DGT 2026 Exam Changes Explained (for English Test-Takers)

Two things changed in the DGT theory test for 2026, and the rest stays the same. First, new low-emission-zone (ZBE) and personal-mobility-vehicle (VMP) signs were added on 5 February 2026, and the theory exam has included questions on them since that date. Second, since 5 February 2026 the theory exam also includes a video risk prediction test. The core exam is unchanged: 30 questions, 30 minutes, a maximum of 3 mistakes, and it is still available in English for the car licence (Permiso B).

What is changing in the DGT test in 2026?

There are two real changes to know about, and both have been live in the exam since 5 February 2026. Both are part of a wider DGT push to test judgement on the road rather than pure memorisation.

• New road signs. New low-emission-zone (ZBE) and personal-mobility-vehicle (VMP) signs were added on 5 February 2026, and questions on them can appear in the theory exam from that date.
• A video risk prediction test. You watch a short clip of Spanish traffic and answer a question about the hazards. It has been part of the theory exam since 5 February 2026.

Everything else you may have read about, the number of questions, the time limit, the pass mark, and the English option for Permiso B, has not changed. We cover the full exam in the pillar guide, the DGT theory test in English.

What are the new road signs?

The DGT added new road signs, and that change is now part of the exam. Since 5 February 2026 the theory exam includes new low-emission-zone (ZBE) and personal-mobility-vehicle (VMP) signs. If you are studying in 2026, this is the change most likely to show up on your test.

In practice, that means a handful of signs you might see on an old flashcard set could look different, and some new ones exist that older study material simply does not cover. For English speakers this matters more than it sounds, because Spanish signs use letter codes such as R for prohibition and restriction signs and P for warning signs, and the wording of each option is in Spanish or translated into English at the exam.

The safest fix is to study from a sign set that reflects the current catalogue. Our Spanish road signs in English guide walks through what each category means, and you can drill signs by topic on the practice topics page. Make sure whatever you use is up to date rather than a copy from a few years ago.

How does the new video risk prediction test work?

The video risk prediction test asks you to watch a short clip of Spanish traffic and then answer a question about the hazards in it. According to the DGT, each clip can be viewed a maximum of three times before the question appears, and the clips vary so the answers cannot be memorised. The goal is to test anticipation and decision-making rather than rote recall.

The clips recreate one or more risk situations you would meet on real roads. The DGT lists scenarios such as merging onto fast roads, low-visibility junctions, roundabout entries, unexpected braking, pedestrians at crossings, inappropriate speed, distractions, lateral movements, and overtaking. You watch, then you choose the answer that best reads the hazard.

Importantly, the video is being integrated as a question inside the existing 30-question exam, not bolted on as a separate section. If you have taken the UK theory test, think of it as Spain's answer to the hazard perception test, except you can replay the clip up to three times and answer a question rather than clicking in real time.

Since 5 February 2026 the video question is a live part of the theory exam. You can still confirm the exact format with your autoescuela or your local Jefatura, and whether the video question is available in English yet. For the full picture, read the DGT risk prediction test explained in English.

What has NOT changed in the DGT theory test?

The structure of the exam is the same as before, and that is good news if you are already preparing. You will still sit a computer-based test at a Jefatura Provincial de Trafico, and you will still find out the result shortly afterwards.

• Still 30 questions. Each has a short scenario or a sign, with three answer options and one correct answer.
• Still 30 minutes. The overall time is only extended by the length of any video clip.
• Still a maximum of 3 mistakes. You pass with 27 correct out of 30, which is 90%.
• Still available in English. The car licence (Permiso B) theory exam is offered in English, alongside Spanish, the co-official languages, French and German.

For a full breakdown of the format, the pass mark and current costs, see the DGT theory exam format, pass mark and cost. Remember that English is offered for Permiso B; motorcycle and lorry categories are generally examined in Spanish, and the practical driving test is always in Spanish.

What do the 2026 changes mean if you are preparing in English?

For most English test-takers, the practical takeaway is simple: keep your study material current and get comfortable reading hazards, not just rules. The exam still rewards steady practice, and the wording still follows set patterns you can learn.

Here is how we would approach it:

• Use an up-to-date sign set. Because new-sign questions have been in the exam since 5 February 2026, avoid old flashcards and study the current catalogue.
• Practise reading hazards. Scan mirrors, pavements, junctions and parked cars for what might emerge. If your session includes the video, use the three-view allowance well: first view for the whole scene, later views to confirm the hazard.
• Do not rely on memorised answer banks. The whole point of the 2026 changes is to reward judgement over rote recall.
• Confirm English at your centre. The theory exam is available in English for Permiso B, but availability can vary by centre, and it is not yet confirmed whether the video question carries English audio or subtitles. Ask when you book.

You can start right now. Take a free sample test in English to see the real format, then practise Permiso B questions the same way you will sit them at the DGT.

Frequently asked questions

Are the new road signs already in the DGT exam?

Yes. Since 5 February 2026 the theory exam includes new low-emission-zone (ZBE) and personal-mobility-vehicle (VMP) signs. Study from a current sign set, not an old one.

Is the video risk prediction test part of the exam now?

Yes. Since 5 February 2026 the video question is part of the theory exam. Check with your autoescuela or local Jefatura for the exact format of your session.

How many times can I watch the video clip?

Up to three times, according to the DGT, before the question appears. The clips vary so you cannot memorise answers. Use early views for the scene and later views to confirm the hazard.

Has the number of questions or the pass mark changed?

No. It is still 30 questions in 30 minutes with a maximum of 3 mistakes, so you pass with 27 out of 30. The video is integrated as a question, not added as a separate section.

Can I still take the 2026 exam in English?

Yes, for the car licence (Permiso B), alongside Spanish, the co-official languages, French and German. Availability can vary by centre, and it is not yet confirmed whether the video question is in English, so confirm at booking.

Sources

• DGT, test de predicción de riesgos.
• DGT catálogo oficial de señales de tráfico.
• Reglamento General de Conductores (Real Decreto 818/2009).

Last updated: August 2026.