Whoever takes out the driving license Starting in October, you will notice changes in the theoretical part. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has updated the content and approach of the exam with the intention of prioritizing the understanding and road safety compared to mere memorization of tests. This shift introduces from now on new signs and mobility scenarios in all multiple choice questions and prepares the ground for a second phase.
This will evaluate the risk perception Through videos and digital materials, the idea is to bring the exam closer to what actually happens on the road. In this way, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) wants everyone who gets their license to be familiar with reality, not following a textbook. We'll tell you about all the changes this agency wants to introduce because obtaining a driver's license seems increasingly difficult. Be that as it may, everything points to these changes being for our safety...
What changes from October when it comes to getting your driver's license...
As of this October 1st, the question bank incorporates the new catalog of signs and topics that reflect current mobility: Personal Mobility Vehicles (scooters and similar), Low Emission Zones, electric charging points, and revised pictograms. This is an updated syllabus so that the candidate can learn to better interpret traffic and not just to remember answers.
In addition to the content, the exam reinforces a more practical approach: questions that ask reason appropriate conduct in everyday situations (entering traffic, adverse weather, overtaking, or coexisting with cyclists and vehicle drivers). Tests are already being conducted at many locations. in digital format, which speeds up the process and correction.
What remains…
The basic structure of the test exam does not vary: 30 multiple choice questions and a maximum of three failures to obtain a pass. The objective of verifying essential knowledge of regulations is also preserved, road signage and safety, with a greater focus on practical application.
Two phases and a defined schedule…
The reform is being rolled out gradually to facilitate the adaptation of students and schools. First comes the update of signals and content since October, and then evaluation with audiovisual material.
- Phase 1 (from October): new signs and questions focused on understanding.
- Phase 2 (2026): progressive incorporation of videos with real traffic scenes.
The videos coming in 2026…
The DGT will include clips with real risk situations (unexpected pedestrians, vehicles invading the lane, heavy rain or reduced visibility). After viewing the sequence, the candidate must identify hazards and choose the safest answer. This model, inspired by tests such as the British “hazard perception” test, seeks to measure the anticipation, not just theoretical knowledge. Its arrival will be gradual to properly design the material, establish evaluation criteria and prepare examiners. The goal is to make the theoretical exam more realistic, measuring how risk is detected and managed in everyday driving.
New and updated most relevant signs…
- Specific indications for VMP (scooters and others) and their coexistence with pedestrians and cyclists.
- Signaling of charging stations for electric vehicles and new infrastructure.
- References to Low Emission Zones and environmental restrictions in cities.
- Revised pictograms, more clear and inclusive, to improve universal understanding.
- Improvements in signals oriented to visibility and safety in adverse conditions.
Driving schools and student preparation…
The driving schools are updating materials and question banks to reflect the new catalogue of signals and the reasoning approach. They also incorporate practices with realistic scenarios traffic and by 2026, training will be provided using risk videos so that students arrive prepared.
To study, it is advisable to combine traditional theory with exercises that require analyze situations (mergences, pedestrian crossings, overtaking) and practice tests that include the new signs. The key is no longer getting it right by repetition, but understand why one answer is the safest.
Frequently asked questions and quick answers…
- Do the number of questions and allowed mistakes change? No: there are still 30 questions and a maximum of three errors. What is updated is the content and the approach to the issues.
- When will the videos appear? La forecast is that they will be incorporated progressively in 2026, once the design and piloting phase is completed.
- Can you continue practicing with online tests? Yes. The question banks will be adapted to the new syllabus, with special attention to updated signals and reasoning assumptions.
With this change, the DGT aims to ensure that whoever passes the theory test demonstrates applied knowledge, not just memory. Since October, the exam has integrated signals and content tailored to current mobility, and in 2026, it will add risk videos to assess anticipation. The 30-question, three-missing format remains the same, but preparation requires more practical study and careful reading of today's traffic.