1. BASIC CONCEPTS

What is type-approval?

Type-approval is the official authorisation confirming that a vehicle complies with technical and safety standards.

Types of approval

EC approval

• A European Union Member State certifies that the vehicle complies with European standards.

• It allows free circulation and registration within the EU.

National approval

• Spain certifies that the vehicle complies with national regulations.

Partial approval

• It applies to specific parts, systems or components:

  • brakes

  • lights

  • rear-view mirrors

  • seat belts

  • tyres

💡 DGT Tip:

If an important part is not approved, the vehicle may fail the ITV (roadworthiness test).

ITV Card

Mandatory vehicle document.

It contains:

• technical characteristics

• inspection history

• authorised modifications

💡 DGT Tip:

Driving without a valid ITV may result in a fine and immobilisation of the vehicle.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

All vehicles must carry:

• chassis number

• manufacturer's plate

• engine identification

It is forbidden to:

• modify

• erase

• alter
  the chassis number.

💡 Typical DGT question:

Can the chassis be changed?

Answer:

• Only in cases authorised and controlled by the Ministry of Industry.

Major modifications

These are significant modifications to the vehicle.

Examples:

• suspension

• engine

• non-equivalent tyres

• installation of a tow hook

• seat replacement

• modification of lights

They must:

• be legalised

• be recorded on the ITV

• comply with regulations

💡 Exam tip:

An unapproved modification can result in an unfavourable ITV.

2. VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION AND TYPES

General classification

Vehicles are classified according to:

• construction

• use

• service

• pollution potential

Vehicles according to their construction

Motor vehicle

Vehicle equipped with an engine to travel on the road.

Examples:

• passenger car

• motorcycle

• truck

• bus

Automobile

Motor vehicle normally used for the transport of persons or goods.

Passenger car

Automobile intended for the transport of persons.

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 displacement

💡 DGT Tip:

Mopeds must also be registered.

Truck

Vehicle intended for the transport of goods.

Bus

Vehicle intended for the transport of persons.

More than:

• 9 seats including the driver.

💡 Quick tip:

• Passenger car → up to 9 seats.

• Bus → more than 9 seats.

Trailer

Vehicle without an engine towed by another.

Light trailer

• MAM ≤ 750 kg.

Non-light trailer

• MAM > 750 kg.

💡 Very important:

A vehicle normally cannot tow more than one trailer.

Semi-trailer

Trailer whose front part rests on the tractor vehicle.

Articulated vehicle

A combination formed by:

• tractor vehicle

• semi-trailer.

Combination of vehicles

Group formed by:

• tractor vehicle

• trailer or semi-trailer.

Vehicles according to use

Private

Private use.

Public

Intended for the transport of persons or goods for remuneration.

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.

They must comply with:

• technical requirements

• circulation certificate

💡 Frequently asked:

• They cannot circulate on pavements.

• They do not require a driving licence.

• They cannot exceed the regulatory permitted speed.

3. ROADS

Types of roads

Urban road

Within a built-up area.

Examples:

• streets

• avenues

• through-roads

Interurban road

Outside built-up areas.

It includes:

• roads

• motorways

• dual carriageways.

Motorway (autopista)

Characteristics:

• limited access

• no level crossings

• separated carriageways

It is forbidden to circulate for:

• pedestrians

• mopeds

• slow vehicles (except with authorisation)

💡 DGT Tip:

On a motorway there are never level crossings.

Dual carriageway (autovía)

Similar to a motorway but:

• may have more direct accesses

• may originate from former roads.

💡 Typical question:

Main difference:

• the motorway has stricter access control.

Conventional road

Any road that is not:

• a motorway

• a dual carriageway.

It is the road with the most accidents.

💡 DGT Tip:

Pay close attention to overtaking and changes of gradient.

Through-road (travesía)

Section of road that runs through a built-up area.

Hard shoulder

Longitudinal strip next to the carriageway.

Use:

• emergencies

• immobilisations

• certain vehicles.

💡 Very important:

You must not drive on the hard shoulder except in special cases.

Carriageway

Part of the road intended for vehicles.

Lane

Longitudinal strip within the carriageway.

Central reservation

Strip separating opposite directions.

Intersection

Crossing between roads.

Roundabout

Circular intersection.

💡 Exam tip:

Inside the roundabout, those already circulating in it have priority.

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?

• MAM 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 authorisation?

• It can be immobilised.

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

• ITV Card.

7. What is a major modification?

• A significant modification that requires legalisation.

8. Can the chassis number be modified?

• No, except with special authorisation.

9. Which vehicles cannot circulate on a motorway?

Examples:

• pedestrians

• mopeds

• very slow vehicles.

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

• The motorway has stricter access control.

5. TIPS TO PASS THE DGT THEORY EXAM

Tip 1

If the question mentions:

• "more than 9 seats" → bus.

• "up to 9 seats" → passenger car.

Tip 2

If it says:

• "no level crossings" → motorway.

Tip 3

"Driving without authorisation"
→ possible immobilisation.

Tip 4

"Major modification"
→ requires type-approval/ITV.

Tip 5

"Hard shoulder"
→ normally NOT for driving.

6. COMMON MISTAKES IN THE EXAM

Confusing:

• dual carriageway ↔ motorway

• passenger car ↔ bus

• trailer ↔ semi-trailer

Forgetting:

• mandatory ITV

• mandatory registration plate

• approvals

• limitations of special vehicles.

7. QUICK MEMORISABLE SUMMARY

Passenger car

Up to 9 seats.

Bus

More than 9 seats.

Light trailer

≤ 750 kg.

Motorway

No level crossings.

ITV

Mandatory technical document.

Major modification

Must be legalised.

Hard shoulder

Only for exceptional uses.

Vehicle without authorisation

May be immobilised.

FINAL TIP FOR THE DGT EXAM

The DGT usually asks about:

• exact definitions

• small differences

• exceptions

• numerical limits

• mandatory documents.

The best strategy:

1. Memorise key definitions.

2. Practise tests.

3. Learn the differences between similar concepts.

4. Always review failed questions.

5. Carefully read words such as:

   • "except"

   • "as a general rule"

   • "mandatory"

   • "forbidden".