1. BASIC CONCEPTS

What is homologation?

Homologation is the official authorization that confirms that a vehicle meets technical and safety standards.

Types of homologation

CE Homologation

• A European Union State certifies that the vehicle meets European standards.

• Allows free circulation and registration in the EU.

National homologation

• Spain certifies that the vehicle meets national standards.

Partial homologation

• Applies to specific parts, systems, or components:

  • brakes

  • lights

  • mirrors

  • seat belts

  • tires

💡 DGT Tip:

If an important part is not homologated, the vehicle may not pass the ITV.

ITV Card

Mandatory vehicle document.

Contains:

• technical characteristics

• inspection history

• authorized modifications

💡 DGT Tip:

Driving without a valid ITV may result in a fine and immobilization.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

All vehicles must carry:

• chassis number

• manufacturer's plate

• engine identification

It is prohibited to:

• modify

• erase

• alter
  the chassis number.

💡 Typical DGT Question:

Can the chassis be changed?

Answer:

• Only in authorized cases controlled by Industry.

Significant modifications

These are relevant modifications of the vehicle.

Examples:

• suspension

• engine

• non-equivalent tires

• installation of a tow hook

• changing seats

• modification of lights

They must:

• be legalized

• be recorded in ITV

• comply with regulations

💡 Exam Tip:

An unapproved modification may lead to an unfavorable ITV.

2. CLASSIFICATION AND TYPES OF VEHICLES

General classification

Vehicles are classified according to:

• construction

• use

• service

• pollution potential

Vehicles by construction

Motor vehicle

Vehicle equipped with a motor to circulate on the road.

Examples:

• passenger car

• motorcycle

• truck

• bus

Automobile

Motor vehicle typically used for the transport of people or goods.

Passenger car

Automobile intended for the transport of people.

Maximum:

• 9 seats including the driver.

💡 Frequently asked:

Passenger car = up to 9 seats.

Motorcycle

Two-wheeled vehicle:

• with or without sidecar.

Moped

Small motor vehicle.

General characteristics:

• limited speed

• reduced engine capacity

💡 DGT Tip:

Mopeds must also be registered.

Truck

Vehicle intended for the transport of goods.

Bus

Vehicle intended for the transport of people.

More than:

• 9 seats including the driver.

💡 Quick trick:

• Passenger car → up to 9 seats.

• Bus → more than 9 seats.

Trailer

Vehicle without a motor towed by another.

Light trailer

• MMA ≤ 750 kg.

Non-light trailer

• MMA > 750 kg.

💡 Very important:

A vehicle generally cannot tow more than one trailer.

Semi-trailer

Trailer whose front part rests on the towing vehicle.

Articulated vehicle

Combination formed by:

• towing vehicle

• semi-trailer.

Vehicle combination

Group formed by:

• towing vehicle

• trailer or semi-trailer.

Vehicles by use

Private

Private use.

Public

Intended for the transport of people or goods for compensation.

Examples:

• taxi

• urban bus

• transport truck

Special vehicles

Designed for specific tasks.

Examples:

• agricultural tractor

• excavator

• construction machinery

💡 Exam Tip:

Many special vehicles have speed limitations.

Personal mobility vehicles (PMV)

Example:

• electric scooter.

Must comply with:

• technical requirements

• circulation certificate

💡 Frequently asked:

• They cannot circulate on sidewalks.

• They do not require a driver's license.

• They cannot exceed the legally permitted speed.

3. ROADS

Types of roads

Urban road

Within populated areas.

Examples:

• streets

• avenues

• crossings

Interurban road

Outside populated areas.

Includes:

• roads

• highways

• dual carriageways.

Highway

Characteristics:

• limited access

• no at-grade crossings

• separate roadways

It is prohibited to circulate:

• pedestrians

• mopeds

• slow vehicles (unless authorized)

💡 DGT Tip:

On highways, there are never at-grade crossings.

Dual carriageway

Similar to a highway but:

• may have more direct accesses

• may come from old roads.

💡 Typical question:

Main difference:

• the highway has stricter access control.

Conventional road

Any road that is not:

• highway

• dual carriageway.

It is the road with the most accidents.

💡 DGT Tip:

Pay close attention to overtaking and changes in elevation.

Crossing

Section of road that runs through a populated area.

Shoulder

Longitudinal strip next to the roadway.

Use:

• emergencies

• immobilizations

• certain vehicles.

💡 Very important:

One should not circulate on the shoulder except in emergencies.

Roadway

Part of the road intended for vehicles.

Lane

Longitudinal band within the roadway.

Median

Strip that separates opposing directions.

Intersection

Crossing between roads.

Roundabout

Circular intersection.

💡 Exam Tip:

Inside the roundabout, priority is given to those already circulating in it.

4. VERY TYPICAL DGT EXAM QUESTIONS

1. How many seats does a passenger car have?

Answer:

• Maximum 9 seats including the driver.

2. What is the difference between a bus and a passenger car?

• Bus → more than 9 seats.

• Passenger car → up to 9 seats.

3. What is a light trailer?

• MMA equal to or less than 750 kg.

4. Can a vehicle tow two trailers?

• As a general rule, no.

5. What happens if a vehicle circulates without authorization?

• It may be immobilized.

6. What document contains the technical characteristics of the vehicle?

• ITV Card.

7. What is a significant modification?

• Relevant modification that requires legalization.

8. Can the chassis number be modified?

• No, except with special authorization.

9. What vehicles cannot circulate on highways?

Examples:

• pedestrians

• mopeds

• very slow vehicles.

10. What is the difference between a highway and a dual carriageway?

• The highway has stricter access control.

5. TRICKS TO PASS THE DGT THEORY EXAM

Trick 1

If the question mentions:

• “more than 9 seats” → bus.

• “up to 9 seats” → passenger car.

Trick 2

If it appears:

• “no at-grade crossings” → highway.

Trick 3

“Circulating without authorization”
→ possible immobilization.

Trick 4

“Significant modification”
→ needs homologation/ITV.

Trick 5

“Shoulder”
→ normally NOT for circulation.

6. COMMON MISTAKES IN THE EXAM

Confusing:

• dual carriageway ↔ highway

• passenger car ↔ bus

• trailer ↔ semi-trailer

Forgetting:

• mandatory ITV

• mandatory registration

• homologations

• limitations of special vehicles.

7. QUICK MEMORIZABLE SUMMARY

Passenger car

Up to 9 seats.

Bus

More than 9 seats.

Light trailer

≤ 750 kg.

Highway

No at-grade crossings.

ITV

Mandatory technical document.

Significant modification

Must be legalized.

Shoulder

Only exceptional uses.

Vehicle without authorization

May be immobilized.

FINAL ADVICE FOR THE DGT EXAM

The DGT usually asks about:

• exact definitions

• small differences

• exceptions

• numerical limits

• mandatory documents.

The best strategy:

1. Memorize key definitions.

2. Practice tests.

3. Learn differences between similar concepts.

4. Always review missed questions.

5. Pay close attention to words like:

   • “except”

   • “as a general rule”

   • “mandatory”

   • “prohibited”.