How to take the DGT theory exam in English

Check your exact category on official form Mod.04-ES before choosing English. For A1, A2, B and RPV (the points-recovery test), the form lists Spanish, co-official languages, English, French and German. For C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E and DE, it lists Spanish, co-official languages, English and French. LCM, LVA, AM, BE, C197 and C1E97 list Spanish and co-official languages only. The form also lists easy-read (Lectura fácil) for A1, A2 and B: sede.dgt.gob.es

English changes the question language, not the rules: you are still applying Spanish traffic law, including signs, priority, speed limits, documents and road safety.

Decide whether to apply through a driving school or as a free candidate. A school normally manages the application and exam booking for its students; ask what it will file and when. As a free candidate, file through DGT's Electronic Register or in person at a Traffic Office. Follow DGT's current application instructions: sede.dgt.gob.es

Choose the route early so you know who handles each document, payment and notice. If a school applies, confirm it recorded your category and language; if you apply yourself, keep the form, payment and submission receipts together.

Complete Mod.04-ES for the right category and mark English in the theory-test language field. Check your personal details, category and test before submitting, and keep a copy: sede.dgt.gob.es

Pay the DGT fee shown on Mod.04-ES and keep the receipt with your paperwork. For a driving licence test (A1, A2, B and the other classes) it is fee 2.1, listed at 94.05 EUR; the application covers two exam sittings, and after two unsuccessful attempts you need a new application and fee. The points-recovery test (RPV) uses fee 2.3 instead. Confirm the current amount and payment instructions when you apply: sede.dgt.gob.es

If a school submits the application, confirm that English is recorded; do not assume it follows automatically from your lessons or study materials.

Build a routine that combines learning, questions and review. A useful 35-minute session is 10 minutes of theory, 15 minutes answering questions and 10 minutes reviewing mistakes. Label each error: unknown word, misunderstood rule, missed picture detail or rushed reading. This shows what to work on next instead of repeating chapters without a plan.

Keep a small two-language vocabulary list. Pair English terms with Spanish equivalents and a short example: give way / ceder el paso, overtaking / adelantamiento, shoulder / arcén, pedestrian / peatón, cyclist / ciclista, trailer / remolque and maximum speed / velocidad máxima. Add phrases as well as individual words, including must, prohibited, except and unless. Forty words you understand and revisit are more useful than a long dictionary you never open.

Learn signs by meaning first. Notice each sign's shape, colour and symbol, then write what it requires or prohibits. Add its English and Spanish names after you can identify the meaning. Recognising a warning or priority sign can be faster than translating its label from scratch.

Three habits commonly slow foreign learners down. First, do not rely on rules or driving customs from your home country: details about roundabouts, urban limits, signs and documents can differ, and this exam is about Spain. Second, avoid translating every word before deciding. Practise until familiar signs and situations trigger the rule directly, while still reading words such as not, must, except and unless carefully. Third, prepare for exam stress with timed practice, so you learn to read accurately while the clock is running.

Use DGT's sample questions to select a test type and language. They are similar in format and number to the theory test, and the English questions translate the Spanish originals. On our English question pages, use “Show the Spanish original” when a translation feels unclear: dgt.es

For category B, the theory test has 30 multiple-choice questions, allows a maximum of 3 errors and lasts 30 minutes. Practise with that rhythm, but focus on steady understanding rather than memorising answer patterns.

Before the exam, check that your application shows the correct category and English choice. Confirm your personal details, appointment date, time and test location; bring the identification and documents requested. If your application requires a valid medical certificate, check its validity. If a school is presenting you, ask how it will share schedule changes or notices.

In the final week, do timed mock tests and review every error, including lucky guesses. If a question catches you on vocabulary, revisit the term; if it tests a rule, study that topic; if you rushed, practise a deliberate pause. On the day, read the whole question, inspect any image and watch for words that reverse the meaning. A calm, repeatable method is more dependable than translating faster at the last minute.