Free Practice Questions for CAP MV — Véhicules Légers

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Key Facts: CAP MV — Véhicules Légers Exam

10/20

Minimum passing grade required overall and in the professional domain

Éduscol — Le certificat d'aptitude professionnelle (CAP)

0 €

Official exam registration fee via Cyclades

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale

Niveau 3

National qualification level under RNCP and EQF

France Compétences (RNCP40997)

2027

First examination session of the renovated CAP Maintenance des véhicules (options véhicules légers, véhicules de transport routier, motocycles)

Arrêté du 26 mars 2025, article 10

12 weeks

Mandatory period of workplace training (PFMP) for the CAP Maintenance des véhicules

Arrêté du 26 mars 2025, article 4

The CAP Maintenance des Véhicules option véhicules légers (RNCP40997, arrêté du 26 mars 2025, first session 2027) is the national qualification for light-vehicle mechanics in France. Awarded by the French Ministry of Education through regional académies, it is assessed by two workshop practical units — EP1 (coefficient 9, 3 h) and EP2 (coefficient 6, 4 h) — and requires 10/20 overall plus 10/20 across the professional units. Public candidate registration via Cyclades is free. This OpenExamPrep bank provides 100 English-language practice MCQs structured around routine servicing, powertrain repairs, chassis systems, automotive electronics, and workshop safety standards.

Sample CAP MV — Véhicules Légers Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAP MV — Véhicules Légers exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under French road regulations (Code de la route) and Contrôle Technique standards, what is the legal minimum tread depth across the main grooves for passenger car tires?

A.1.0 mm

B.1.6 mm

C.2.0 mm

D.3.0 mm

Explanation: Article R314-1 of the Code de la route requires visible tread and delegates the numeric limit to a ministerial order. That order — the arrêté du 18 juillet 2019 relatif aux pneumatiques, article 5 — requires tyres on category M1, N1, O1 and O2 vehicles to keep a depth of at least 1.6 mm in the principal tread grooves throughout their road use. Once the tread is level with the 1.6 mm wear bars (témoins d'usure, TWI), the tyre is unroadworthy and must be replaced.

2During a routine periodic inspection, both front tires exhibit heavy accelerated wear along both outer shoulder edges, while the center of the tread remains deep. What is the most probable cause?

A.Excessive wheel toe-in (excès de pincement)

B.Chronic tire over-inflation

C.Chronic tire under-inflation

D.Excessive negative camber (carrossage négatif excessif)

Explanation: When a tire is chronically under-inflated, the center of the contact patch buckles inward, shifting vehicle weight and friction forces to the outer shoulders. This results in symmetrical wear on both the inner and outer shoulders of the tire. Over-inflation would conversely cause accelerated wear along the center of the tread.

3When servicing a modern Euro 6 diesel passenger car equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (FAP / DPF), which ACEA engine oil specification category is strictly required?

A.ACEA C (e.g., C2, C3, or C5 low/mid-SAPS)

B.ACEA A3/B4 (high ash content)

C.ACEA A1/B1 (obsolete fuel economy)

D.API GL-4 (extreme pressure gear oil)

Explanation: Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel engines equipped with a particulate filter (FAP) require ACEA C-category (catalyst-compatible) engine oils with low or medium sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur (low/mid-SAPS). Standard ACEA A/B oils contain higher levels of metallic additives that produce non-combustible ash, permanently clogging the micro-channels of the particulate filter.

4In an indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS / SSPP indirect), how does the vehicle ECU detect a loss of tire pressure without pressure sensors inside the wheels?

A.By calculating differential rolling resistance from engine load signals

B.By measuring tire carcass temperature via infrared sensors mounted in the wheel arches

C.By monitoring high-frequency chassis vibrations through the electronic stability sensors

D.By comparing relative wheel rotational speeds using the ABS/ESP wheel speed sensors

Explanation: An indirect TPMS (Système de Surveillance de la Pression des Pneus indirect) relies on the existing ABS/ESP wheel speed sensors. When a tire loses air pressure, its effective rolling radius decreases, forcing that wheel to rotate slightly faster than the others at any given road speed. The ABS/ESP control unit detects this persistent speed differential and triggers the TPMS warning lamp.

5Why must the crush washer (joint d'étanchéité de bouchon de vidange) on the engine oil sump drain plug be replaced at every oil change?

A.To prevent galvanic corrosion between the steel plug and aluminum sump

B.To ensure proper plastic deformation that seals microscopic surface irregularities at the specified tightening torque

C.To avoid increasing the electrical resistance of the engine ground circuit

D.To lock the drain plug chemically so that it cannot vibrate loose without special tools

Explanation: Oil sump drain plug washers (copper crush washers, composite, or bonded elastomeric washers) are designed to undergo plastic deformation upon tightening to torque. Once crushed, the washer hardens and cannot re-form to seal surface imperfections on the sump boss, creating a high risk of oil leakage or sump thread stripping if over-tightened to compensate.

6What instrument is used by automotive technicians to accurately test both the freezing protection point and glycol concentration of engine coolant?

A.A digital multimeter with a frequency probe

B.A hydrometer measuring only battery acid density

C.An optical refractometer (réfractomètre optique)

D.A mechanical cylinder compression gauge

Explanation: An optical refractometer measures the angle of refraction as light passes through a drop of coolant placed on its prism. Because glycol-water mixtures alter light refraction proportionally to their concentration, the refractometer displays a calibrated scale showing the exact freezing protection temperature (e.g., -25°C to -35°C) for both ethylene and propylene glycol.

7Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from ambient air. What is the critical safety hazard caused by moisture contamination in hydraulic brake fluid?

A.A sharp reduction in the boiling point leading to vapor lock and complete pedal fade during heavy braking

B.A severe increase in fluid viscosity that completely prevents the brake calipers from retracting

C.An immediate electrical short-circuit inside the ABS hydraulic modulator

D.The rapid chemical hardening and crystallization of the brake fluid into solid crystals at normal temperatures

Explanation: Because glycol-based brake fluids (DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1) are hygroscopic, water content increases over time. As moisture content rises to 3-4%, the fluid's boiling point drops dramatically (e.g., DOT 4 drops from >230°C dry to <155°C wet). Under hard braking, the heat generated by the pads boils the water in the calipers, creating compressible steam bubbles (vapor lock) and sudden total loss of braking pedal pressure.

8During an underbody check, an outer constant velocity joint boot (soufflet de cardan côté roue) is found split open, with grease flung onto the suspension strut. What is the correct repair procedure?

A.Wrap the boot with vulcanizing tape and top up the joint with multipurpose chassis grease

B.Dismantle the joint, clean out all contaminated grease, inspect ball tracks for scoring, repack with specified molybdenum disulfide grease, and install a new boot with proper clamps

C.Spray the boot with silicone lubricant and test-drive the vehicle to assess whether a clicking noise is present

D.Replace only the metal securing band clamp without disassembling or re-greasing the joint

Explanation: A split CV boot allows grease to escape and road grit/water to enter, rapidly destroying the precision-ground raceways. The technician must thoroughly clean and inspect the joint for pitting or wear; if undamaged, repack it with the manufacturer-specified high-pressure grease (typically containing molybdenum disulfide MoS2) and secure a new flexible boot using specialized crimping band pliers.

9A technician measures a front ventilated brake disc using an external micrometer. The disc has an original nominal thickness of 24.0 mm and a stamped minimum thickness ('côte minimale' / 'MIN TH') of 21.8 mm. The micrometer reads 21.5 mm. What is the required professional action?

A.Machine (resurface) the disc face on a lathe until smooth and reinstall the old brake pads

B.Fit thicker heavy-duty brake pads to compensate for the 0.3 mm reduction in disc thickness

C.Inform the customer that the disc can be used until the next scheduled maintenance interval

D.Replace both brake discs on the axle as a matched pair, along with a complete set of new brake pads

Explanation: Once a brake disc is worn below its manufacturer-specified minimum thickness (côte minimale stamped on the disc edge or hat), it has lost mechanical strength, thermal heat dissipation capacity, and resistance to warping or cracking under heavy thermal stress. Both discs on the axle must always be replaced as a pair to prevent braking imbalance, and new brake pads must be fitted simultaneously.

10After replacing the diesel fuel filter cartridge on a vehicle equipped with a manual primer bulb (poire d'amorçage), what must be done before attempting to start the engine?

A.Operate the manual primer bulb repeatedly until it becomes firm to purge trapped air from the filter housing and low-pressure supply lines

B.Crank the engine continuously with the starter motor for at least 60 seconds to self-bleed the high-pressure pump

C.Loosen all common-rail injector high-pressure steel pipes to vent trapped air while cranking

D.Fill the fuel tank to 100% capacity to create hydrostatic pressure that forces fuel through the pump

Explanation: Common-rail high-pressure fuel pumps rely entirely on diesel fuel for internal lubrication and cooling. Pumping the manual primer bulb (poire d'amorçage) fills the new filter housing and low-pressure lines with fuel, expelling air. Cranking a dry system causes metal-on-metal scuffing inside the high-pressure pump, generating microscopic metallic swarf that destroys the common-rail injectors.

About the CAP MV — Véhicules Légers Exam

The CAP Maintenance des Véhicules — option véhicules légers (created by the arrêté du 26 mars 2025, RNCP40997, first examination session June 2027) is France's state vocational qualification for automotive mechanics servicing and repairing light passenger vehicles. It replaces the former option A 'voitures particulières' defined by the arrêté du 22 avril 2014, whose last session was 2026 with one supplementary session in 2027. Regulated by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale and examined across regional académies via the Cyclades portal, the diploma certifies competence in periodic maintenance and first-level corrective maintenance on thermal, hybrid and electric vehicles, covering engines, hydraulic braking, chassis geometry and onboard electronics. The official examination is conducted in French through workshop practical tests. OpenExamPrep's practice question bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of that syllabus — not an official translation, and not a simulation of the practical examination format.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse (administered locally by Académies). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two professional units under the arrêté du 26 mars 2025: EP1 Réalisation de l'entretien périodique des véhicules (unit UP1, coefficient 9, ponctuel pratique, 3 h) and EP2 Réalisation de la maintenance corrective des véhicules (unit UP2, coefficient 6, ponctuel pratique et oral, 4 h). One coefficient point within EP1 is awarded for the chef-d'œuvre for scolaires and apprentis. General units are EG1 Français-histoire-géographie-enseignement moral et civique (coef 3), EG2 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (coef 2), EG3 Éducation physique et sportive (coef 1) and EG4 Prévention-santé-environnement (coef 1), unless the candidate is exempted. Optional units: langue vivante and arts appliqués.

Time Limit

7 hours of professional practical assessment (EP1 3 h + EP2 4 h) plus general-education units (EG1 2 h 25, EG2 1 h 30, EG4 1 h)

Passing Score

10/20 overall weighted average, and at least 10/20 across the professional units

Exam / Certification Fees

Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25 of 100 questions

Periodic Maintenance & Inspection

Lubrication circuits, oil viscosity specifications, multi-point safety checks, brake pad and disc wear thresholds, tire inspections, and regulatory maintenance intervals

25 of 100 questions

Engine Mechanics & Powertrain Systems

Four-stroke engine cycles, cylinder head gaskets, valve timing, timing belt and water pump replacement, common-rail diesel and direct petrol injection, and emissions systems

20 of 100 questions

Chassis, Steering, Suspension & Braking

Hydraulic brake bleeding, ABS hydraulic units, wheel speed sensors, suspension McPherson struts, steering ball joints, and camber/caster/toe wheel alignment

15 of 100 questions

Electrical, Electronic & Hybrid Systems

Ohm's law, digital multimeter diagnostics, starting and charging circuits, CAN bus network fundamentals, and high-voltage electrical safety under NF C 18-550 (B0L/B1L)

15 of 100 questions

Diagnostics, Workshop Safety & Customer Service

OBD-II/EOBD diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), live sensor data analysis, workshop PPE, hazardous waste management (fluids, batteries), and repair order documentation

Preparing for the CAP MV — Véhicules Légers Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 10/20 overall weighted average, and at least 10/20 across the professional units
Assessment: Two professional units under the arrêté du 26 mars 2025: EP1 Réalisation de l'entretien périodique des véhicules (unit UP1, coefficient 9, ponctuel pratique, 3 h) and EP2 Réalisation de la maintenance corrective des véhicules (unit UP2, coefficient 6, ponctuel pratique et oral, 4 h). One coefficient point within EP1 is awarded for the chef-d'œuvre for scolaires and apprentis. General units are EG1 Français-histoire-géographie-enseignement moral et civique (coef 3), EG2 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (coef 2), EG3 Éducation physique et sportive (coef 1) and EG4 Prévention-santé-environnement (coef 1), unless the candidate is exempted. Optional units: langue vivante and arts appliqués.
Time limit: 7 hours of professional practical assessment (EP1 3 h + EP2 4 h) plus general-education units (EG1 2 h 25, EG2 1 h 30, EG4 1 h)
Exam / certification fees: Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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CAP MV — Véhicules Légers: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the fundamentals of electrical measurements: practice using a digital multimeter to measure voltage drops across terminals, circuit resistance, and parasitic battery drain.

2Review official workshop manuals for exact tightening torques and tightening sequences, especially for cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, and caliper carrier mounting bolts.

3Memorize the standardized OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code structure (e.g., P0300 series for misfires, P0100 series for air metering) and standard scan tool live parameter interpretations.

4Thoroughly understand safety precautions when working on electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly battery isolation verification and consignation procedures at the B1VL level referenced by the CAP MV référentiel under NF C 18-550.

5Practice calculating hydraulic brake pressure, gear ratios, and wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe-in/toe-out) to prepare for technical calculation questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAP Maintenance des Véhicules — option véhicules légers?

The CAP Maintenance des Véhicules option véhicules légers is the national French vocational certificate (Level 3 EQF / France Niveau 3) administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale. Created by the arrêté du 26 mars 2025 with a first session in June 2027, it replaces the former option A 'voitures particulières' (last session 2026, supplementary session 2027). It qualifies holders as light-vehicle service mechanics performing periodic maintenance, corrective repairs and first-level diagnostics.

How is the French CAP mechanic exam scored and awarded?

Candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all units, and must separately reach 10/20 across the professional assessment domain — EP1 Réalisation de l'entretien périodique des véhicules (coefficient 9) and EP2 Réalisation de la maintenance corrective des véhicules (coefficient 6). A score below 10/20 in the professional block prevents graduation even if general education marks are high.

What is the examination fee for registering for the CAP in France?

Registration for national French secondary vocational examinations (such as the CAP) through the national Cyclades portal (candidat.examens-concours.gouv.fr) is free of charge for candidates in public schools, apprentice training centers (CFA), and individual independent candidates (candidats libres).

Why are these practice questions in English if the official French exam is in French?

OpenExamPrep provides an English-language study adaptation of the official French Ministry of Education syllabus to assist bilingual candidates, international apprentices, and English-speaking automotive technicians preparing for French qualification. Technical terms retain their exact French regulatory naming alongside clear English explanations.

What electrical safety certifications are required during the CAP MV training?

The CAP Maintenance des Véhicules référentiel states that training in the prevention of electrical risk corresponds to habilitation level B1VL, defined in the electrical-risk training framework linked to standard NF C 18-550 for vehicles with on-board electrical energy. The référentiel also aligns refrigerant handling with the attestation d'aptitude of category V under article R. 543-106 of the Code de l'environnement.