DGT SCALE & CRITERIA · PRACTICAL EXAM
DGT practical exam: how you are assessed
Metruta prepares the theory; this guide summarises the official practical rules so you arrive at your lessons knowing how you will be graded. Practical exam per the DGT ↗
The official scale
Official fault scale applied by Traffic examiners
Endangers your safety or that of others.
A single one fails you.
Seriously hinders others or affects safety distances.
2 fail you; 1 + 5 minor faults also fails you.
Minor rule or handling error below the above.
10 fail you.
Source: DGT grading criteria (March 2026) and Annex VI of the Regulation. Each error’s category depends on the circumstances.
The 5 manoeuvres (you will get at least 2)
Critical checkpoints evaluated in public roads and circuit
Reversing straight and around corners
Constant observation and minimum speed: the exam measures control, not speed.
U-turn
Choose a spot with visibility and signal early.
Parallel parking in reverse (and exit)
Fixed car references + mirrors: repeat it the same way every time.
Angle parking in reverse (and exit)
Enter slowly and correct early; an extra manoeuvre is no fault if you block no one.
Perpendicular parking in reverse (and exit)
Position yourself with enough margin before starting the manoeuvre.
Official list: category-B manoeuvres, DGT. Tips are general safe-driving practice, not examiner secrets.
Exam day
Test phases according to DGT instruction
- 1
The exam lasts at least 25 minutes driving (excluding setup and result).
- 2
Bring valid ID: DNI, passport or residence card.
- 3
Without the documents they ask for, the test does not start.
- 4
The test runs on open roads; a closed circuit is only used exceptionally.
Frequently asked questions
How many manoeuvres will they ask for?
At least two, chosen from the five official ones (G, H, I.1, I.2, I.3). They are integrated into driving, not a separate exam.
How many faults fail the practical?
With 1 eliminating, 2 serious, 1 serious + 5 minor, or 10 minor faults. An eliminating fault is any action endangering someone.
What are the most common mistakes?
The DGT publishes no such ranking: those lists reflect each school’s experience, not official statistics. What IS official is the scale: avoid any E and keep D at zero.
Does Metruta prepare the practical?
Today we cover the theory, the first filter. This guide summarises the official practical rules so you arrive at your lessons knowing how you will be assessed.