Theory Test Basics

The theory test is the written examination that comes before the practical, mandated under Annex II of Directive 2006/126/EC. It verifies knowledge of traffic rules, signs (defined by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals 1968), priority, defensive driving, environmental driving, mechanical basics, and the legal framework around licences and insurance. Spain's DGT, the UK's DVSA, Germany's BASt and TÜV/DEKRA, France's SGS-led system, and Italy's Motorizzazione all run computer-based versions today. A theory pass is valid two years from the date issued in the UK before it expires and the test must be retaken — Spain gives two years to take and pass the practical after the theory.

Spain (DGT): 30 multiple-choice questions on the prueba teórica común, drawn from a public bank maintained on the DGT website. UK (DVSA): 50 multiple-choice questions followed by 14 hazard perception clips. Germany (TÜV/DEKRA): 30 questions for Category B, drawn from the official Fragenkatalog published by the Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen, with weighted Fehlerpunkte (2 to 5 points per question). France: 40 questions on the épreuve théorique générale. Italy: 30 statements (vero/falso) under the Motorizzazione Civile syllabus. Netherlands (CBR): 65 questions split between road signs, knowledge, and insight. Question banks are renewed annually in most jurisdictions.

Pass marks vary by country. Spain requires 27/30 correct (90%). The UK requires 43/50 (86%) on multiple choice plus 44/75 on hazard perception. Germany allows a maximum of 10 fault points. Most countries require around 85-90% to pass.

Spain (DGT): 30 minutes for 30 questions on the prueba teórica común. UK (DVSA): 57 minutes for the 50-question multiple-choice section, then a separate 20-minute hazard perception section of 14 video clips. Germany (TÜV/DEKRA): 45 minutes for the Grundstoff and Zusatzstoff sections combined, 30 questions for Category B. France: épreuve théorique générale 30 minutes for 40 questions delivered by an approved operator since the 2016 reform that ended monopoly delivery. Netherlands (CBR): 30 minutes for 65 questions. Italy: 30 minutes for 30 questions. Most candidates finish before the limit; the time is generous by design to remove pressure as a confounding factor.

Theory tests are typically computer-based with multiple-choice questions. You select answers using a mouse or touchscreen. Some countries include hazard perception videos where you click when you spot developing hazards. All official tests are conducted at authorized test centers.

Spain: book through the autoescuela, which lodges the application via DGT's sede electrónica with the Tasa 2.1 fee (€94.05 in 2026) and your psicotécnico certificate. The DGT assigns the date — slots in Madrid and Barcelona run two to four weeks out. UK: book directly with DVSA at gov.uk/book-theory-test for £23 using your provisional licence number; the system shows slots at 200+ centres. Germany: the Führerscheinstelle clears the application; TÜV or DEKRA actually administer the exam — your Fahrschule schedules it once you have completed the mandatory theory lessons. France: épreuve théorique générale booked through La Poste, SGS, Objectif Code or Dekra-Code for €30. Always book under your legal name as on the photo ID you will bring.

Costs vary by country. In Spain, the theory test costs around 94 euros (combined with practical test fees). In the UK, it costs around 23 pounds. In Germany, costs vary by driving school. Check your local authority for current fees - they may change annually.

Use the official handbook as the primary source — DVSA "The Highway Code" and "Driving — The Essential Skills" in the UK; DGT's Manual de la Autoescuela in Spain; ADAC's Führerschein-Fragebogen plus the official Fragenkatalog in Germany; Code de la route Rousseau or ENPC in France. Practise the actual question bank where it is public (DGT publishes its bank; the UK question bank is only accessible through licensed apps under DVSA Crown copyright). Build up sign recognition with flashcards — Annex 1 of the Vienna Convention defines the European sign system in standard form. Aim for repeated 90% scores on full-length mocks before booking. Hazard perception (UK, Netherlands) needs separate video practice.