The DGT theory test in English
You can take Spain's driving theory exam in English. The problem isn't the language option — it's that the official English is a literal, word-for-word translation of the Spanish, so a question you'd answer easily in plain English becomes a riddle.
What the DGT theory exam actually is
The theory test is 30 questions in 30 minutes, taken on a touch-screen at your provincial DGT office. You can get a maximum of 3 wrong — 27 out of 30 to pass. The exam covers traffic rules, signs, priority, speed, safety and vehicle basics.
Why the official English is so confusing
The DGT's English exam is translated almost word-for-word from Spanish. People who speak fluent English still fail — not because they don't know the rule, but because they can't decode the sentence. A few real examples:
| Official DGT English | What it actually means |
|---|---|
| “Change of direction” | Change lanes (not turning) |
| “Preferential way” | Priority road |
| “Interurban road” | A road outside a town |
| “Cyclomotor” | Moped / scooter |
| “Effect an overtaking” | Overtake a vehicle |
| “Immobilize the vehicle” | Stop the car |
See the full list on the DGT English glossary.
How PassDGT helps you pass
PassDGT shows every question twice: the official DGT wording you'll see on exam day, and a plain-English rewrite so you actually understand what's being asked. It's free, with no signup needed to start practising.
Frequently asked questions
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