Obtaining Your Driving Theory Test In 2026: Cost, Regulations, Registration, Deadlines, And Pitfalls To Avoid

It's sometimes said that "the code is just a formality"... In reality, it's primarily the foundation for understanding the road, anticipating risks, and avoiding bad habits from the start. And by 2026, with increased enforcement and changes in recent years, it's better to know exactly what to expect before booking your session. If you're looking for a simple solution to review online (and without complicating your life), you can also take the driving test with En Voiture Simone. The idea remains the same: practice regularly, understand your mistakes, and be calm on the big day.

1- The cost of coding in 2026: what's fixed, and what can quickly increase

Let's start with the most straightforward point: taking the driving theory test costs 30 euros. This is the fee charged at the time of registering for a session.

Where it gets a bit more complicated is with everything else. Because the "theory" budget doesn't just stop at these 30 euros:

• Revision and practice: depending on the package chosen, it can be free or paid (access to question sets, mock exams, tracking, lessons, offline mode, etc.).
• Number of attempts: if you fail, you pay for the exam each time you retake it, and this can happen more often than one might think (stress, haste, bad multiple-choice habits...).

A very simple comparison to visualize the "budget risk":

• Passed on the 1st try: 30 euros
• Passed on the 2nd try: 60 euros
• Passed on the 3rd try: 90 euros

Note: It's not the end of the world to retake it, but it's best to avoid the "I'll just try and see" approach... (it's rarely a good strategy).

2- The rules for the driving theory test in 2026: format, minimum passing score, topics.

In 2026, the format of the General Theory Test (ETG) remains stable and well-structured:

- A total of 40 questions in multiple-choice format.
- A minimum of 35 correct answers required to pass, meaning a maximum of 5 mistakes allowed.
- Situations presented in images, sometimes videos, with answers that may be unique or multiple.

The classic trap is to respond based on "gut feeling." However, the test primarily rewards logic: observing, reading, spotting a clue, and responding calmly. Sometimes, a question hinges on a detail (road markings, a distance, a road user you didn't notice at first glance...).

And yes, it's an examination, but it's designed to verify useful reflexes. Typically: priorities, signs, traffic rules, stopping-parking, visibility, sharing the road with other users, eco-driving, risks, etc.

3- Registration in 2026: the steps, without getting lost

There are two common ways to take your driving test: through a driving school, or as an independent candidate. In both cases, the same main steps are followed.

Step 1: Obtain your NEPH number

The NEPH is essentially your "driver's license file number." It is used for both the theory test and the driving test. The request is made online via the official platform (ANTS), with the required documents.

Step 2: Book a session at an approved center

Once the NEPH is validated, you choose a date and time slot. Be careful of a very silly, but very common detail: the name, first name, and date of birth must exactly match your ID. A missing accent or a misplaced second name can create complications (yes, it's annoying...).

Step 3: Receive the invitation and prepare the documents

On the day of the exam, you will generally be asked for:

• your invitation
• a valid identity document (or one that has recently expired according to current rules)

A simple tip: prepare everything the day before, and check the exact address of the center. Morning stress + an approximate journey is the perfect combo for arriving late.

For more information on choosing a training program, you can also consult this Gralon article: Choosing your driving school: a practical guide.

4- Deadlines in 2026: schedules, outcomes, and what has changed recently

It's a point that still surprises: the results are no longer "immediate". Since the strengthening of anti-fraud measures, there is a minimum delay of 24 hours after the end of the test before the results are communicated.

In practice, many candidates receive their result within 24 to 72 hours depending on the organization, business days, and processing constraints. So yes, sometimes you have to wait a bit (and it's long when you're refreshing your inbox every 10 minutes...).

Another concrete point that affects bookings: the sessions are regulated, with an organization between 8 am and 8 pm, and no exams on Sundays or public holidays. This reduces some "easy" slots, so it's better to plan ahead if you have a tight schedule.

And after passing: the code is valid for 5 years. If you do not take the practical test within this period, you will have to retake the code. It's worth keeping in mind when planning your driving.

5- Effective Revision in 2026: A Simple, Yet Regular Method

The best method is often the simplest: **repetition + correction + understanding**. And above all, a realistic routine. Not "3 hours a day for 4 days", but rather "20 to 30 minutes, several times a week".

A pattern that works well (and avoids the marathon effect):

- **Phase 1**: review lessons by themes, a little each day
- **Phase 2**: thematic series (where you make the most mistakes)
- **Phase 3**: complete mock exams, under exam conditions

On this point, apps can really help, especially if they allow you to review anywhere. For example, En Voiture Simone offers **free online tests and driving theory courses**, including question series, mock exams, theoretical lessons, and an offline mode. Handy if you're revising on public transport, or between classes, or quietly in the evening (without being tied to a desk).

6- Pitfalls to avoid in 2026: classic mistakes, and real scams

There are "soft" traps, and much more serious traps.

Classic mistakes:

• Memorizing without understanding: as soon as the picture changes slightly, we make a mistake.


• Neglecting weak topics: many candidates skip over things like stop-parking, or distances, and it costs them dearly.


• Arriving just on time: in case of delay, you can be refused, no discussion.


• Not reading the question all the way through: it's silly, but it's one of the primary causes of mistakes.

Serious traps (and unfortunately very current):

• The "good deals" on social networks like "I'll help you get your code", "guaranteed result"... Typically, this kind of offer can lead to cancellation, or even worse.


• Dubious registrations through shady intermediaries, or websites that ask for too much information, too quickly.

Let's not kid ourselves: fraud exists, and the state has clearly stepped up controls. Hence the result delays, increased surveillance, and even closures of centers when irregularities are detected. Morality: stay on official channels, and keep your personal documents for legitimate platforms only.

7- After the code: keep up the pace (and avoid the nasty surprise of delays)

Passing the driving theory test is a real milestone. Then, you must move on to the driving lessons without letting months go by. Why? Because you can quickly forget certain concepts, and because in some areas, waiting times for driving lessons and the practical exam can be long.

If you're uncertain about which path to take, accompanied driving remains an interesting option for many profiles, especially for gaining experience. Read more on Gralon: [Accompanied Driving](https://www.gralon.net/articles/automobile-et-motos/permis-de-conduire/article-la-conduite-accompagnee-2420.htm).

FAQ - Taking Your Driving Theory Test in 2026

How much does the driving theory test cost in 2026?
Taking the test costs 30 euros. If you fail, you must pay this amount again for each new attempt.

How many mistakes are allowed to pass?
You must get at least 35 correct answers out of 40, so a maximum of 5 errors.

Can you take the theory test as a private candidate?
Yes, it is possible. You need to obtain a NEPH number and then book a session in an approved center.

How long does it take to receive the results?
Results cannot be communicated before 24 hours after the end of the test. Then, they often arrive within 24 to 72 hours depending on the case.

How long is the theory test valid for?
It is valid for 5 years. If you do not pass the practical test within this time, you will have to retake the theory test.

Can you take the theory test at 15?
Yes, in certain pathways such as pre-license training (accompanied driving). Otherwise, registration depends on the category you're aiming for and your situation.

Can you retake the theory test quickly after failing?
Yes, in practice, you can book a new session fairly quickly, depending on local availability. The main obstacle is often the schedule of sessions.

Do you need to print the summons?
When in doubt, yes. Even if some centers accept the digital version, arriving with a printed summons avoids problems (dead battery, network issues...).

What are the best tips for passing?
Take mock exams, correct your mistakes, work on your weak themes, and learn to analyze the scene rather than recite responses.

Is an app enough to pass?
Often yes, if you are consistent and if the app offers lessons, various series, and mock exams. The important thing is discipline, not the magic tool.

Conclusion

In 2026, passing your driving theory test remains an accessible milestone, provided you organize yourself to some extent. Remember mainly three things: the exam costs 30 euros, you need 35 correct answers out of 40, and results are not available before 24 hours. After that, it all comes down to consistency and understanding. And if you avoid the classic pitfalls (and the seemingly good ideas), you're already giving yourself every chance of success... without making yourself sick.

Note Well: the "code" refers to the general theoretical test (ETG). For motorcycles, there is a specific theoretical test (ETM). The rules are similar, but the content is not the same.