Spanish Driving Tests: Formats and Preparation Guidelines

After submitting your application to take the driving exams, you might be a little bit nervous but don’t worry! This article will discuss all the tests you will encounter and how to prepare for them.

1. Theory test:

2. Practical test (driving test on open roads):

3. After passing the exam:

1. Theory test:

• Preparation test: There are several ways to prepare for the test.
  • You can read the guidebook recommended for the permit you apply for. You can search directly in the Google Manual+[type of permiso] you are applying for.
  • You can take preparation tests on the official DGT website to prepare for the real rest. This service is free and anyone who wishes to obtain a driver’s license or permit can take this preparation test. You can take the preparation exam without any time limit. The questions are similar to those of the real test, and some of the questions are even taken from the real test. You can access the free preparation test by clicking on “sin certificado”(no certificate). In most cases, this preparation exam is not available in Spanish.
  • You are also free to other question date base websites, but you should be careful of their resources and if their formats and questions are updated.
• Language choice: Except for Spanish, in theory, you can also choose English as your preferred language for the theoretical test. But you should confirm this information with your driving school.
• Exam format: There are 30 questions, if you only make up to 3 incorrect answers, it’s considered a “pass”. If you fail the first time, the time for the next exam is determined by the number of wrong questions.
• Score query: After taking the theoretical exam, you can follow up on your scores the same day from 17:00. You can get your results in the following three ways:
  • Online, no need for any prior identification.
  • In your driving school. Remember that your first interlocutor should be your driving school for issues related to exams.
  • At any Traffic headquarters or offices. In this case, you need to request an appointment online or by calling 060.

2. Practical test (driving test on open roads):

• Requirements: The second is the road test. Only after passing the theoretical exam can you participate in the practical training and exam on the road.
• Practice: If you want to sign up for a driving school. Coaches generally charge 20-40 euros for a lesson of 30-45 minutes and the price varies from place to place. Those with driving experience may be able to take the test in less than 10 lessons, and those without any driving experience usually need 30 to 40 lessons. Also note that for foreigners, you should also try to improve your vocabulary in this area.
• Exam format: When you take the practice exam, there will be an examiner writing down any mistake you make during the test in a report. Below we will present the most common and most possible things the examiner might check. As a student, you can make at most 10 errors (9 minor errors, or 1 deficient error with 4 minor errors)
• Score query: Generally, you can access your grades the next day after 17:00. The ways and documents needed are the same as before. If you are not satisfied with the exam results, you have 15 working days (starting from the date your notes are available) to file an appeal to the Director General de Tráfico,
• Key things to be remembered by the exam-taker:

3. After passing the exam:

• Once you have passed your exam, you can drive with the provisional permit that your driving school will provide. This permit is valid for 3 months.

- Keep in mind that with the provisional license, you can only drive within Spanish borders. If you are going to drive abroad, you must apply for the International Permit at any Traffic headquarters or office. In this case, you need to request an appointment online or by calling 060.

- Usually, within a month and a half after passing your exam, the final permit should arrive at your address. If not, talk to your driving school so they can manage it and solve the problem as soon as possible. You can check the status in the Processing status of my driving license on the official DGT website.

• If you have any problem, you can go to any Traffic headquarters or offices for help. In this case, you need to request an appointment online or by calling 060

• Most people will think about buying a new car in Spain after passing the driving exams. Caution: In Spain, it’s necessary to contract car insurance when you purchase a car. You can contact us in English to learn the best car insurance offers Adeslas gives by phone call (+34 911746191), WhatsApp (+34 640048309), or email ([email protected]).

If you would like to know more about this topic, check out one of these other blogs:

• Driving in Spain as a UK citizen: things you must know
• Driving in Spain vs Driving in the US: things you must know
• Driving in Spain vs Driving in Australia: things you must know
• Guide to understanding "driving points" in Spain
• Driving in Spain: confusing Spanish road signs and what they mean?
• Spanish ITV car test: all you need to know about as an expat
• Riding a motorcycle in Spain: what motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters can I ride?
• Riding a motorcycle in Spain: what regulations or laws should I remember by heart?
• A simple guide to the exchange, replacement, and renewal of your UK driving licenses
• Steps to request a driving license exam in Spain

Reference:

[1]BOE.es - BOE-A-2009-9481 Real Decreto 818/2009, de 8 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Conductores. (2021). Retrieved 28 July 2021, from https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2009-9481 

[2]dgt, w. (2021). Dirección General de Tráfico. Retrieved 24 August 2021, from https://www.dgt.es/es/ 

Our content will be updated according to the most recent legislation. Last update: 14/06/2023