DGT common theory exam (driving licence)

What to have ready

1. Cl@ve or certificado digital to pay the tasa online and check the result.
2. DNI/NIE/TIE valid. They'll insist on it the exam day.
3. Psicotécnico done at an authorised CRC (no older than 90 days).
4. Photo 32x26 mm and talón-foto from the DGT signed (they give it at the Jefatura or the driving school handles it).
5. Money for Tasa 2.1 (exam fees). If you're familia numerosa, bring the title for the discount.

Documentation

• DNI or NIE/TIE original and valid.
• Informe de aptitud psicofísica from a CRC (expires in 90 days).
• Proof of payment of Tasa 2.1 (keep the NRC or receipt).
• 32x26 mm photo and completed talón-foto.
• Proof of residence if you're not Spanish (TIE or certificado de registro UE).
• Cita previa printed or on your phone (they may ask at reception).

Step by step

1. Do the psicotécnico at a nearby CRC. Ask them to upload it electronically (most do) and take a copy.
2. Pay Tasa 2.1 at https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/tramites-y-multas/pago-de-tasas/ with Cl@ve or card. Download the receipt.
3. Book a cita at the Jefatura (Permisos de conducción): https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/otros-tramites/cita-previa-jefaturas/.
4. Open your expediente on the appointment day: hand over DNI/NIE, psicotécnico, photo/talón-foto and the tasa receipt. They assign a convocatoria and tell you the date and centre for the theory exam.
5. Turn up for the exam with time to spare and just your documents. It's a 30-question test and you can miss up to 3.
6. Check your mark at https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/permisos-de-conducir/examenes/ the same afternoon or the next day. If you pass, they'll tell you the next steps (practical). If you fail, book a new date.

Time-saving tips

• Pay the tasa before the appointment and bring the receipt. If the Jefatura TPV fails, you won't waste the morning.
• Catch appointment slots early on Monday/Wednesday. In big cities they go fast.
• Check the psicotécnico expiry. If you're near 90 days, book now or repeat the test.
• Familia numerosa: have the valid title ready. The discount won't apply retroactively if you've already paid.
• Driving school vs. going solo: if you're short on time, letting the school handle dates helps. Solo means it's all on you.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Showing up without the original ID (DNI/NIE). No ID = no exam, and it's recorded as a no-show.
• Not keeping the tasa receipt. If systems are slow, the paper saves you.
• Letting the psicotécnico expire. 90 days go quickly.
• Using up the convocatorias from Tasa 2.1 by not attending. A no-show counts as an attempt.
• Assuming the theory pass lasts forever: the theory expires if you don't take the practical within the legal period (usually 2 years). You'll have to start again if you miss it.