Free Practice Questions for Mali Permis Catégorie E

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Malian Driving Licence Examinations (Permis de Conduire DGT)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Exam Review

Key Facts: Mali Permis Catégorie E Exam

40 questions

Official multiple-choice question count on the theoretical assessment

Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, Article 11

30/40

Minimum correct answers required to pass the Category E theory examination

Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, Article 11

Exempt

Practical driving examination status for Category E candidates

Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, Article 12

6 months

Minimum duration Category C must be held before Category E extension

Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, Article 25

> 750 kg

Trailer PTAC threshold requiring Category E authorization

Décret n° 2023-0509/PT-RM, Article 90

43 / 46 / 51 tonnes

Current PTRA entries for five axles with one tridem / five axles with two tandems / six or more articulated axles

Décret n° 2023-0509/PT-RM, Article 31 axle table

Mali’s Category E driving licence examination evaluates articulated combination vehicle operation, coupling mechanics, pneumatic brake systems, combination dynamics, and UEMOA weight limits through a 40-question multiple-choice theory assessment (30 correct to pass). Category E is exempt from the practical exam under Article 12 of Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG. Independent practice by OpenExamPrep provides 100 English-language study questions adapting the published curriculum into four-option MCQ study format; it is not an official translation or a simulation of the full licensing process.

Sample Mali Permis Catégorie E Practice Questions

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

1What is the primary function of the fifth wheel (sellette d'attelage) mounted on the chassis of a semi-trailer tractor?

A.To connect the tractor to the semi-trailer kingpin while allowing articulated articulation and bearing part of the trailer weight

B.To lock the tractor and trailer into a rigid, non-pivoting frame for highway stability

C.To provide direct hydraulic power from the tractor engine to the trailer drive axles

D.To serve strictly as an emergency towing attachment in case of a drawbar fracture

Explanation: The fifth wheel (sellette) is the coupling device on a tractor unit that receives and locks the semi-trailer's kingpin. It supports the trailer apron plate, transmits tractive effort, bears vertical load, and allows the combination to articulate horizontally during turns and oscillate vertically over road undulations.

2What is the kingpin (cheville ouvrière) on a semi-trailer?

A.A heavy steel vertical pin projecting beneath the front apron plate of the semi-trailer that locks into the fifth wheel jaws

B.A pneumatic valve located on the rear axle that balances air pressure between brake chambers

C.A mechanical hand crank used exclusively to raise and lower the trailer landing legs

D.An electrical multi-pin connector that powers trailer indicator lights and ABS circuits

Explanation: The kingpin (cheville ouvrière) is the robust forged steel pin welded or bolted to the trailer rubbing plate (apron plate). It engages into the locking jaws of the tractor fifth wheel, establishing the mechanical connection between the two units.

3What is the purpose of conducting a 'tug test' (test de traction) immediately after coupling a tractor to a semi-trailer?

A.To verify mechanically that the fifth wheel locking jaws have fully closed and secured around the kingpin shank

B.To measure the maximum fuel consumption rate of the tractor under maximum throttle load

C.To calibrate the electronic speedometer and odometer before entering the highway

D.To test whether the trailer cargo has exceeded the authorized gross combination weight (PTRA)

Explanation: A tug test involves gently attempting to pull forward in low gear while the trailer brakes are set and landing gear is still near or on the ground. It provides physical proof that the locking jaws have positively clamped around the kingpin shank, preventing trailer drop if jaws failed to latch.

4Why do heavy semi-trailer landing gears (béquilles) feature a two-speed gearbox?

A.Low gear provides mechanical advantage to raise a loaded trailer, while high gear allows rapid movement when unweighted

B.Low gear is used only for highway travel, while high gear is used when parking on steep descents

C.Low gear operates the left landing leg, while high gear operates the right landing leg independently

D.High gear connects the landing gear directly to the tractor engine power take-off (PTO)

Explanation: Landing gear gearboxes have two ratios: low gear (petite vitesse) provides high mechanical leverage to lift or lower the trailer when it is loaded, whereas high gear (grande vitesse) allows quick winding down to the ground or winding up for transit when the legs are unweighted.

5On drawbar trailers equipped with safety chains, why must the chains be crossed beneath the drawbar (timon d'attelage)?

A.To form a cradle that catches the drawbar and prevents it from digging into the road surface if the coupling separates

B.To increase the steering angle of the trailer when negotiating sharp city street corners

C.To shorten the electrical ground return path for trailer clearance lighting

D.To allow the trailer to automatically decouple itself if trailer roll exceeds 45 degrees

Explanation: Crossing the safety chains underneath the drawbar creates a supportive cradle. If the coupling pin or drawbar eye fails, the tongue falls into the crossed chains instead of dropping straight down onto the pavement, preventing a violent pole-vault crash.

6Where must the landing gear crank handle (manivelle) be placed after the landing legs are fully retracted?

A.Secured firmly in its designated retaining clip or stowage hook on the trailer chassis

B.Left hanging downward freely to facilitate emergency access during quick stops

C.Removed and placed inside the tractor cabin sleeper berth behind the driver

D.Tied with a rope to the rear wheel mudflap of the tractor unit

Explanation: After winding the landing gear to its highest position, the crank handle must be clipped into its dedicated chassis bracket. Leaving it loose risks striking road debris, vibrating open, or hitting passing vehicles or pedestrians.

7Before backing a tractor under a parked semi-trailer to couple, what should the driver verify regarding the trailer wheels?

A.That the trailer parking brakes are locked and wheel chocks (cales de roue) are placed against the tyres

B.That all trailer tyres are deflated to half their normal pressure to lower trailer height

C.That the trailer wheels are completely free to roll so the trailer can absorb the tractor impact

D.That the trailer axle leaf springs are disconnected from their mounting shackles

Explanation: Before reversing under a trailer, the driver must verify that the trailer cannot roll backwards under the force of the tractor fifth wheel. The trailer spring brakes must be applied and wheel chocks positioned securely against trailer wheels.

8What visual inspection must a driver conduct under the fifth wheel after completing the mechanical coupling and tug test?

A.Look underneath with a flashlight to verify that the locking jaws are closed completely around the kingpin shank and the release handle is in locked position

B.Verify that the trailer tyres are touching the bottom of the tractor mudguards

C.Ensure that there is a visible 5-centimetre gap between the fifth wheel top plate and the trailer apron plate

D.Confirm that the red emergency air hose has been routed directly through the fifth wheel jaws

Explanation: A direct visual check using a flashlight is mandatory. The driver must look into the fifth wheel throat from behind or underneath to confirm the locking jaw has closed fully across the kingpin throat and that the safety latch on the release handle is engaged.

9When positioning the tractor fifth wheel beneath the semi-trailer apron plate during coupling, what is the correct initial contact height?

A.The trailer apron plate should be slightly lower than the fifth wheel centre, so the fifth wheel ramp lifts the trailer slightly as the tractor reverses

B.The trailer apron plate must be at least 15 centimetres higher than the fifth wheel so the tractor does not touch the trailer until fully underneath

C.The fifth wheel top plate should be tilted forward toward the tractor cab to catch the front of the trailer

D.The trailer landing gear must be raised off the ground before the tractor enters the trailer perimeter

Explanation: The semi-trailer should be set so that its apron plate contacts the fifth wheel ramp roughly in the lower third. As the tractor backs under, the inclined ramp gently lifts the trailer front off the landing gear by a few centimetres, ensuring proper alignment with the kingpin.

10What is the danger of attempting to couple a tractor to a semi-trailer when the trailer is set too high on its landing gear?

A.The kingpin can ride over the top of the fifth wheel jaws, resulting in an uncoupled trailer that may slam onto the tractor chassis or cab

B.The red pneumatic emergency line will spontaneously pressurize to 20 bar and rupture

C.The tractor rear tyres will immediately burst from excessive vertical downforce

D.The steering angle of the tractor front axle will become mechanically locked in reverse

Explanation: If the trailer is too high, the kingpin will not enter the fifth wheel throat properly. It can override the locking mechanism and slide across the top plate, resulting in a missed coupling or dropping the trailer onto the tractor drive axles and damaging electrical/air connections.

About the Mali Permis Catégorie E Exam

Mali’s Permis de Conduire Catégorie E authorizes driving articulated vehicle combinations consisting of a towing vehicle in Category B, C, or D coupled to a trailer or semi-trailer with a maximum authorized gross weight (PTAC) exceeding 750 kg. Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG establishes a 40-question theoretical admissibility assessment requiring 30 correct answers, while Article 12 expressly exempts Category E from the practical driving examination. Candidates extending from Category C must have held their licence for at least six months and provide a professional aptitude certificate (CAP) and medical fitness certificate. Independent practice by OpenExamPrep provides 100 English-language study questions adapting the published curriculum into four-option MCQ study format; it is not an official translation or a simulation of the full licensing process.

Exam sponsor: Direction générale des Transports (DGT), Ministère des Transports et des Infrastructures. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Category E examination consists of a 40-question multiple-choice theoretical admissibility assessment administered by sworn transport inspectors. Under Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG Article 12, Category E is expressly exempt from the practical phase. Candidates who pass the theory assessment with at least 30/40 correct answers qualify directly for licence extension upon submitting their complete administrative dossier.

Time Limit

Not published in Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG

Passing Score

30/40 correct answers (75%) on the theoretical admissibility assessment

Exam / Certification Fees

Décret n° 2025-0052/PT-RM sets the examination fee at 15,000 FCFA, payable once. Article 6 temporarily preserves the earlier fee schedule until effective rollout of biometric licence services, so candidates should confirm the amount currently collected with the regional transport directorate.

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 this practice bank; official regulations publish no percentage breakdown

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

Coupling mechanisms, fifth wheel (sellette), kingpin (cheville ouvrière), drawbar connections, safety chains, landing gear operation, and tug test verification.

25% of this practice bank; official regulations publish no percentage breakdown

Combination vehicle braking systems

Continuous pneumatic braking, dual-circuit lines (red supply line and yellow control line), emergency breakaway valves, spring parking brakes, air reservoirs, and brake lag.

20% of this practice bank; official regulations publish no percentage breakdown

Vehicle combination dynamics and handling

Jackknifing (mise en portefeuille), trailer off-tracking (balayage), trailer sway (mise en lacet), mirror reversing, blind spots, and rollover prevention.

15% of this practice bank; official regulations publish no percentage breakdown

Weight ratings, axle limits and load distribution

Gross combination weight rating (PTRA), trailer PTAC > 750 kg, UEMOA Regulation 14 axle load limits, cargo securing (arrimage), and weight distribution principles.

15% of this practice bank; official regulations publish no percentage breakdown

Regulatory framework, licensing prerequisites and fitness

Licence prerequisites (C held 6+ months or D), professional aptitude certificate (CAP), medical fitness, theory-only assessment exemption under Article 12, and renewal schedules.

Preparing for the Mali Permis Catégorie E Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 30/40 correct answers (75%) on the theoretical admissibility assessment
Assessment: The Category E examination consists of a 40-question multiple-choice theoretical admissibility assessment administered by sworn transport inspectors. Under Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG Article 12, Category E is expressly exempt from the practical phase. Candidates who pass the theory assessment with at least 30/40 correct answers qualify directly for licence extension upon submitting their complete administrative dossier.
Time limit: Not published in Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG
Exam / certification fees: Décret n° 2025-0052/PT-RM sets the examination fee at 15,000 FCFA, payable once. Article 6 temporarily preserves the earlier fee schedule until effective rollout of biometric licence services, so candidates should confirm the amount currently collected with the regional transport directorate. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Mali Permis Catégorie E: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the pneumatic brake line functions: remember that the red line is the supply line (continuous pressure and emergency breakaway), while the yellow line is the control/service line transmitting braking commands.

2Understand coupling alignment and safety: ensure the fifth wheel jaw closes securely around the kingpin shank, the safety latch locks in place, and perform a tug test in low gear before retracting landing gear.

3Recognize articulated vehicle off-tracking: during turns, the trailer rear wheels cut inside the tractor path (balayage); always take wide approaches to turns and check mirrors continuously.

4Use the exact axle and vehicle-layout entry in the current Mali table: wheel configuration and tandem/tridem type change the applicable limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a practical driving test for Category E in Mali under current regulations?

No. Under Article 12 of Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, candidates for Category E are expressly exempt from the practical driving examination. Candidates must take and pass the 40-question theoretical admissibility assessment (requiring at least 30 correct answers) and fulfill all administrative and medical prerequisites.

What are the prerequisite holding periods before applying for Category E?

Under Article 25 of Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, a candidate seeking a Category E extension based on Category C must have held their Category C driving licence for at least six months. Alternatively, candidates holding Category D may also qualify for extension.

What vehicles are covered under Category E in Mali?

Under Article 90 of Décret n° 2023-0509/PT-RM, Category E covers articulated vehicle combinations consisting of a towing vehicle in Category B, C, or D coupled to a trailer or semi-trailer whose maximum authorized gross laden weight (PTAC) exceeds 750 kg.

What is the licence renewal schedule for Category E drivers in Mali?

Under Article 91 of Décret n° 2023-0509/PT-RM, Category E follows heavy-vehicle medical renewal schedules: every 5 years for drivers aged 18 to 55, every 3 years for drivers aged 56 to 65, and annually for drivers over 65 years of age. A valid medical certificate is required at each renewal.

What is the Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) requirement for Category E?

Under Article 7(h) of Arrêté n° 2024-3860/MTI-SG, candidates applying for an extension from Category C or D to Category E must include a Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (professional aptitude certificate) in their examination dossier.