How Long Is the Spanish Driving Theory Test? Time, Questions and Errors

The theory test for the permiso B lasts 30 minutes and has 30 multiple-choice questions with three answer options each. To pass, you can make a maximum of 3 errors, which means you need at least 27 correct answers.

The maths is simple: 30 minutes for 30 questions works out to an average of one minute per question. In practice, many questions take much less time, so the clock is rarely the real problem. What usually costs people marks is reading questions too quickly, especially those with negatives or conditions, not the timer.

There is one important detail to know before you sit the exam. The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico, Spain’s traffic authority) has explained that the test will still have 30 questions with three options, but that the time allowed will be extended depending on the length of the video it includes. That video shows a risk situation while driving (roundabouts, junctions, merging, overtaking, distractions), and the question and its answers only appear after you have watched it. The DGT has not said how many minutes will be added, so if your exam includes a video, confirm the exact time at your exam centre.

These are the official figures people look up most often before the exam:

These values may change with exam reforms. Before booking a date, always check the current information on the DGT online office (sede electrónica).

With 30 minutes for 30 questions, a sensible strategy is not to spend more than a minute on any one of them. If you are unsure, pick your best answer and move on: every question counts the same, and getting stuck on one takes time away from questions you do know.

A practical approach:

1. Read the full question and look for words like “always”, “never”, “except” or “not”.
2. Rule out the clearly wrong options first. With three options, eliminating just one greatly improves your chances.
3. Answer and move on without going back and forth.
4. If you have time left at the end, review the answers you were unsure about.

Practising with timed mock exams of 30 questions in 30 minutes gets you used to this pace before the real day.

A passed theory test is valid for two years, according to the DGT. If you do not get your licence within that period, you will have to sit all the tests again.

The two years run from the day you pass, not from the day you pay the fee. That is why you should plan the practical test with some margin: if your theory pass expires before you get your licence, you lose the result and the effort of preparing for it.

Fee 2.1 (tasa 2.1), €94.05, covers two attempts. If you fail twice, whether in the same test or in different tests, you need to submit a new application and pay a new fee.

The DGT also states that missing an exam without a justified cancellation is recorded as not passed (no apto) and uses up the attempt. If you cannot attend because of force majeure, request cancellation of the exam summons (citación) before the exam, with documents that prove it.

Theory tests taken on a computer have their result the same afternoon, from 17:00, on the DGT online office (sede electrónica). Since March 2024, the DGT has also let you see the result in the miDGT app about an hour after you finish, as long as you are registered with Cl@ve.

For the full steps to check your result, see our separate guide on how to check your theory test result.

Yes. The General Drivers’ Regulation (Reglamento General de Conductores, Royal Decree 818/2009, Annex VI) provides for extra time on the theory test for people with a disability that does not stop them from driving. The DGT also offers tests with easy-read texts and images, and the option to request audio support.

The exact extra minutes are not stated in the official sources we checked. If you need an adaptation, ask your driving school or the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Office) when you apply for the exam.

To build the right pace, train under conditions similar to the real exam:

• Do mock tests of 30 questions with a 30-minute limit.
• Review every mistake and note which rule or sign confused you.
• Practise the topics where you get the most wrong until the answers feel automatic.
• If your test includes a risk-perception video, practise with that format too, so it does not catch you by surprise.