A few years ago to help a friend become familiar with the "code de la route" theory test we spent some hours with a CD-Rom trying out the 40 questions needed to be answered. You need to get 35 right to pass the test and the questions are randomly chosen from a bank of 1000. We found it quite difficult to get the 35 right answers, and normally about 70% of the drivers taking the test will pass first time.
But yesterday saw a new set of questions introduced, covering more than just road signs and traffic rules. Candidates are also asked about security, ecology and assistance as well as simple car knowledge (tyre tread or pressures for example). On day one only 16% achieved the necessary level, leading the chief examiner to promise to re-examine the questions, as some appeared to confuse almost everyone. Blaming the low pass level on teething problems, certain questions will be withdrawn and some re-written. He commented that as most candidates scored about 30 they only needed 5 more.... The driving school instructors must have been equally in the dark when preparing their pupils. For most readers the need to take the test will never arise, but you never know; lose your French licence and it could be you.
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