Obligations of the driver

Obligations of the driver is one of the topics in the Driving maneuvers block of the Spanish DGT theory. Overtaking, changes of direction, stopping, parking, lighting and warnings. Understanding this section well helps you answer the theory-exam questions on this topic with confidence.

In practice, this comes down to the following:

  • On curves and changes in elevation with reduced visibility and, in general, in any place or circumstance where the available visibility is not sufficient to be able to carry out the manoeuvre or to abandon it once it…
  • At pedestrian crossings marked as such, at intersections with cycle paths, at level crossings and in their vicinity.
  • At intersections and in their vicinity, except when:
  • In tunnels, underpasses and sections of road affected by the "Tunnel" sign (S-5) where there is only one lane for the direction of travel of the vehicle intending to overtake.

In short, the rule makes sure every road user knows what to expect in this situation.

Manoeuvres are tested with practical cases; remember the correct order: observe, signal and only then carry out the manoeuvre.

📜 Reference legal text — Article 87 (1)

Overtaking is prohibited:

  • On curves and changes in elevation with reduced visibility and, in general, in any place or circumstance where the available visibility is not sufficient to be able to carry out the manoeuvre or to abandon it once it has begun, unless the two directions of traffic are clearly delimited and the manoeuvre can be carried out without invading the area reserved for the opposite direction.

In accordance with the provisions of the previous paragraph, overtaking behind a vehicle performing the same manoeuvre is specifically prohibited when the dimensions of the vehicle performing it first prevent the driver of the vehicle following from seeing the front part of the road.

  • At pedestrian crossings marked as such, at intersections with cycle paths, at level crossings and in their vicinity.

However, this prohibition will not apply when overtaking is carried out by two-wheeled vehicles whose small size does not impede lateral visibility, at a level crossing or its vicinity, after the appropriate acoustic or optical signals have been given.

Nor will this prohibition apply at a marked pedestrian crossing when overtaking any vehicle is carried out at a speed sufficiently reduced to allow stopping in time if there is a risk of being run over.

  • At intersections and in their vicinity, except when:
  • It is a rotating circulation space or roundabout.
  • Overtaking must be carried out on the right, as provided for in article 82.2.
  • The roadway on which the traffic is carried out has priority at the intersection and there is an express sign indicating this.
  • Overtaking is carried out on two-wheeled vehicles.
  • In tunnels, underpasses and sections of road affected by the "Tunnel" sign (S-5) where there is only one lane for the direction of travel of the vehicle intending to overtake.
🔗 Read the official text on the BOE (Spanish General Traffic Regulations)

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is obligations of the driver?
Obligations of the driver is a DGT theory topic within the «Driving maneuvers» block, governed by Artículo 87 (1) of the Spanish General Traffic Regulations. Above you will find a simple explanation and the reference legal text.
Does this topic appear in the DGT theory exam?
Yes. Every section of the General Traffic Regulations can appear in the theory exam. To practise with real questions, go to the TraficoTest platform.
Where is it regulated (Article 87 (1))?
This content comes from Article 87 (1) of the Spanish traffic regulations. You can read the official text on the BOE.

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