DGT Test in English: Everything You Need to Know
Yes, You Can Take the DGT Exam in English
The DGT officially offers the Permit B theory exam in English. This is not an unofficial accommodation or a special request — English is one of the standard language options available at DGT testing centres across Spain. The exam content is identical to the Spanish version: the same 30 questions, the same 30-minute time limit, the same passing threshold of no more than 3 mistakes. The only difference is the language in which the questions are presented.
How to Request the English Version
If you are registering through a driving school (autoescuela), simply tell them when you sign up that you want to take the exam in English. They will note this on your application and it will be arranged automatically. If you are registering as a free candidate through the DGT website or at your local Jefatura de Tráfico, you specify your preferred language during the registration process. There is a language selection field on the application form. Select English, and your exam will be configured in English when you arrive at the testing centre. You do not need to provide any justification or proof of nationality — anyone can request any available language.
Available Languages Besides English
The DGT offers the theory exam in several languages beyond Spanish and English. These typically include French, German, Arabic, Chinese, Romanian, and Russian, among others. The exact list can vary slightly and is updated periodically by the DGT. English and Spanish are universally available at every testing centre. Some less common languages may only be available at certain centres or require advance notice. Check with your local Jefatura de Tráfico or driving school for the most current list.
What the English Questions Look Like
The English version of the DGT exam is a direct translation of the Spanish questions. This means the questions are accurate in meaning, but the English phrasing can sometimes be stiff or unusual. You may encounter sentences that read like they were translated literally from Spanish rather than written natively in English. For example, questions might refer to a 'way' where a native English speaker would say 'road', or use 'circulation' instead of 'traffic'. This is not a significant barrier, but it does mean you should familiarise yourself with DGT-style English before the exam. Practising with questions written in the same style as the actual exam will help you avoid confusion on test day.
The Spanish Version Appears Too
When you take the exam in English, the Spanish text is also displayed alongside the English translation. Each question shows both versions on screen. This is actually an advantage — if an English translation seems unclear, you can refer to the Spanish original for context. Even if your Spanish is limited, seeing both versions can help you catch translation oddities. Some candidates with intermediate Spanish find it useful to read both versions to confirm their understanding before selecting an answer.
Preparation Tips for Non-Spanish Speakers
If you do not speak Spanish, your main challenge is not the language of the exam — it is learning Spanish traffic rules that may differ from what you are used to. Priority rules at unmarked intersections, specific speed limits for different road types, the legal alcohol limit, and seatbelt regulations all have Spain-specific details. Do not assume that rules are the same as in your home country. Study specifically for the Spanish exam, not general driving knowledge. Use practice materials that present questions in the same English style as the real DGT exam. DGT Pass provides all questions in both English and Spanish, matching the format you will see on exam day.
Common Concerns
Will choosing English make the exam harder? No. The questions are identical — only the language changes. Is English available in all provinces? Yes. English is a standard option everywhere in Spain. Can I switch languages during the exam? No, you choose your language when you register and it is set for the entire exam. What if I fail — can I retake in a different language? Yes, you can choose a different language when you re-register for your next attempt.