Spain DGT A1 Theory Test exam-day guide
Spain DGT A1 Theory Test · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid NIE or Spanish identity document (original)
Bring the original document you used to register for the test: Spanish DNI, residence card (TIE), or passport plus NIE certificate as applicable. Photocopies and photos on a phone are normally not accepted. If your registration document differs from what you plan to present, confirm with the provider (your driving school or the DGT office handling your appointment) before test day.
Appointment confirmation / proof of registration
Carry the confirmation of your theory test appointment (printed or on your phone) showing date, time, and test centre. The exact format required is set by the provider; confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is expected.
Know your exact test centre location and entrance
DGT exam rooms are often inside or near a Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. Check the address, the entrance used for exams, and public transport or parking options the day before. Arrive with margin; late arrivals may be refused entry at the provider's discretion.
Arrive early (typically 15–30 minutes before your slot)
Allow time for identity checks and seating. The exact cut-off for late arrival is not universal - confirm with the provider.
Leave prohibited items at home or in a locker
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must normally be switched off and stored away during the test. Do not rely on being able to keep them on your person; ask the provider about storage arrangements at your centre.
Bring reading glasses or hearing aids if you need them
If your licence application or medical report notes a corrective aid, bring it. The test is delivered on a computer screen, so ensure you can read it comfortably.
Plan your travel and a backup route
Build in a buffer for traffic or transport delays. Know a second route or a taxi option in case of disruption.
Eat and hydrate normally; avoid last-minute cramming in the waiting room
A short review of your summary notes is fine, but avoid trying to learn new material on the day. Fatigue and panic are the main avoidable causes of silly errors.
Review the test format and scoring rules you were given
Make sure you know in advance how many questions the test has, the time limit, and the maximum errors allowed for your category. These details are set by the DGT and can change; confirm the current figures with the provider rather than relying on older material.
Check whether a medical/psychotechnical fitness certificate is needed for this step
The aptitude test and the medical fitness certificate are separate steps in the licensing process. Confirm with the provider which documents are required at the theory test itself and which are presented later.
Bring water if the centre allows it
Some exam rooms do not permit drinks at the desk. Confirm with the provider; if in doubt, hydrate before entering.
Have your driving school's contact number saved
If something goes wrong (delay, lost document, illness), you can reach the person who can advise you quickly. Mark as needs_review: whether your school offers on-site support varies.
Plan the day
Switch from learning to consolidating. Do full-length practice tests under timed conditions, review every wrong answer, and write a one-page list of your recurring mistakes (e.g., priority at junctions, speed limits, signs you confuse). Stop adding new topics.
Confirm logistics: exact address of the test centre, entrance, appointment time, and how you will travel. Check that your identity document is valid and not expired, and that the name matches your registration.
Do one or two final timed mock tests. If you are consistently passing with margin, reduce study volume and protect your sleep. If you are borderline, focus only on your error list rather than rereading the whole manual.
Light review only: your error list, key sign families, and general speed/priority rules. Prepare your documents and clothes for the next day. Avoid alcohol and late screens; sleep is more valuable than one more mock test.
Set two alarms, charge your phone, and place your ID and appointment confirmation together in one place. Recheck the departure time and journey.
Eat a normal breakfast, leave with a buffer, and arrive 15–30 minutes early (confirm the exact expectation with the provider). Keep phone use minimal before the test.
Follow staff instructions for identity verification and seating. Switch off and store electronic devices as instructed. Read any on-screen instructions carefully before starting.
Read each question fully, including negations and 'except' wording. Answer the ones you know first and flag doubtful ones if the system allows, then return to them. Watch the clock but do not rush; pace yourself so you can review.
If time allows, review flagged questions and check you have answered every item. Only change an answer if you have a clear reason; second-guessing without cause often turns right answers wrong.
Follow the provider's instructions on receiving your result and next steps in the licensing process. If you did not pass, note which topics cost you points and plan a focused retake; ask the provider about waiting times and rebooking.
Rules to check
Bring the original identity document used for registration; photocopies, expired documents, and digital copies are generally not accepted. If your situation is unusual (recent renewal, name change, non-Spanish documents), confirm with the provider in advance.
Electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches must be switched off and out of reach during the test. Using or even handling them can be treated as misconduct and may lead to removal from the room.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Talking, looking at other candidates' screens, or attempting to copy answers is misconduct and can invalidate your test.
The test is scored on the number of errors against a maximum set by the DGT for your licence category; the pass mark is not a percentage you negotiate. Confirm the current question count, time limit, and error allowance with the provider before the day, as these can change.
If you need to leave the room during the test, raise your hand and wait for instructions. Whether a break is permitted, and whether the clock stops, is at the centre's discretion - confirm with the provider if you have a medical need.
Request any special accommodation (extra time, adapted format, accessibility needs) well before the test date through the official channel; it is normally not arranged on the day. Confirm the procedure and deadlines with the provider.
If you are ill or unable to attend, contact your driving school or the booking channel as early as possible to ask about rescheduling. The rules on no-shows and fees are set by the provider - confirm rather than assume.
Do not bring notes, books, or study material to the desk. Last-minute review belongs in the waiting area or outside, subject to the centre's rules.