Did you know? You can take Spain’s driving theory test in English – and more!

If you are an expat in Spain, obtaining your Spanish driving permit can be overwhelming. It’s not just the unfamiliar road signs and paperwork that can be a headache, but also having to do it in a new language.

Many residents are unaware that the theory test can be taken in English as well. Spain’s traffic authority DGT (Dirección General de TráficoThe written (theory exam) can be taken in more than one way. Languages.

That’s right – if your Spanish isn’t quite up to scratch, you can still make a good start on your licence in a language you know well. It is a great way to reduce stress for many foreign residents who want to drive in Spain.

There are many other languages to choose from than Spanish

You can take the theory exam in either:

This is an excellent option for those who are new to the country and have not yet learned Spanish. This will help you to understand the questions and increase your chances for success. You don’t have to worry if you misunderstood a specific phrase or misread an instruction.

In fact, being able to study (and be tested) in your mother tongue means you can focus on the actual content and important rules—without battling through Google Translate or a Spanish dictionary at the same time.

Why should you take the theory exam in your native language?

Driving test theory can be full of jargon and complicated scenarios. If you choose English, French, and German, you are less likely to make a mistake in vocabulary. When you drive on Spanish roads, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed.

The test is only in Spanish

Before you book your test and put your feet up, remember – while the theory exam is multilingual, the practical driving test is a whole different story. Everything is done in Spanish when it comes to showing off your driving abilities. You will be given instructions and directions in Spanish by your examiner, which you must understand and follow immediately.

Do not panic. You don’t have to be fluent. It is important to learn some basic Spanish phrases for driving. It’s well worth practising the common instructions you’ll hear so you’re not thrown off by “Gire a la derecha” or “Pare aquí.”

Spanish for Travelers: Essential phrases

Start with these basics:

• Turn right: Gire a la derecha

• Turn left: Gire a la izquierda

• Go straight on: Siga recto

• Take the second exit at the roundabout:

• Park here: Aparque aquí / Estacione aquí

• When you can: Cuando pueda

Spending some time with a Spanish-speaking instructor can help you get used to these phrases in context – priceless practice before the big day.

You can now review: Theory in your preferred language (including English!) Practical in Spanish.It’s a two-step process. You can do it in English or your favorite language. The process is two-fold, but it can be done with some preparation. It’s easier to take the theory test in English or French and it makes the process less intimidating.