction, except when overtaking;
• carry out your visual checks;
• use your turn signals before changing direction .

These three points must be respected in order to travel on the road properly and while respecting everyone's safety.

Road signs

Road signage rules are among the most difficult to assimilate for candidates for the highway code test. As a reminder, road signs are found on the entire French road network. They mainly include road markings, called horizontal signage , and the various signs, vertical signage .

Horizontal signage is thus symbolized by arrows and inscriptions on the road . It delimits the roadway, gives indications on overtaking zones, yield zones, intersections encountered or even directions.

As for vertical signage, it includes different panels classified by shape and color :

red = prohibition or danger,

blue = obligation or indication,

yellow = temporary indication,

green or brown = different types of locations, such as a direction indication

Triangular signs are always used to indicate danger . Round signs can indicate a prohibition if they are red and white, or an obligation if they are blue and white.

Some road traffic signs such as priority signs can take different shapes and colors. They must be known by heart to respect the priorities of users and avoid accidents.

Your highway code lessons will allow you to learn and recognize them, just like for light signals (red lights in particular).

Speed ​​limits

Thanks to the highway code lessons, you will learn to recognize the different limitations applied to each type of road. In built-up areas, the speed is generally 50 km/h , but drops to 30 in indicated zones and to 20 in meeting zones. Outside built-up areas, there are three situations :

80 km/h for two-way roads, except in certain overtaking slots where it will be limited to 90 km/h,

110 km/h for divided carriageways and 100 km/h in case of precipitation,

Know the road

Knowing the road involves recognizing the differences between traffic lanes, but also the danger zones or areas where the road is shared. Your highway code lessons will allow you to know how to act in several specific cases :

how to drive on the motorway and the rules to follow (speed limits in clear and rainy weather, prohibited manoeuvres, safety distances, etc.);

danger zones , such as construction sites, tunnels, level crossings, public transport routes, etc.;

how the street is shared with other users (parking, priorities, special lanes, etc.).

Other road users

The road is crossed and used by many other users . Future motorists must know each category of road users , and the rules and specificities associated with them. You will thus have the ability to act and react when you meet them:

pedestrians , having priority if they wish to cross a street;

cyclists , benefiting from specific facilities such as cycle paths;

motorized two-wheelers , which can surprise motorists by slipping between lines of cars, particularly during traffic jams;

intervention vehicles , equipped with a blue flashing light and an audible signal, whose traffic you must facilitate when they are on a mission;

heavy vehicles , with which you must be extra careful when overtaking;

public transport , sometimes benefiting from specific traffic lanes.

Rules for the driver

Learning the highway code also involves learning certain specificities related to the driver . The latter is responsible for controlling his vehicle . He must also respect these 3 rules in his driving:

definition of a driving strategy , which involves analyzing each situation, understanding it and reacting accordingly;

knowledge of risky situations and anticipation of these, you must therefore learn to avoid a collision by communicating with other motorists, respecting safety distances or adapting speed;

visual exploration , which includes checking blind spots and rearview mirrors before changing direction.

Be fit to drive

According to the Highway Code, another responsibility that falls to the driver is to ensure that he is fit to drive before getting into his vehicle. He must therefore understand that his state of health, whether physical or psychological, has a significant impact on his ability to drive .

Physical factors include drugs and alcohol , medications, or temporary or permanent disabilities (vision, hearing). Psychological factors may include fatigue, stress , strong emotions, or external distractions.

According to the Highway Code, another responsibility that falls to the driver is to ensure that he is fit to drive before getting into his vehicle. He must therefore understand that his state of health, whether physical or psychological, has a significant impact on his ability to drive .

Physical factors include drugs and alcohol , medications, or temporary or permanent disabilities (vision, hearing). Psychological factors may include fatigue, stress , strong emotions, or external distractions.

Driving in difficult conditions

Driving conditions can change quickly and especially unexpectedly. When you are on the road, you must be vigilant and adapt your driving strategy when weather conditions become more or less intense: rain, fog, snow, black ice, or even strong gusts of wind.

Driving at night also requires greater vigilance, as well as certain rules regarding car headlights and lights . Each lesson of the Highway Code will be an opportunity to learn more about driving and the rules to follow.

The mechanical functioning of cars

When driving your car, you will need to know several fundamental elements regarding automotive mechanics and equipment . This includes:

engine and lights operation;

the condition of wear of brakes, wheels and tires;

ventilation or demisting systems.

On the day of your highway code exam, or even your driving test, you may be asked questions about this equipment and car mechanics in general. During your online code lessons, you will learn in particular the different indications that the dashboard can give you, but also certain information on tires and how to maintain your vehicle.

New technological aids

With the technological evolution of vehicles, several aids now exist to protect motorists , facilitate driving and improve their comfort. When learning the highway code, you will receive information on several protection technologies that can be equipped on vehicles, such as emergency braking aids, ABS and AFU in particular , or road holding aids, ESP.

There are also other driving aids that are more about comfort: GPS, cruise control and speed limiter, etc.

Getting in and out of the vehicle

When you are going to take and leave the vehicle , you must imperatively respect several essential rules. Before starting and leaving a parking space, it is necessary to ensure that your vehicle is in perfect working order . You must therefore check the condition of its tires, its lights and also the presence of possible leaks. Several mandatory safety equipment must also be in your car: warning triangle and high visibility vest.

Before leaving your vehicle, you will finally have to check that it is properly immobilized by the handbrake , but also that you can open your doors without risk. If children are on board, they must also be able to get out on the sidewalk side.

Safety on board

Your highway code lessons will teach you the rules to ensure the safety of the passenger and the vehicle . You will therefore have to learn how to protect passengers on board the vehicle . This involves in particular knowledge of safety devices: seat belts, different types of airbags or child seats, door locking and increased surveillance for the latter. You will also have to know everything about safety and road prevention : dangerous behavior at the wheel, respecting safety distances and lateral spaces, etc. As a driver, you must not represent a danger to other people.

Providing first aid to accident victims

Victim assistance is now part of the questions asked when you take the 2025 highway code exam. The driver must know how to protect the accident area , alert emergency services, and above all provide assistance and first aid to any injured people. You will thus learn how to act in these delicate and urgent situations during your highway code lessons.

Ecology at the wheel

The environment and ecology are essential themes and issues of our century. It is therefore your duty to integrate virtuous practices on this subject. The first is eco-driving. At the wheel, you can adopt a more flexible driving style : anticipate changes in traffic, change gears at low revs, maintain a stable speed, use the highest possible engine speed to reduce fuel consumption , and maintain your vehicle well.

A second act that contributes to respecting the environment is to place ecomobility at the heart of your travels : carpooling, car sharing or intermodality (trains, public transport, bicycle). You can thirdly push this ecological responsibility by choosing the engine of your car: petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric.

Mandatory and optional administrative documents

Motorists must always carry a number of mandatory administrative documents with them: driving license, registration certificate, which indicates the unique registration number of the car, and insurance certificate. The latter proves that you have at least third-party liability insurance.

Not essential, some optional documents are also very useful in certain cases:

the amicable report , which you can now also complete online;

the parking disc , for parking for a limited period in blue zones;

the automobile user manual , to answer certain technical problems or find out more about accessories;

the maintenance log , where you will find all the important work carried out by a mechanic on the vehicle.

Assimilate and know French and European legislation

When driving, you must be aware of the various offences and offenses related to the Highway Code. Offences against the Highway Code regulations can range from a simple ticket to a misdemeanor . This obviously depends on the seriousness of the transgression against the law. The sanctions can range from a fine or a withdrawal of points to confiscation of the driving license or even the vehicle . In the most serious cases, a prison sentence may even apply to certain crimes and offenses.

As a reminder, the driving license includes a capital of 12 points maximum once the probationary period has been validated. Points can be removed according to the violations committed and their seriousness: speeding, parking, vehicle integrity, overtaking, drink driving, etc. The withdrawal of points is variable, as mentioned above. You will learn the many cases during your highway code lessons. Note that if you lose all the points, your driving license will be invalidated . You can rebuild this capital of points through a recovery course or if you do not commit new offenses for a certain period of time.

In addition to French laws, you must also be aware of European laws since you will likely be travelling within the European Union.

Learn the highway code effectively

You now know all the topics of the highway code. To ensure your progress and then pass the code and pass the ETG, all you have to do is practice the highway code online thanks to the many lessons and MCQs on equipment, road users or road traffic rules offered by En Voiture Simone. You will be able to effectively revise your highway code , from your computer or tablet. Traffic signs, priorities and road safety will no longer hold any secrets for you.

To make sure you are ready for the exam , note your progress. Are you still stuck on the equipment? Continue to revise on your computer until you no longer have any doubts. Finally, find out about the general theory test (ETG) before going to the exam room.

Your success in the practical test also depends on your learning of the code. So, to get your driving license first time , also remember to revise your code lessons well before the exam. In particular those on priorities, road signs and respect for other users!