The DGT practical driving exam in Spain
Once you pass the theory, the practical exam stands between you and a Spanish driving licence. This guide covers what the examiner looks for, what manoeuvres are tested, how scoring works, costs and how to prepare - in English.
Quick facts
driving time with the examiner
no numeric score; faults logged
per attempt incl. school presentation fee
typical first-attempt pass rate
What the examiner tests
Driving in traffic
City driving (mandatory) and at least one section of higher-speed road - dual carriageway or secondary highway. Examines your lane discipline, observation, signalling, speed control and decision-making.
Manoeuvres
2-3 chosen by the examiner from: parallel parking, perpendicular parking, angle parking, three-point turn, reversing straight, ramp start. You do not know which until they ask.
Pre-drive checks
Before you start driving, you must adjust the seat, mirrors and steering wheel. The examiner watches whether you do this systematically. Skipping is a fault.
Hazard awareness
Recognising school zones, pedestrian areas, cyclists, parked-car risks. Slowing or signalling appropriately before instructed.
How scoring works - the three fault levels
Light fault (Falta Leve)
Minor errors that do not endanger anyone. Multiple light faults can accumulate to a fail.
Examples: Hesitation at intersections, slightly imperfect lane positioning, mildly delayed gear changes.
Serious fault (Falta Grave)
Errors that could endanger if traffic conditions had been different. Typically 1-2 means failure depending on combination.
Examples: Not stopping fully at a stop sign, missing a mirror check before changing lanes, incorrect roundabout lane choice.
Very serious fault (Falta Eliminatoria)
Errors that directly endanger people, vehicles or property. Instant fail.
Examples: Running a red light, dangerous overtaking, examiner needing to use the dual brake pedal, jumping a stop sign with traffic present.
Six tips that make a real difference
Talk through your actions
Many examiners want to see you are actively scanning. Saying "mirror, signal, manoeuvre" softly as you do them, or pointing with your eyes at the mirrors, demonstrates the right habits.
Slow is better than fast
Driving below the speed limit (within reason) is rarely penalised. Driving over it - even 5 km/h over - is a serious fault. When in doubt, ease off.
Always assume the examiner will not help
They will not warn you about an upcoming red light, a one-way street, or a missed exit. If you miss a turn, do not panic - they will redirect.
Roundabouts - choose your lane on entry
Outer lane: taking the first or second exit. Inner lane: taking the third or later exit (more than 270 degrees around). Wrong lane is a serious or eliminating fault depending on traffic.
Engine off before opening the door
At the end of the exam (and at any required stop), turn off the engine, set the parking brake, check the mirror and blind spot, THEN open the door. Forgetting any step is a fault.
Practise the manoeuvres until they are automatic
Parallel parking, three-point turn, ramp start. If you have to think about the sequence, you are not ready. Your autoescuela will drill them with you - take that time seriously.
On exam day
- Arrive at your autoescuela 15-30 minutes early. They drive you (with other candidates) to the official exam meeting point.
- The examiner calls candidates in turn. While you wait, do not chat - watch the route, calm your nerves.
- When called, do your pre-drive checks systematically: seat, mirrors (interior, left, right), seatbelt, doors closed. Talk through it if it helps.
- Drive smoothly. Slightly slow is better than slightly fast. Signal early, brake gently, check mirrors before every manoeuvre.
- When asked to do a manoeuvre, take your time. The examiner cares about quality, not speed.
- At the end, return to the meeting point. The examiner usually tells you the result immediately. If you passed, they print a provisional permit at the end of the day.
Theory first, practical second
You cannot take the practical exam until you have passed the theory. Our practice tests use the full official DGT question bank in English.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the DGT practical exam in English?
No - the practical exam itself is always conducted in Spanish. The examiner gives driving instructions in Spanish ("turn right at the next street", "prepare to overtake", "park here"). You only need to understand a small set of driving-relevant phrases, which your autoescuela will drill with you. The theory exam IS available in English, but the practical never is.
How long does the practical exam last?
About 25 minutes of driving, sometimes extended to 35 if the examiner wants to see additional manoeuvres. The total appointment can take 1-2 hours including paperwork, exam-vehicle setup, and travel to the exam route.
What is the pass mark?
Pass/fail rather than a numeric score. The examiner notes "faults" during the drive. Three categories: light faults (allowed in small numbers), serious faults (each one is grounds to fail), and very-serious faults (one is an instant fail). Typical pass rate around 50-60% on the first attempt, higher on subsequent attempts.
How much does the practical exam cost?
DGT fee: around €92 per attempt (Tasa 2.1). Plus your autoescuela's exam-presentation fee (€80-€150 typically, varies by school) which covers use of their dual-control car. So roughly €170-€240 per attempt all-in. Failing and retaking costs you both fees again.
Do I have to use a driving school car for the exam?
Effectively yes. The exam vehicle must have dual controls (instructor pedals) and a few other specifications. The only practical way to access such a car is through an autoescuela. The school also handles your exam booking and registration.
What manoeuvres will the examiner ask me to do?
The examiner picks 2-3 from the official manoeuvre list: parallel parking, perpendicular parking (90-degree), angle parking, three-point turn, reversing in a straight line, ramp start (hill start). You will not know in advance which ones - that is part of the test. Your autoescuela will have you practise all of them.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake after a minimum 7-day cooling-off period (10 days in some regions). Most people pass on the second attempt with a few more lessons targeting the specific faults from the first attempt. Each retake costs the DGT fee plus the autoescuela presentation fee.
How many lessons do I need before the exam?
Heavily individual. People with no driving experience: 25-40 hours. People with foreign driving experience: 8-20 hours typical. Schools will tell you when they think you are ready. Do not rush - failing costs more than extra lessons.
Can I take the practical exam in an automatic car?
Yes. The resulting Spanish licence will be restricted to automatic-only vehicles (a small code on the card). If you take it in a manual, you can drive both. Most schools default to manual; you have to specifically request automatic if you want that route.
What documents do I need on exam day?
Your TIE/DNI/passport, your psicotécnico certificate, your theory-exam pass certificate (your autoescuela usually handles this), the DGT fee receipt, and any documents the autoescuela tells you to bring. Arrive 15-30 minutes early at the meeting point your school designates.
Last updated: 2026-05-18. Fees and procedures change - confirm at sede.dgt.gob.es.