Free Practice Questions for Permis DE (Car avec Remorque)

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Key Facts: Permis DE (Car avec Remorque) Exam

> 24 pts

Plateau Passing Score (strictly > 24)

Arrêté du 23 avril 2012

18.75 m

Max Combination Length (Coach + Trailer)

Code de la route Art. R. 312-11

1.3×

Max Trailer / Towing Vehicle Weight Ratio

Code de la route Art. R. 312-3

60 minutes

Off-Road Plateau Duration

Arrêté du 23 avril 2012

1 yr / 3 tries

Plateau Result Admissibility Validity

Arrêté du 20 avril 2012

French Permis DE authorizes driving passenger coaches (Category D) coupled to trailers exceeding 750 kg gross vehicle weight (PTAC), such as large luggage or equipment trailers. The state examination under Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 consists of an off-road plateau test (60 minutes, including a 10-question written interrogation requiring min 5/10, safety checks, compulsory drawbar coupling/uncoupling, oral fiches, and reverse maneuvering, requiring strictly >24 points to pass) followed by an on-road circulation test (60 minutes, min 17/28 points). Tested topics include drawbar coupling, red/yellow pneumatic lines, trailer breakaway braking, yaw instability (mise en lacet), R. 312-3 weight ratios, and combination road rules. The official examination is held in French; this free bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or a simulation of the practical test.

Sample Permis DE (Car avec Remorque) Practice Questions

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1On a coach-and-trailer combination with a two-line pneumatic braking system, what does each of the red and yellow coupling heads (têtes d'accouplement) carry?

A.Red is the supply line (conduite d'alimentation), which charges the trailer reservoirs and holds the spring brakes released; yellow is the control line (conduite de commande), which transmits the driver's service-brake demand

B.Yellow is the supply line, which charges the trailer reservoirs; red is the control line, which transmits the driver's service-brake demand

C.Red carries the service-brake demand and yellow carries the parking-brake demand; neither one feeds the trailer air reservoirs

D.Both lines carry the same reservoir pressure and are colour-coded only to identify the left-hand and right-hand sides of the coupling panel

Explanation: In the European two-line system the red head is the supply or emergency line (conduite d'alimentation): it charges the trailer air reservoirs and keeps the spring brake actuators held off. The yellow head is the control line (conduite de commande): it carries the modulated pressure signal generated when the driver presses the brake pedal. Because the trailer stores its own braking energy, any loss of red-line pressure applies the trailer brakes automatically.

2During the Category DE uncoupling exercise, what happens at the moment the red supply line (conduite d'alimentation) is disconnected from the trailer?

A.The trailer supply circuit vents, the emergency relay valve trips, and the trailer spring brakes apply on their own

B.The trailer reservoirs stay charged and the trailer brakes stay released until the coupling jaw is opened

C.The coach loses its own reservoir pressure and its parking brake applies with the trailer's

D.The trailer service brakes come on, but only for as long as the driver keeps the brake pedal pressed

Explanation: Venting the red supply line reproduces exactly the condition a broken-away trailer would experience: the pressure drop trips the trailer's emergency relay valve, which exhausts the spring brake actuators so the trailer brakes itself. That is why the red line is normally taken off before the yellow line and the electrical cables, leaving the trailer positively braked while the remaining connections are undone. The arrêté du 23 avril 2012 prescribes the overall dételage sequence but expressly leaves the order of the individual flexibles to the candidate.

3During the practical Category DE coupling exercise, what is the purpose of the mandatory mechanical traction test (essai de traction)?

A.To verify that the drawbar eye is securely locked in the coupling hook before raising the trailer landing gear

B.To seat the trailer suspension so that the automatic load-sensing brake valve reads the correct axle load

C.To confirm that the trailer service brakes release fully once the supply line has charged the reservoirs

D.To check that the trailer parking brake on its own can hold the loaded combination against the engine

Explanation: The traction test (essai de traction) is performed after engaging the coupling mechanism and closing the safety catch. The driver selects a low forward gear and gently tensions the coupling while the trailer landing gear (béquille) is still just touching the ground, so that a coupling that has not latched shows itself immediately and harmlessly. It confirms that the drawbar eye is positively locked inside the jaws before the landing gear is stowed and the combination is driven away.

4When securing a trailer during the uncoupling (dételage) procedure on level ground, what is the correct placement of wheel chocks (cales de roues)?

A.Place one chock in front of and one chock behind the trailer wheels on the same side, or on opposite sides

B.Place both chocks exclusively behind the rear wheels of the coach

C.Place both chocks on the downhill side only, since the trailer can roll in one direction at a time

D.Rely on the trailer spring brakes alone and keep the chocks stowed unless the ground is visibly sloping

Explanation: During uncoupling, wheel chocks must be placed so the trailer cannot move either forwards or backwards. On level or uncertain ground, that means one chock ahead of a trailer wheel and one behind a wheel, on the same side or on opposing sides of the axle group, wedged firmly against the tyre.

5What is the primary function of the secondary safety catch (goupille de sécurité ou cliquet d'arrêt) on an automatic commercial tow hook?

A.To prevent accidental lifting or opening of the locking jaw while the vehicle is in motion

B.To centre the drawbar eye inside the guide funnel as the coach reverses onto it

C.To take up the wear clearance between the pin and the eye so the coupling runs without backlash

D.To hold the coupling pin raised in the open position while the driver lines the trailer up

Explanation: The secondary safety pin or locking catch (goupille de sécurité / cliquet d'arrêt) provides positive mechanical redundancy. Once the primary jaw has closed around the drawbar eye, the secondary lock drops into place and physically prevents the release handle or jaw from vibrating open in service. Checking that it is seated is part of the coupling verification before the traction test.

6When a coach is operated without a trailer, how must the flexible pneumatic brake lines and coupling heads be secured on the rear crossmember?

A.Stowed on their dedicated dummy couplings (supports d'attente / bouchons obturateurs) so that dirt and moisture cannot reach the seals

B.Allowed to hang freely behind the rear crossmember so that condensation can drain out of them

C.Coupled red-to-yellow so that the two hoses form a closed loop on the coach

D.Left uncapped but taped over, so the heads stay visible for the pre-trip check

Explanation: When no trailer is coupled, the hoses and their Palm heads must be secured into the dummy stowage sockets (supports d'attente / prises de repos) fitted on the rear crossmember. This protects the rubber sealing rings (joints d'étanchéité) and the internal check valves from road grit, water, de-icing salt and mechanical damage, and keeps the hoses clear of the wheels and driveline.

7What is the standard electrical connector used on modern European heavy vehicle combinations for complete 24V trailer lighting?

A.15-pin ISO 12098 connector, or the older pair of 7-pin 24N and 24S connectors

B.13-pin ISO 11446 connector, the standard fitted to passenger cars and light trailers

C.7-pin ISO 7638 connector, which is reserved for the trailer ABS/EBS circuit

D.5-pin ISO 12098-S connector, used only for the reversing lamps and the permanent live feed

Explanation: European heavy vehicles use the 15-pin ISO 12098 connector for 24 V trailer lighting and auxiliary functions, or the older pair of 7-pin connectors: 24N (ISO 1185, normal lighting) and 24S (ISO 3731, supplementary functions such as reversing lamps and a permanent live feed). All of these are separate from the braking connector.

8What essential functions are provided by the 7-pin ISO 7638 cable connected between a coach and a heavy trailer?

A.Dedicated electrical power and digital communication for the trailer Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Braking System (EBS)

B.The 24V feed for the trailer position lamps, stop lamps, indicators and number-plate light

C.The pneumatic control signal that modulates the pressure delivered to the trailer brake chambers

D.The mechanical breakaway link that applies the trailer brakes if the coupling fails in service

Explanation: The ISO 7638 cable (faisceau EBS/ABS) supplies dedicated heavy-duty electrical power and carries digital communication between the towing vehicle and the trailer's electronic braking system. It is what allows electronically modulated brake pressure, wheel-speed monitoring, electronic load sensing and trailer roll stability control to work, and it is why an ISO 7638 fault warning must never be ignored.

9When inspecting the trailer drawbar eye (anneau de timon) during the pre-trip safety check, which condition requires immediate vehicle removal from service?

A.Visible cracks, structural deformation, unauthorized welding repairs, or excessive ovalization exceeding manufacturer wear limits

B.A light coating of surface dust from dry asphalt driving

C.The presence of high-pressure multi-purpose chassis grease on the inner contact surface

D.Manufacturer identification stamping indicating the D-value and certification number

Explanation: The drawbar eye is a safety-critical linkage component carrying large tensile and shock loads. Any structural cracking, plastic deformation, unapproved re-welding, or bore wear (ovalization) beyond the manufacturer's stated limit — commonly of the order of 2.5 mm on a nominal 50 mm eye — takes the coupling out of service until the eye is replaced.

10Before reversing the coach to engage the drawbar, at what vertical height should the trailer drawbar eye be positioned relative to the coach tow hook?

A.At the same height as, or a little below, the centre of the open coupling jaw

B.Clearly above the coupling jaw, so that the eye drops into the hook under its own weight

C.Resting on the ground, so that the coupling funnel scoops the eye up as the coach reverses

D.Height is irrelevant provided the coach approaches slowly and squarely on the drawbar axis

Explanation: The trailer landing leg or jockey wheel is used to set the eye level with, or just under, the centre of the open coupling funnel (entonnoir de guidage), and the trailer is lined up on the same axis as the coach. The eye then enters the funnel cleanly instead of striking the upper or lower jaw, which avoids shock damage to the coupling and to the drawbar.

About the Permis DE (Car avec Remorque) Exam

Category DE of the French driving licence authorises driving passenger transport vehicles of category D coupled to a trailer whose maximum authorised mass (PTAC) exceeds 750 kg, typically heavy luggage trailers, equipment carriers, or commercial passenger-baggage trailers forming combinations up to 18.75 metres. Governed by the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012, the examination is conducted by an IPCSR and comprises a 60-minute off-road plateau test (incorporating a 10-question written interrogation drawn from 8 official themes, pre-trip safety checks on coach and trailer, a compulsory coupling and uncoupling exercise, an oral safety fiche, and precision maneuvering) requiring strictly > 24 points, followed by a 60-minute on-road circulation test. Candidates must hold a valid category D licence, hold a favourable medical fitness decision (renewed every 5 years, and every year from age 60 under Article R. 221-11), and hold a valid theory result — a candidate who obtained a licence category within the last 5 years is exempt from re-sitting the ETG. The official examination is conducted in French and is partly practical. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation covering drawbar coupling protocols, pneumatic and electrical connections, combination dynamics (off-tracking, rear overhang swing, trailer sway), statutory weight and dimension limits (R. 312-3, R. 312-5, R. 312-11, PTRA), and combination road rules. It is not an official translation, and it does not simulate the plateau or the on-road circulation test; it cannot substitute for the practical training and the coupling, manoeuvring and driving practice those components require.

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

Two stages under Arrêté du 23 avril 2012: (1) Épreuve hors circulation (60 minutes) comprising a 10-question written interrogation (min 5/10 to avoid elimination), vehicle safety checks on both coach and trailer, full coupling (attelage) and uncoupling (dételage) protocol, an oral interrogation fiche, and a precision reverse maneuver, requiring strictly > 24 points; (2) Épreuve en circulation (60 minutes) requiring min 17 points.

Time Limit

120 minutes (60 min plateau + 60 min circulation)

Passing Score

Strictly > 24 points on off-road plateau test with min 5/10 on written interrogation; min 17/28 on circulation

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 30 (Code de la route ETG fee if not exempt) plus professional 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%

Coupling, Uncoupling and Drawbar Mechanisms

Coach drawbar coupling mechanisms, tow hitch lock verification, red supply and yellow control lines, ISO 7638 EBS cable, landing gear, and safety sequence

25%

Combination Dynamics, Braking and Stability

Trailer off-tracking (balayage), rear overhang outswing, trailer sway (mise en lacet), jackknifing prevention, continuous pneumatic braking, and automatic breakaway braking

25%

Combination Weights, Dimensions and Load Distribution

PTRA compliance (R. 312-2), 1.3 actual weight ratio (R. 312-3), combination length up to 18.75m (R. 312-11), luggage trailer securing, and tongue weight

25%

Regulations, Plateau Procedures and Operational Safety

Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 plateau protocol (>24 points), maniabilité and oral fiche rules, coach speed limits under R. 412-25 and R. 413-10, lane and following-distance rules, and passenger safety

Preparing for the Permis DE (Car avec Remorque) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Strictly > 24 points on off-road plateau test with min 5/10 on written interrogation; min 17/28 on circulation
Assessment: Two stages under Arrêté du 23 avril 2012: (1) Épreuve hors circulation (60 minutes) comprising a 10-question written interrogation (min 5/10 to avoid elimination), vehicle safety checks on both coach and trailer, full coupling (attelage) and uncoupling (dételage) protocol, an oral interrogation fiche, and a precision reverse maneuver, requiring strictly > 24 points; (2) Épreuve en circulation (60 minutes) requiring min 17 points.
Time limit: 120 minutes (60 min plateau + 60 min circulation)
Exam / certification fees: EUR 30 (Code de la route ETG fee if not exempt) plus professional driving school training fees Official sources

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Permis DE (Car avec Remorque): Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the step-by-step drawbar coupling protocol: guide alignment, pin lock and locking indicator, safety catch, mechanical traction test, flexibles connected, landing gear fully raised and locked, and immobilisation devices removed

2Remember what each line does: RED is the supply/emergency line that charges the trailer reservoirs and holds the spring brakes off; YELLOW is the control line carrying the service-brake signal. Venting the red line applies the trailer brakes automatically, which is why it is normally taken off first when uncoupling

3Learn the statutory dimensions and weight limits: 18.75m maximum combination length for coach and trailer, 2.55m width, and the Article R. 312-3 actual weight ratio (trailer actual weight <= 1.3 x coach actual weight)

4Understand off-tracking (balayage) and rear overhang: the trailer cuts inside corners, while the coach's large rear overhang swings outward at the initiation of turns, creating two distinct lateral hazard zones

5Focus on the >24-point plateau threshold and the compulsory attelage-dételage exercise, which distinguishes Category DE from solo Category D (>16 points, 30-minute plateau, no coupling module)

6Note that a coach is a véhicule de transport en commun, so its speed limits come from Article R. 413-10, not from the R. 413-8 heavy-goods regime that excludes public transport vehicles by name

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Under the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012, admission to the circulation test for Category DE requires obtaining strictly more than 24 points (compared to >16 points for Category D) across the written test, vehicle safety checks, compulsory coupling/uncoupling exercise, oral interrogation, and maneuvering exercise, with no eliminatory marks and at least 5/10 on the written interrogation.

Does the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012 impose an order for connecting the red and yellow air lines?

No. The arrêté sets out the attelage and dételage operations and requires them to be performed in the order listed, but since the amendment of 10 January 2013 it expressly excepts the connection and disconnection of the flexibles, the stabilisation of the trailer and the removal of its immobilisation devices. What candidates must know is the function of each line: red is the supply line (conduite d'alimentation) that charges the trailer reservoirs and holds the spring brakes off, yellow is the control line (conduite de commande) that carries the service-brake signal. Disconnecting the red line vents the supply and applies the trailer spring brakes automatically, which is why it is normally taken off first in practice.

What are the examination vehicle requirements for Category DE?

Under Article 1-III of the Arrêté du 23 avril 2012, the examination combination must consist of a Category D vehicle coupled to a trailer with a PTAC of at least 1,250 kg, a minimum width of 2.40 metres, a box body (fourgon tôlé ou bâché) at least 2.0 metres wide and 2.0 metres high, and an actual weight (poids réel) of not less than 800 kg. The body must be substantial enough to mask the driver's direct view to the rear, forcing the candidate to manoeuvre on the mirrors.

What is the maximum statutory ratio between trailer weight and towing vehicle weight?

Under Article R. 312-3 of the French Code de la route, the actual weight of the trailer or trailers may not exceed 1.3 times the actual weight of the towing vehicle. Where the actual rolling weight of the combination exceeds 32 tonnes, that coefficient is increased by 80% of the ratio between the excess over 32 tonnes and 32 tonnes, and may in no case exceed 1.5. A Category DE combination normally sits well below 32 tonnes, so 1.3 is the working figure.

How long is a favourable off-road plateau result valid for Category DE?

Under Article 2-I-C of the Arrêté du 20 avril 2012, a successful off-road plateau result for Category DE (as well as C1, C, CE, C1E, D1, D, and D1E) remains valid for a maximum of 3 circulation attempts within a duration of 1 year. This differs from categories A and BE, where results are valid for 5 attempts within 3 years.