The most common mistakes on the Spanish DGT exam

1. 1

   Signs: confusing 'end of prohibition' with 'change of rule'

   It is the most frequent topic and the most confused. An 'end of prohibition' sign (R-501, R-502…) lifts a specific restriction; nearby signs may impose a new rule without the previous one having ended. In the exam many students assume any square-with-stripes sign means the same thing — read it carefully and always check shape and colour.

   Signs test
2. 2

   Right of way: roundabouts and unsigned junctions

   Vehicles already inside a roundabout have priority over those entering, unless a specific sign says otherwise. At unsigned junctions, give way to the right; remember the exceptions — paved over unpaved roads, rail traffic over any vehicle, pedestrians at crossings and on urban roundabouts.

   Right-of-way test
3. 3

   Speed: limits by road type and vehicle

   Knowing the generic limit isn't enough. The question often combines road type (urban 50 km/h, conventional 90, motorway 120) with vehicle type or trailer. In town, 30 km/h applies on streets with a single lane per direction. Read the question twice before answering.

   Speed test
4. 4

   Alcohol and drugs: limits per driver profile

   Limits differ per driver: 0.5 g/L blood for general drivers, 0.3 for novice drivers (<3 years) and professionals. For drugs there is no tolerance threshold — any presence is sanctionable. The classic question mixes both with points-loss percentages.

   Alcohol and drugs test
5. 5

   Safety distances: time, not metres

   Minimum following distance is measured in time, not metres: 2 seconds in normal conditions, 4 in rain or poor visibility. In the exam many options offer distances in metres to confuse you — whenever you see 'metres' cross-check with the time rule and the road type.

6. 6

   Overtaking: visible vs. invisible limits

   Some places forbid overtaking even without a sign: bends and crests with poor visibility, marked pedestrian crossings, level crossings, junctions with cycle lanes, junctions and their surroundings (except roundabouts, permitted overtaking on the right, a priority road marked by a sign or two-wheeled vehicles) and tunnels with one lane in your direction. A solid line reinforces the ban but does not create it (art. 87 of the General Traffic Regulations).

   Overtaking rules
7. 7

   Licence points: rates and durations

   12 starting points, 8 for novice drivers. Serious offences cost 2–4 points; very serious 4–6. You recover all points after 2 years without further serious offences (3 years for professional drivers in some cases). The recovery course gives back up to 6 points every 2 years.

8. 8

   Seat belts, helmets and child restraints

   Seat belt mandatory in every seat. Child restraint systems for kids up to 1.35 m. The 'short distance' or 'very low speed' exception is FALSE — these usually appear as trap questions.

9. 9

   Manoeuvres: reverse, lane change, stopping

   Reversing is forbidden on motorways and dual carriageways, forbidden in roundabouts, and only allowed for the minimum necessary on other roads. Changing lanes: signal first, check the blind spot, never cross solid lines. Double-parking is a serious offence almost always.

10. 10

    Environment and efficient driving

    Higher gears at steady speed, anticipation, smooth acceleration, shift up around 2,000–2,500 rpm in petrol engines (lower for diesel). The exam often quotes percentages (5%, 10%, 15%) — those are the official DGT figures; learn them as they're written.

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