Exchange from UK to Spanish driving licence

[roclite]

I have now failed my driving theory test THREE times! It is far from easy, even though you take the test in English but i believe that is part of the problem. The questions are translated from their original Spanish but many are not grammatically correct or even good English, so can be confusing or misleading. I have read elsewhere that the test is easier to pass in Spanish, as you might expect. You only need more than 3 wrong answers out of 30 questions to fail the exam, so not much room for error. The first 2 tests, i used free online resources to revise the highway code and take sample tests. This was OK but the available database of past DGT questions was limited and probably, as a result, i failed with 5 wrong answers - close, but not enough. For my recent third attempt, i paid for the premium online driving test package from PRACTICA and revised their more extensive tests for about 2 days. Even with this more sophisticated package, i would struggle to get a test pass based on their typical sample tests. 

My third attempt was yesterday. It all started well but within a minute, everyones terminal froze with an error message. There was only one assistant on duty and he was busy resetting everyone's computers so they could continue. By the time he got to me, i had been offline for about 8 minutes and it took a further minute for my terminal to recover. I kept calm and finished the test with maybe a few minutes to spare (30 minutes allowed). However, i failed this test with SEVEN wrong answers. I know i can appeal but all communication will be in Spanish and likely to delay the process by months. Personally, i feel if i do pass the theory test it will be through more luck than judgement. My only option now is to try find a local driving school that has at least one english-speaking instructor so i can take their driving test package. I was going to do this anyway for the practical driving part and booking my final test but i should be able to pass the theory test myself, as this is usually done online anyway using the same online resources. Has anyone on this forum completed the driving test or know of others who have and can give me recommendations for a good local driving school?

[Johnrgby]

Hi A Spanish friend recommended Carmelo to me I have as yet not bothered to try them as I still think sense will prevail and a exchange will be allowed, however thee links below will take you to sites that will help you practice, the first one will allow you to take one 30 question test per day, the second unlimited 30 question tests, and the third will give you a random 150 questions, I hope this helps

Official DGT tests in English 2022 for driving in Spain (practicatest.com)


DGT Test in English Free | Spanish Driving Test in English | Official (driving-school
-barcelona.com)


Practice exams Spain – Driving license education (traffic-rules.com)

[roclite]

Thanks John, i have already use the first two you have linked and i paid 35e for the PRACTICA premium package to revise the theory test, which has unlimited sample tests. As i said, i believe passing the theory test will be more by luck than judgement. The odds of passing the test are stacked up against any non-spanish speaking candidates. I had an english speaking contact at Carmelo and planned to do my practical test with them when ready. However, i think my best bet is to find a driving school with english speaking instructors, to make sure i am fully prepared for the next (FOURTH!) theory test and continue with them for the practical test. Possibly, Corralejo might be a better option as their are more european nationalities with more english-speakers. I think the driving schools in Puerto del Rosario are not really geared up for non-spanish speaking candidates.

I wish i shared your confidence that the Spanish government will offer another driving licence exchange program to UK nationals. Why would they, when they are making millions of euros from UK nationals in Spain who are struggling to pass the driving test and having already extended the driving licence deadline several times.

[roclite]

Its that time again folks. My 4th attempt at the Spanish driving theory test on Thursday 28th April in the morning. Assuming the computer does not freeze for 10 minutes this time or any of my UK friends turn up unannounced to stay for the 2 days before the test (I am not kidding!), I might be in with a fighting chance  As I have said before, if I do pass it will be more by luck (ie. at least 27 simple, non-confusing questions!) than solid, hard revision. BTW, Corralejo only has 2 driving schools and no english-speaking instructors so not a better option than Puerto del Rosario anyway.

[Pete Garyga]

Its that time again folks. My 4th attempt at the Spanish driving theory test on Thursday 28th April in the morning. Assuming the computer does not freeze for 10 minutes this time or any of my UK friends turn up unannounced to stay for the 2 days before the test (I am not kidding!), I might be in with a fighting chance  As I have said before, if I do pass it will be more by luck (ie. at least 27 simple, non-confusing questions!) than solid, hard revision. BTW, Corralejo only has 2 driving schools and no english-speaking instructors so not a better option than Puerto del Rosario anyway.

Good luck! Try to memorise the questions for us 

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Good luck Roclite! And I'm sure that comes from every one of us here 
Party at your place on Friday?? 

[roclite]

(Drum roll)
On my FOURTH attempt, I actually managed to PASS my theory exam for Spanish driving licence. In spite of feeling quite confident I had passed, it was still a close call - 3 wrong answers so one more wrong answer and I would have failed yet again. This experience has taken me back to my school days where the standard of education at that time was more about teaching you how to pass exams rather than educate you with subject knowledge. I have held a UK driving licence for 38 years, driven extensively around Europe/USA/Australia on work and leisure trips, recently driven in Spain for over 2 years but none of this helps in passing the Spanish driving theory test . You basically have to learn how to pass the test. If you are confident in your Spanish language and comprehension skills, take it in Spanish as it will be far easier and less confusing than badly-translated english. Onwards and upwards to the practical test now, unless the UK/Spanish government reach an agreement in the next day or so that leads to another licence exchange program.

[FVmouse]

Did you take it in Spanish or English ? If the latter then do you know the questions you got wrong and why ?

[Johnrgby]

I have been driving now for a Tad over 59 years and have probably covered over  a million miles both in the UK and overseas, and have taken some thing close to 60 dummy official DGT theory tests, and have passed abot7/8 times, mostly by making 4/5 errors which are mostly due to either me misreading the question os misunderstanding, I have a Dutch friend who lives here who took great delight in me failing until he took one and failed with 9 errors and he has been driving for 35 years +

[Pete Garyga]

It seems there will not be another extension to driving on a UK licence if you have residency:

https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/permisos-de-c...itucion-uk

Important information
As of May 1, 2022 , the regime for driving licenses issued by the British authorities will be the same as for licenses issued to non-EU third countries.
Driving licenses issued by the British authorities will be valid to drive in Spain for a period of six months, from the entry of their holder or from the date of obtaining their legal residence in the country.

So if you are a resident of over 6 months and still have a UK licence you can no longer legally drive your car. However, a friend or family member can come on holiday from the UK and drive your car perfectly legally as long as you have insurance covering them. Also, if you go on holiday somewhere else in Spain you can't drive legally yet if you go there as a UK tourist you can. 
I can't see the logic in this and expect and look forward to someone challenging it in the courts. 
Surely as a resident you shouldn't have less rights than a visitor?