The Spanish DGT theory test in 2026: how it works and how to pass

The theory test is the first step towards a Spanish category B driving licence. Here is how it works in 2026, what it covers and how to prepare so you pass first time.

Updated: 27 September 2026

The test at a glance

Once you pass, you have two years to pass the practical driving test without retaking the theory.

What the test covers

Questions cover the whole category B syllabus. The topics that come up most often are:

• Traffic signs, road markings and police officers' signals
• Right of way, junctions and roundabouts
• Speed limits, safe distances and overtaking
• Stopping, parking and using lights
• Alcohol, drugs, medicines, fatigue and distractions
• Seat belts, child restraints and mobile phone use
• Documents, ITV (vehicle inspection) and vehicle maintenance
• The penalty points system and fines
• Accidents and first aid (the PAS rule: Protect, Alert, Help)
• Eco-driving and the environment

Rule changes to know in 2026

• Connected V-16 beacon: since 1 January 2026 it is mandatory for signalling a broken-down vehicle and replaces warning triangles.
• Urban speed limits: 30 km/h on streets with one lane in each direction and 20 km/h on single-level shared streets.
• Holding a mobile phone: 6 penalty points.
• Seat belts and child restraints: not using them costs 4 points.
• Overtaking: you can no longer exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h to overtake on conventional roads.

All of these changes are already included in the My DGT Test questions.

Requirements and how to book

1. Be at least 18 to hold a category B licence, and be normally resident in Spain (or studying here for at least six months).
2. Pass the medical and psychotechnical check at an authorised driver medical centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores).
3. Pay the DGT exam fee.
4. Apply through a driving school, or by yourself at your Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico), with your DNI or NIE/TIE, medical certificate and a photo.
5. Wait for your appointment with the date and exam centre.

The official test is mainly held in Spanish and Spain's co-official languages. Whether other languages are offered depends on the exam centre, so ask your Provincial Traffic Office. Studying in English and then switching to Spanish in the app helps you learn the official terms.

How to prepare and pass first time

1. Study the syllabus topic by topic, starting with signs and right of way.
2. Take tests by topic and read the explanation for every mistake. Understanding why stops you repeating errors.
3. Move on to full mock exams: 30 questions in 30 minutes.
4. Focus on your weak topics. The My DGT Test trainer detects which topics you fail most.
5. Book your exam once you pass several mock exams in a row with 2 mistakes or fewer.

The most common trick questions

• Absolute words: answers with "always", "never" or "only" are usually, though not always, wrong.
• Stopping, standing and parking are different: a halt (detención) is due to traffic, a stop (parada) lasts two minutes at most, and parking is anything longer.
• Order of priority of signals: police officers' instructions override temporary signs, which override traffic lights, which override vertical signs, which override road markings.
• Read the whole question: many depend on a detail such as "outside built-up areas" or "on a motorway".