Spain Driving Test
Pass First Time

Getting a driving licence in Spain means working with the DGT — the Dirección General de Tráfico — the government agency that runs every theory exam, practical test, and licence issue in the country. Here's everything you need to know in under two minutes. [0:06 Theory Test Format] The Spanish theory test has 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from the DGT question bank, and you can only get 3 wrong. That's a 90% pass mark — one of the strictest in Europe. You have 30 minutes, the test is available in Spanish, English, French, and several other languages, and every question has a single correct answer from three options. [0:20 Cost of a Spanish Licence] Expect to pay between €700 and €1,400 total. That covers autoescuela enrolment (€200–600), practical lessons (€400–1,050), the medical psicotécnico (€25–50), and DGT exam fees of €138.63. Unlike many countries, enrolling in an autoescuela is mandatory — you cannot sit the test as an independent candidate. [0:35 Spanish Speed Limits] Spain uses three main speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas — dropped to 30 on single-lane streets since May 2021 — 90 km/h on conventional rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways. Exceed these and fines start at €100 and climb sharply. [0:47 Traffic Fines & Points] Speeding 21 to 30 km/h over the limit costs €300 plus 2 licence points. Using a mobile phone while driving is €200 and 6 points. No seatbelt is €200 and 4 points. Drink-driving over the 0.25 mg/l breath limit starts at €500 and 4 points. Pay within 20 days and you get a 50% early-payment discount. [1:02 Key Road Rules] Spain drives on the right and gives way to traffic from the left at unmarked intersections. It uses a strict 12-point licence system, with novice drivers starting on 8 points. From January 2026 every car must carry a V-16 geolocated beacon — the old red warning triangle is being phased out. [1:14 Step-by-Step Licence Process] The process: enrol in an autoescuela, pass the psicotécnico medical, study the DGT question bank, pass the 30-question theory exam, complete practical lessons, then pass the practical road test. Total time is typically 2 to 3 months with consistent study. [1:29 Emergency Numbers] Spain uses the pan-European 112 for any emergency — police, ambulance, or fire. The Guardia Civil traffic division is 062 and National Police is 091. [1:37 Driving Myths vs Facts] Myth: you can just swap any foreign licence. Fact: only EU and EEA licences swap automatically — most non-EU licences require passing the full Spanish theory and practical exam. Myth: the DGT test is easy. Fact: first-attempt pass rates are around 60%. Myth: you don't need to worry about fine deadlines. Fact: you have exactly 20 days to pay at the 50% discounted rate. Practice the full DGT question bank for free on AutoviaTest to prepare for your Spanish theory exam.