The driving licence tests in Spain: theory and practical, demystified 🎯
Quick answer: Spain's B licence has two tests: the theory — 30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes, max 3 mistakes, on computer — and the practical circulation test — some 25–30 minutes driving on open roads with an examiner, covering merges, roundabouts, overtaking and a manoeuvre. The order is fixed: theory first (valid 2 years for attempting the practical), and the €94.05 fee covers the file with two sittings. The theory can be practised free online; the practical requires a school car.
«The driving test» is really two chained tests — and knowing each format well is half the preparation. Here's the full route: what's assessed, in what order, what it costs and how to train each phase without surprises.
The two tests, face to face 📊
| Theory test | Practical test | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 30 multiple-choice questions, on computer | 25-30 min of real driving + vehicle questions |
| To pass | Maximum 3 mistakes (90 % accuracy) | No eliminatory faults nor excess minor ones |
| Where | Jefatura exam room or authorised centre | Open roads, from the exam centre |
| Prerequisite | Medical passed and fee paid | Theory passed (2-year validity) |
| Practice | Unlimited online mocks | Dual-control lessons with a school |
| Result | Online in 24-48 h | On the spot, with the marking sheet |
The smart order of the process 🧭
- Medical at a recognition centre (30 min, €40-80).
- €94.05 fee — opens the file with two sittings shared between theory and practical.
- Theory: prepare with official-format mocks until chaining 0-2 mistakes — the first 4 are free — then sit it.
- Lessons: with theory passed, driving classes until your instructor sees you ready (average: 15-25 lessons).
- Practical test: with the school's car; if something fails, the second sitting is already paid.
The detail that saves grief: a passed theory expires after 2 years — let too much time pass between tests and you restart. And every fail burns a sitting: reach both tests when the data (mocks, instructor's judgement) gives green light, not when impatience bites.
Conclusion 🏁
Two tests, one fixed order, one shared rule: they're passed by training the real format. The theory has the advantage that its training track is free and open 24 hours — start today with TraficoTest's mocks and arrive at the practical with half the road behind you.
What searchers ask (answered head-on) 🔍
The exact phrasings people type into Google and AI assistants — answered head-on:
«driving licence test in Spain»
Two tests: theory (30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes, max 3 mistakes, on computer) and the practical circulation test (25-30 minutes on open roads with an examiner). Theory first — valid for 2 years.
«how much does sitting the tests cost?»
The €94.05 exam fee covers the file with two sittings shared between theory and practical; add the medical (€40-80) and, for the practical, lessons plus the school car.
«where do you practise the theory test?»
Online with official-format mocks: the first 4 are free at traficotest.es/test-dgt, with explained corrections and statistics for timing your booking.
Frequently asked questions ❓
How many tests does the Spanish licence have?
Two: theory (30 multiple-choice questions, max 3 mistakes) and the practical circulation test (25-30 minutes on open roads); some categories add closed-circuit skills tests.
How long is the practical test?
About 25-30 minutes of real driving with the examiner and your instructor aboard, plus prior vehicle checks.
How long is a passed theory valid?
Two years to pass the practical; after that, the theory must be passed again.
What does the €94.05 fee cover?
The full file with two sittings: each fail (theory or practical) consumes one; a third attempt needs a new fee.
Where can I practise the theory test free?
On TraficoTest: official-format mocks with explained corrections — the first 4 exams free, no registration.