DGT Permiso A2 exam-day guide
DGT Permiso A2 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or valid identity document in original
Bring the original Spanish DNI, or a valid passport/NIE card if you are a foreign resident. Photocopies or photos on your phone are not accepted for the practical test. Check that the document has not expired, and confirm with the provider (autoescuela or the DGT office handling your file) which documents they require from non-residents.
Driving licence application status confirmed
In Spain the theory and practical tests are requested through the autoescuela or directly at the Jefatura, and you must be registered as a candidate before the exam. Ask your provider to confirm your file is complete and that you appear on the list of candidates for the session and centre. If anything looks wrong, resolve it before the day; do not assume it can be fixed at the test centre.
Appointment time, centre address and arrival margin
Note the exact time and the address of the DGT exam centre or the meeting point where your examiner will collect you. Arrive with a comfortable margin (the provider will tell you how much; commonly candidates are asked to be there well before the stated time). Plan the route and check for roadworks or public transport disruptions.
Learner (L) plates and vehicle documentation if you provide the car
If you take the test in a vehicle supplied by your autoescuela, they handle the L plates, insurance, ITV and paperwork. If you are allowed to use your own car, confirm with the provider the exact requirements: visible L plates front and rear, valid ITV, insurance covering the test, and the vehicle meeting the category requirements. Do not guess these details.
Glasses or contact lenses if your licence will carry a corrective-lens condition
If you need prescription lenses to meet the minimum visual acuity, wear them. Turning up without them can mean you are not allowed to take the test. Bring a spare pair or your lens case if you normally use them.
Comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for driving
Flat, closed shoes that let you feel the pedals. Avoid thick soles, flip-flops or high heels. Wear clothes you can move in and that suit the weather, since you may wait outdoors.
Breakfast, water and any prescribed medication
Eat normally and stay hydrated. Take medication you are prescribed, but check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it affects driving; some medicines carry a driving warning. Do not drink alcohol the night before or on the day.
Phone charged but switched off during the test
Charge your phone for logistics, but switch it off or put it in silent mode before you enter the vehicle. Using a phone during the test is not allowed and would be treated as a serious fault.
A plan for the wait and for nerves
Expect waiting time at the centre. Bring water and something to read, and use breathing or a short walk to settle nerves. The examiner assesses your driving, not your small talk.
Confirmed payment or fees status
The practical test fee (tasa) is normally managed by the autoescuela or paid by you depending on how you registered. Confirm with the provider that the fee is paid and that there is no outstanding balance that could block your exam.
Emergency contact and provider phone number saved
Save the number of your autoescuela and the person collecting you. If you are delayed or unwell, call immediately so the provider can advise; do not simply fail to appear.
Review of the vehicle controls you will be asked to use
Before the day, be sure you can operate lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, horn, demisting and the parking brake without looking down. The examiner may ask you to demonstrate these before or during the test, and fumbling looks like poor vehicle control.
Plan the day
Confirm the appointment, centre address, meeting time and what the provider expects you to bring. Re-read your notes on the manoeuvres and the most common serious faults. Do two or three practice drives if your autoescuela offers them, focusing on observation, speed control and roundabouts. Sleep well and avoid cramming the night before.
Prepare your documents and clothes the night before. Check the weather forecast and plan your journey with a backup route. Avoid alcohol and heavy late meals. Do a short mental rehearsal of the start sequence: seat, mirrors, seatbelt, gear, handbrake, indicate, observe, move off. Confirm the provider has not changed the time or place.
Eat a normal breakfast, take any prescribed medication, and leave early. Arrive at the meeting point with the margin your provider advised. Have your DNI ready. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions and ask for clarification if you genuinely did not understand a direction; do not guess.
Adjust the seat, mirrors and head restraint, fasten your belt and check your passengers' belts. Start smoothly and drive at a legal, appropriate speed. Use mirrors and signals consistently, and turn your head to check blind spots where needed. Follow the examiner's directions calmly; if you miss a turn, continue safely and let the examiner redirect you rather than making a risky correction. Keep both hands on the wheel except when operating controls. At the end, stop safely, secure the vehicle and wait for the examiner's comments.
Rules to check
Bring your original DNI or valid identity document. Without acceptable identification you may not be allowed to sit the test; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted for your situation.
Arrive on time and follow the examiner's instructions. If you are late, the provider will tell you whether the session can still go ahead; do not assume you will be accommodated.
The examiner's directions are part of the test. If you do not understand an instruction, ask; driving the wrong way or making an unsafe manoeuvre to correct a missed turn counts against you.
Using a mobile phone or other electronic device during the test is not permitted and is treated as a serious fault. Switch devices off before entering the vehicle.
The result is decided by the examiner according to the fault system (minor, serious and dangerous faults). Do not argue with the examiner at the roadside; if you disagree, ask the provider how to raise it through the proper channel.
Breaks and waiting time are managed by the centre and provider. If you feel unwell before or during the test, tell the examiner or your instructor straight away rather than continuing unsafely.
Do not discuss or share the specific route or examiner details in a way that could compromise the test. Keep your focus on safe driving.
If you are unsure about any administrative point, fees, documentation or eligibility, confirm with the provider (autoescuela or DGT office) rather than relying on second-hand information.