Free Practice Questions for Permis BE (Remorque)

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Key Facts: Permis BE (Remorque) Exam

> 4,250 kg

Sum of PTAC requiring Permis BE

Code de la route Art. R. 221-4

3,500 kg

Maximum Trailer PTAC for Permis BE

Arrêté du 20 avril 2012

> 18 pts

Plateau Passing Score (strictly > 18)

Arrêté du 23 avril 2012

90 km/h

Motorway Speed Limit (PTRA > 3.5t)

Code de la route Art. R. 413-8

French Permis BE permits driving a category B car coupled with a trailer over 750 kg when total combination PTAC exceeds 4,250 kg (up to 3,500 kg trailer PTAC). The state examination under the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 runs to 60 minutes: an off-road plateau (safety checks with a theme drawn by lot, coupling and uncoupling, one of the twelve official oral fiches, and a reverse manoeuvre) requiring strictly more than 18 points out of 23 with no eliminatory mark, followed by a road test requiring at least 17 points out of 28. A favourable plateau result is kept for five circulation attempts over three years. Core knowledge includes PTAC/PTRA limits, B vs B96 vs BE, inertia brakes, tongue weight, trailer sway prevention, and French road regulations.

Sample Permis BE (Remorque) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Permis BE (Remorque) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the trailer PTAC (Poids Total Autorisé en Charge) threshold above which a standard Category B licence alone may no longer be sufficient depending on the combined weight?

A.500 kg

B.750 kg

C.1,000 kg

D.1,500 kg

Explanation: Under Article R. 221-4 of the French Code de la route, a trailer with a PTAC of 750 kg or less can always be towed with a standard Category B licence regardless of the towing vehicle's weight. Once the trailer's PTAC exceeds 750 kg, the sum of the PTACs of the vehicle and trailer determines whether Category B, training B96, or Category BE is required. This 750 kg benchmark is the fundamental statutory boundary in French towing regulations.

2What is the maximum combined PTAC of a towing vehicle and trailer that can be operated with a standard Category B driving licence when the trailer's PTAC exceeds 750 kg?

A.3,000 kg

B.3,500 kg

C.4,250 kg

D.7,000 kg

Explanation: With a standard Category B driving licence, a driver may tow a trailer with a PTAC greater than 750 kg only if the sum of the PTAC of the towing vehicle and the PTAC of the trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. If this sum exceeds 3,500 kg, additional qualifications (either the B96 endorsement or Permis BE) become mandatory. Keeping the combination PTAC at or below 3,500 kg avoids any additional licence requirements.

3Under French towing regulations, when is the 7-hour B96 training endorsement required instead of a Category B licence or a full Permis BE?

A.When the trailer PTAC is 750 kg or less, regardless of towing vehicle weight

B.When the trailer PTAC exceeds 750 kg and the sum of the PTACs is between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg

C.When the trailer PTAC exceeds 3,500 kg but the towing vehicle PTAC is under 3,500 kg

D.When the combined PTAC exceeds 4,250 kg up to a total combination weight of 7,000 kg

Explanation: The B96 training is specifically designed for combinations where the trailer's PTAC exceeds 750 kg and the combined total PTAC (towing vehicle + trailer) is strictly greater than 3,500 kg and less than or equal to 4,250 kg. It consists of a 7-hour practical and theoretical training session at an approved driving school without any formal state exam. Once the total PTAC surpasses 4,250 kg, the full Category BE examination becomes legally required.

4A driver with a Category B licence intends to tow a horsebox trailer with a PTAC of 1,600 kg using an SUV with a PTAC of 2,200 kg. What driving qualification is required in France?

A.A standard Category B licence is sufficient

B.The 7-hour B96 training endorsement is required

C.The full Category BE driving licence is required

D.A Category C1 heavy goods vehicle licence is required

Explanation: To determine the required licence, sum the PTACs: 2,200 kg (SUV) + 1,600 kg (horsebox) = 3,800 kg. Since the trailer PTAC is over 750 kg and the sum of the PTACs falls within the bracket between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg, the 7-hour B96 training is the exact legal qualification required. Permis BE is not mandatory here because the combined PTAC does not exceed 4,250 kg.

5A tradesperson operates a utility van with a PTAC of 3,000 kg and attaches an equipment trailer with a PTAC of 2,000 kg. Which licence is mandatory to drive this vehicle combination?

A.Category B licence

B.B96 training endorsement

C.Category BE licence

D.Category C1 licence

Explanation: The sum of the PTACs is 3,000 kg + 2,000 kg = 5,000 kg. Because the trailer's PTAC exceeds 750 kg and the total combination PTAC is strictly greater than 4,250 kg (with the trailer PTAC not exceeding 3,500 kg), the Category BE licence is legally mandatory under Article R. 221-4 of the Code de la route. Neither a standard Category B nor the B96 certificate allows towing when the combined PTAC exceeds 4,250 kg.

6What does the abbreviation PTAC stand for on a French registration certificate (certificat d'immatriculation), and which field code represents it?

A.Poids Total Autorisé en Charge, represented by field F.2

B.Poids Total Roulant Autorisé, represented by field F.3

C.Poids Technique d'Attelage Conforme, represented by field G

D.Poids Tractable Autorisé en Charge, represented by field F.1

Explanation: PTAC stands for Poids Total Autorisé en Charge (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and is officially recorded in field F.2 of the European standardized French certificat d'immatriculation. It defines the maximum legally permissible mass of the vehicle including its body, driver, passengers, and maximum cargo. Exceeding the F.2 value on the road constitutes an illegal overload.

7What is the legal significance of the PTRA (Poids Total Roulant Autorisé) indicated in field F.3 of a towing vehicle's registration certificate?

A.It represents the maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded into the car's trunk

B.It indicates the unladen weight of the car with full fuel and a standard driver

C.It represents the maximum permissible total actual weight of the coupled combination (vehicle, trailer, and all occupants and cargo)

D.It represents the maximum permissible vertical load placed on the tow ball

Explanation: PTRA (Poids Total Roulant Autorisé), recorded in field F.3 of the towing vehicle's registration certificate, is the statutory limit for the entire vehicle combination on the road. The actual gross weight (poids réel) of the towing vehicle plus the actual gross weight of the trailer, measured on a weighbridge, must never exceed the F.3 value. Exceeding the PTRA is an infraction punishable by fines and potential vehicle impoundment.

8How is the legal maximum payload (Charge Utile - CU) of a trailer calculated from its official registration certificate?

A.PTRA (field F.3) minus PTAC (field F.2)

B.PTAC (field F.2) minus PV / unladen weight (field G.1)

C.PV / unladen weight (field G.1) multiplied by 1.3

D.PTAC (field F.2) divided by the number of axles

Explanation: The payload (Charge Utile or CU) is the maximum mass of cargo that can safely and legally be loaded onto the trailer. It is calculated by subtracting the trailer's unladen weight (Poids à Vide - PV, field G.1) from its gross weight rating (PTAC, field F.2): CU = PTAC - PV. Knowing this value ensures the operator never exceeds the structural and legal carrying capacity.

9Under Article R. 413-8 of the French Code de la route, what is the maximum speed limit on motorways (autoroutes) for a car-trailer combination if the towing vehicle's PTRA exceeds 3,500 kg?

A.130 km/h

B.110 km/h

C.100 km/h

D.90 km/h

Explanation: Under Article R. 413-8 of the Code de la route, any vehicle or combination of vehicles whose towing vehicle has a PTRA exceeding 3,500 kg is restricted to a maximum speed of 90 km/h on motorways. This statutory speed restriction applies even if the vehicle is travelling unladen or the trailer is empty, as it is determined strictly by the administrative PTRA on the towing vehicle's registration certificate.

10What is the maximum speed limit outside built-up areas on standard two-way roads without a central separator for a vehicle combination subject to Article R. 413-8 (towing vehicle PTRA > 3.5 tonnes)?

A.90 km/h

B.80 km/h

C.70 km/h

D.60 km/h

Explanation: Article R. 413-8 of the Code de la route sets 80 km/h on 'les autres routes' for combinations whose towing vehicle's PTRA exceeds 3.5 tonnes, and a two-way single-carriageway road without a central separator falls into that category. The off-motorway limit is not uniform: on a signposted priority road with two carriageways separated by a central reservation it rises to 90 km/h provided the combination's total weight does not exceed 12 tonnes.

About the Permis BE (Remorque) Exam

Category BE of the French driving licence is required to operate a category B passenger car or van coupled to a trailer or semi-trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (PTAC) exceeding 750 kg, whenever the combined total PTAC of the towing vehicle and trailer exceeds 4,250 kg (up to a trailer PTAC of 3,500 kg). The examination is conducted by an IPCSR under the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 and comprises two consecutive parts within an allotted 60 minutes: an off-road plateau test evaluating vehicle safety checks with one of six themes drawn by lot, coupling and uncoupling, an oral interrogation on one of the twelve official fiches, and a precision reversing manoeuvre; followed by an on-road circulation test. Candidates must hold a category B licence and have a valid Code de la route (ETG obtained or renewed within 5 years). This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation focusing on statutory weight limits (PTAC, PTRA, payload), inertia braking, breakaway safety cable, tongue weight (poids sur flèche), trailer oscillation (lacet) recovery, speed limits under Article R. 413-8, and the official oral safety curriculum.

Exam sponsor: Délégation à la Sécurité Routière (DSR) / Ministère de l'Intérieur. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 allots 60 minutes to the complete Category BE examination, and 30 minutes when only the circulation test is re-sat with the plateau result still valid. The plateau (épreuve hors circulation) comprises vehicle safety checks with one of six themes drawn by lot, trailer coupling (attelage), an oral interrogation on one of the twelve official fiches, a reverse manoeuvre through a marked course (5 minutes, binary result, a second attempt where the points already scored allow it), and uncoupling (dételage). Admissibility requires strictly more than 18 points out of 23, no eliminatory mark, and a favourable manoeuvre result. The circulation test requires at least 17 points out of 28 and no eliminatory error.

Time Limit

60 minutes for the complete examination; 30 minutes when only the circulation test is re-sat

Passing Score

Strictly > 18 points out of 23 on the plateau without eliminatory faults; min 17/28 on circulation

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 30 (Code de la route ETG fee if not exempt) plus driving school training fees

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%

Legal Weight Thresholds and Regulations

Distinction between B, B96, and BE licences, PTAC/PTRA thresholds, payload calculation, and speed limits under Art. R. 413-8

25%

Mechanical Inspection and Safety Equipment

50 mm ball hitch, locking mechanisms, breakaway safety cable, inertia brake operation, jockey wheel, and tire checks

25%

Dynamic Stability and Load Distribution

Nose weight (poids sur flèche), load securing, center of gravity placement, and prevention of trailer snaking/sway (lacet)

25%

Practical Examination and Maneuvers

Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 requirements, plateau scoring system, coupling/uncoupling step-by-step protocol, and oral safety fiches

Preparing for the Permis BE (Remorque) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Strictly > 18 points out of 23 on the plateau without eliminatory faults; min 17/28 on circulation
Assessment: The Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 allots 60 minutes to the complete Category BE examination, and 30 minutes when only the circulation test is re-sat with the plateau result still valid. The plateau (épreuve hors circulation) comprises vehicle safety checks with one of six themes drawn by lot, trailer coupling (attelage), an oral interrogation on one of the twelve official fiches, a reverse manoeuvre through a marked course (5 minutes, binary result, a second attempt where the points already scored allow it), and uncoupling (dételage). Admissibility requires strictly more than 18 points out of 23, no eliminatory mark, and a favourable manoeuvre result. The circulation test requires at least 17 points out of 28 and no eliminatory error.
Time limit: 60 minutes for the complete examination; 30 minutes when only the circulation test is re-sat
Exam / certification fees: EUR 30 (Code de la route ETG fee if not exempt) plus driving school training fees Official sources

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Permis BE (Remorque): Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the distinction between B (sum of PTAC <= 3,500 kg), B96 (3,501 kg to 4,250 kg), and BE (> 4,250 kg with trailer PTAC <= 3,500 kg)

2Memorize the mandatory coupling sequence: check hitch height, back up, lock ball coupling, connect breakaway cable to chassis eyelet, connect electrical plug, wind up and lock jockey wheel, remove chocks, and release handbrake

3Learn tongue weight (poids sur flèche) specifications: typically between 50 kg and 80 kg; never allow negative tongue weight which destabilizes the rear axle

4Understand the mechanics of the inertia brake (frein à inertie): sliding drawbar, damper, compensation lever, and auto-reverse release mechanism

5Review the official oral safety fiches: load securing, tire condition, braking systems, speed limits under Article R. 413-8, and trailer oscillation recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Permis BE required instead of the B96 training or a standard B licence?

Permis BE is required when the trailer's PTAC exceeds 750 kg and the sum of the towing vehicle's PTAC and the trailer's PTAC exceeds 4,250 kg (up to a trailer PTAC of 3,500 kg). If the combined PTAC is between 3,501 kg and 4,250 kg, the 7-hour B96 training without an examination is sufficient. If the combined PTAC is 3,500 kg or less, a standard B licence is sufficient.

Is there a written multiple-choice questionnaire (interrogation écrite) during the BE plateau test?

No. Unlike heavy truck categories (C, CE, D, DE), the Category BE off-road test (épreuve hors circulation) contains no written interrogation. It consists strictly of safety checks (vérifications courantes), trailer coupling, an oral interrogation based on published safety fiches, a maneuvering test (reversing through an S-curve), and uncoupling.

What is the passing score for the Permis BE off-road plateau test?

Article 2-IX of the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 requires strictly more than 18 points out of the 23 available, no eliminatory mark, an examination carried through to the end, and a favourable result on the manoeuvring exercise. The manoeuvre is marked good or failed, with no partial credit, and a second attempt is offered where the points already scored would still give a favourable overall result.

What are the speed limits in France for a car towing a trailer under Permis BE?

Under Article R. 413-8 of the Code de la route, a combination whose PTRA exceeds 3,500 kg is limited to 90 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on signposted priority roads — raised to 90 km/h on those with two carriageways separated by a central reservation when the combination's total weight does not exceed 12 tonnes — 80 km/h on other roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas.

Is a periodic medical examination required to keep Permis BE valid in France?

No. Article R. 221-10 of the Code de la route lists the categories subject to periodic medical control — C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE — and Category BE is not among them. BE follows the light group: 15 years of administrative validity on the credit-card format licence, with a medical opinion required only in the specific situations set out in R. 221-10 and R. 221-11.