Administrative Procedures and Penalty Points
This domain tests the paperwork you must hold, how the points-based licence works, and what happens when an offence is recorded. Answers must be practical: what you hand to an officer at a roadside check, and what a sanction actually does to your right to drive.
Documents and procedures
When driving you must be able to produce a valid driving licence of the correct category, the vehicle registration document (carte grise), proof of valid third-party insurance for that vehicle, and a current roadworthiness certificate where the vehicle's age requires one. Insurance attaches to the vehicle, not the driver, so lending a car does not transfer cover. Report a change of ownership, address or use of the vehicle within the period set by the transport authority, and keep the vehicle presented for its periodic inspection when due. A foreign licence may be used for a limited period and then exchanged, subject to a medical fitness check.
Points and sanctions
The licence carries a credit of points. Each recorded offence removes points according to its seriousness: minor offences take a few, while alcohol, refusal to take a breath test, very excessive speed and failing to stop after a crash take many and can bring immediate suspension or withdrawal. When the credit reaches zero the licence is suspended and must generally be re-earned through a test. Points are restored after a set period without further infringement. Other sanctions include fines, vehicle immobilisation and, for serious cases, a court appearance.
Worked example
A driver is stopped with no insurance document and a roadworthiness certificate that expired last year. Reasoning: the insurance offence is the graver of the two, since third-party cover is compulsory; the vehicle may be immobilised, a fine imposed and points deducted, and the expired certificate must be renewed before the car is used again. Producing a photograph of the documents is not the same as producing the originals, so the check is recorded accordingly.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming insurance follows the driver; assuming an expired certificate is tolerated because the car 'runs fine'; and believing points expire immediately on payment of the fine.