CACES® R489 theory test: format, pass mark and tips

Who needs the CACES® R489?

The CACES® R489 is for anyone who drives a rider-operated industrial truck in France: rider pallet truck, stacker, counterbalance forklift, reach truck or high-level order picker.

The CACES® is not a licence: what lets you drive is the driving authorisation issued by your employer. But most employers and temp agencies require the CACES® before issuing it, together with a fitness opinion from the occupational doctor.

How the theory test works

The theory test is a multiple-choice test taken in a room at a certified testing centre. It covers knowledge common to every category: the same test applies to categories 1A to 7. It is in French.

It has 100 questions. Each correct answer scores 1 point, a wrong or incomplete answer 0. The practical test follows, on a truck of the category you are taking.

The pass mark

You need at least 70 points out of 100 and at least half the points in each theme. Failing one theme fails the test, even with a good total.

Example: 82/100 overall but 4/10 on load plates and charts, and the test is lost. It is the most common trap, and why you should practise theme by theme.

The themes covered

The 100 points are split across 4 themes, each with its own minimum score:

• General knowledge15 pts · min 7.5
• Technology and stability25 pts · min 12.5
• Load plates and charts10 pts · min 5
• Operating the trucks50 pts · min 25

Our tips to pass

Start with a level test to find your weakest theme, then work on it first. Load plates and charts are worth only 10 points but fail many candidates: learn to read a load plate step by step.

Then take full 100-question mock exams. Aim for 80/100 with half marks everywhere on several exams in a row: that gives you a margin on test day.

Read every mistake with its explanation. Fifteen minutes a day for two to three weeks beats one long session the night before.