Traffic, Speed, and Right of Way – Driving Techniques for DGT Exam

Summary focused exclusively on:

  • traffic

  • speed

  • right of way

  • driving techniques

Content oriented towards the DGT theoretical exam.


1. TRAFFIC

General traffic rule

In Spain, traffic flows:

  • on the right.

The right lane must be used:

  • the right lane.

The left lane:

  • is normally used for overtaking.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

After overtaking, you must return to the right lane.


Lane usage

On multi-lane roads

You must drive:

  • in the lane as far to the right as possible.

Except for:

  • overtaking

  • greater fluidity

  • traffic circumstances.


Safe distance

A sufficient distance must be maintained:

  • to stop without colliding.

πŸ’‘ DGT tip:

At higher speeds β†’ greater distance.


Turning

Before turning:

  • observe

  • signal

  • maneuver safely.


Joining traffic

Those joining:

  • must yield the right of way.

πŸ’‘ Very important:

The priority is for those already in traffic.


Overtaking

General rule

Overtaking is done:

  • on the left.


Before overtaking

You must check:

  • sufficient visibility

  • absence of danger

  • sufficient space.


Frequent prohibitions on overtaking

You must not overtake:

  • in curves without visibility

  • changes in gradient

  • pedestrian crossings

  • dangerous intersections.


After overtaking

You must return:

  • to the right lane.


Crossing with other vehicles

In narrow passages:

  • priority goes to the vehicle that has more difficulty maneuvering.

Example:

  • truck versus car.


Use of the shoulder

You must not drive on the shoulder.

Except for:

  • emergency

  • authorized vehicles

  • breakdown.


2. SPEED

Appropriate speed

Must be adapted to:

  • traffic

  • weather

  • visibility

  • road condition.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Even if the speed is legal, it may be inappropriate.


Maximum speed

Must never exceed:

  • the established limit.


Minimum speed

Traffic must not be hindered:

  • by driving excessively slowly without reason.


Reduce speed

Must be especially moderated:

  • at intersections

  • curves

  • tunnels

  • school zones

  • pedestrian crossings

  • in rain or fog.


Weather conditions

Rain

Increases:

  • braking distance.

You must:

  • reduce speed.


Fog

You must:

  • reduce speed.

  • increase safe distance.


Ice

High risk of sliding.

Movements:

  • gentle.


Braking distance

Depends on:

  • speed

  • condition of the vehicle

  • condition of the pavement.

πŸ’‘ Very important:

At higher speeds, the distance increases significantly.


Aquaplaning

Occurs when:

  • the tires lose contact with the water.

You must:

  • gently lift your foot off the accelerator.

  • avoid sudden braking.


3. RIGHT OF WAY

General rule

At unmarked intersections:

  • priority goes to the vehicle on the right.

πŸ’‘ Classic DGT question:

β€œRight of way to the right”.


Priority signs

STOP

Requires:

  • to completely stop the vehicle.


YIELD

Must let pass:

  • if necessary.

Does not always require stopping.


Priority vehicles

Have priority:

  • ambulances

  • police

  • firefighters.

When they are driving:

  • in urgent service.

  • with flashing lights and sirens.


Priority in roundabouts

Has priority:

  • those already circulating within the roundabout.


Priority on steep narrow roads

On narrow roads with a steep incline:

  • priority goes to the vehicle going uphill.

If the other can easily pull aside.


Pedestrian priority

Must yield the right of way:

  • at pedestrian crossings.

  • when turning at intersections.


4. DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Preventive driving

Consists of:

  • anticipating danger.

  • maintaining constant attention.

πŸ’‘ Key exam point:

Driving preventively reduces accidents.


Observation

You must look:

  • far ahead

  • in mirrors frequently

  • blind spots.


Use of mirrors

It is recommended:

  • to check mirrors regularly.

Especially:

  • before braking

  • turning

  • overtaking.


Braking

Must be:

  • progressive

  • gentle.

Avoid:

  • sudden braking.


Correct use of the steering wheel

Movements:

  • gentle.

  • firm.


Night driving

Must:

  • increase attention.

  • reduce speed.

Risks:

  • fatigue

  • glare.


Glare

If another vehicle causes glare:

  • look towards the right edge.

  • reduce speed.


Fatigue and drowsiness

Symptoms:

  • yawning

  • distraction

  • heavy eyelids.

You must:

  • stop and rest.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Drowsiness multiplies the risk of accidents.


Alcohol and drugs

Effects:

  • worse reaction

  • less attention

  • more risk.

πŸ’‘ DGT rule:

The only safe limit is 0.


Use of seatbelts

Mandatory:

  • for driver and passengers.

Reduces:

  • serious injuries.

  • risk of death.


Use of mobile phones

Prohibited:

  • to use the mobile phone manually while driving.

Causes:

  • distractions.


5. MOST COMMON ERRORS IN THE EXAM

  • forgetting the right of way to the right

  • confusing STOP and Yield

  • not adapting speed to the weather

  • thinking that legal speed is always safe

  • forgetting safe distance

  • overtaking in prohibited places.


6. QUICK TRICKS TO MEMORIZE

Overtaking

Always on the left.

STOP

Complete stop.

Yield

Only stop if necessary.

Roundabout

Priority for those circulating inside.

Rain

Less speed + more distance.

Fog

Less speed + more attention.

Fatigue

Stop and rest.

Safe distance

At higher speeds β†’ greater distance.


ULTRA QUICK SUMMARY

Traffic

Always on the right.

Overtake

On the left.

General priority

Vehicle on the right.

STOP

Mandatory stop.

Speed

Must adapt to conditions.

Safe distance

Essential to avoid collisions.

Preventive driving

Anticipate danger.