Driving-school tests for DGT exam preparation
Driving-school tests are exercises used to prepare for the theory exam. Questions and study tools can vary between providers. Completing a practice test is not the same as passing the official assessment.
That is why practising online for free with sacatelcarnet is equivalent, in terms of content, to taking the tests inside a driving school. What the school adds is course structure (fixed hours, a teacher in the room, printed books) — not different questions or a "premium" version of the exam.
Our simulation format by licence
| Permit | Questions | Max errors | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 30 | 3 | 30 min |
| AM | 20 | 2 | 20 min |
| A1 / A2 | 20 | 2 | 20 min |
| C / C1 | 20 | 2 | 20 min |
| D / D1 | 20 | 2 | 20 min |
The table shows our practice simulation settings, including specific tests by licence. It does not replace DGT information about the assessments you need for your chosen category and the licences you already hold.
Attending a driving school vs. preparing independently
In Spain you can prepare the B-licence theory in two ways. First, enrol in a driving school: you pay enrolment, attend theory classes in person or on the school's online platform, get books and tests, and the school registers you for the official sitting. Second, prepare independently: you study the syllabus on your own — online question bank, PDF or video manuals, simulations — and register directly for the DGT sitting without going through any school.
For the practical exam, preparing independently is theoretically possible but in practice almost nobody does: you need a dual-control car, a certified instructor and the coordination with the DGT examiner — only a school can give you that. So the most common path is to prepare the theory independently online (cheaper, more flexible) and use a driving school only for the practical lessons.
What a good driving-school test must have
- Exam-style questions aligned with the current official DGT syllabus (2026). Questions are refreshed several times a year as regulations change.
- A timed B-licence practice simulation with 30 questions.
- Topic-based tests for reinforcing specific weak points (signage, priority, speed, alcohol and drugs, basic mechanics).
- Explanation for each answer — knowing which one is correct is not enough; you need to understand why the other options are wrong.
- Smart review that detects the topics where you fail most and prioritises similar questions in later sessions.
- Available in Spanish and, if you need it, in English or the other official exam languages.
How much enrolling in a Spanish driving school costs
The total price of getting a B licence through a driving school in Spain is usually €700–€1,500. It is a wide range because it depends a lot on the city (Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive), the number of practical lessons you need and whether the school sells an "all-in" package or charges each item separately.
- School enrolment: €100 – €250
- DGT fee (tasa 2.1): €94.05 (grants 2 exam sittings; after 2 fails a new fee is due)
- Medical / psychotechnical: €35 – €60
- Practical lessons: €30 – €50 per 45-min session · usually 15–25 sessions needed
- New fee after two fails: €94.05 (the full tasa 2.1 again — grants two fresh sittings)
The theory is the part you can most easily separate from the driving school: studying it online for free with an exam-style question bank aligned with the official DGT syllabus (what we offer here) and leaving only the practical to the school can save you €200–€500 with no loss of preparation quality.
Start practising the driving-school test now
DGT exam-style simulation, topic tests and sprints. 12,000+ updated questions. Free, no signup.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the driving-school test the same as the DGT test?
- Driving-school tests help you prepare for the official DGT exam using practice questions. They may follow a similar format, but taking one is not the same as taking the official exam, and the questions may differ. sacatelcarnet is an independent practice tool.
- How much does enrolling in a Spanish driving school cost?
- School enrolment is usually €100–€250. On top you pay per practical lesson (€30–€50 per 45-minute session), the medical/psychotechnical certificate (€35–€60) and the official DGT fee (€94.05). The total for a B licence is typically €700–€1,500 depending on the city and how many practical lessons you need. The theory can be prepared free online without enrolling.
- Can I take the Spanish driving theory test without a driving school?
- Yes. In Spain you can sit the DGT theory test independently ("por libre"), without enrolling in a school. You just register directly for the official sitting, pay the tasa 2.1 fee (€94.05) and the medical certificate. The practical test does require a school in practice — you need a dual-control car and a certified instructor to accompany you to the exam.
- How many questions does the B-licence driving-school test have?
- The B-licence simulation has 30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes and a reference limit of 3 mistakes. These are practice questions. Other licences have specific simulations: check the table and your licence page instead of applying the B format to them.
- How many driving-school tests should I take before the real exam?
- No number of practice tests guarantees a pass. Use your results to identify topics to revise, check that you understand the explanations, and alternate topic sessions with full simulations. A good practice score does not predict the result of the official exam.
- Is it better to study at a driving school or independently?
- It depends on the support you need. Online tests let you revise at your own pace. A driving school can provide classes, a study plan and an instructor to answer questions. Compare the included services and costs before choosing how to prepare for each part of the licence.
- Do the DGT test questions change every year?
- The DGT updates the official question bank several times a year to reflect regulatory changes (speed limits, alcohol and drugs, electric-mobility rules, etc.). New questions are gradually rolled into the real exam. At sacatelcarnet the bank is kept aligned with the current 2026 DGT syllabus.