Traffic, Speed and Priority β Driving Techniques for the DGT Exam
Summary focused exclusively on:
traffic flow
speed
right of way
driving techniques
Content geared toward the DGT theory exam.
1. TRAFFIC FLOW
General rule of traffic
In Spain, traffic moves:
on the right.
You must use:
the right-hand lane.
The left lane:
is normally used for overtaking.
π‘ Frequently asked:
After overtaking, you must return to the right lane.
Use of lanes
On roads with several lanes
You must drive:
in the lane as far to the right as possible.
Except:
overtaking
greater traffic flow
traffic conditions.
Safety distance
Sufficient distance must be maintained:
to stop without colliding.
π‘ DGT tip:
The higher the speed β the greater the distance.
Changes of direction
Before turning:
observe
signal
maneuver safely.
Joining traffic
Those joining traffic:
must yield.
π‘ Very important:
Priority belongs to those already driving on the road.
Overtaking
General rule
Overtaking is done:
on the left.
Before overtaking
You must check:
sufficient visibility
absence of danger
sufficient space.
Frequent overtaking prohibitions
You must not overtake:
on curves with no visibility
hill crests
pedestrian crossings
dangerous intersections.
After overtaking
You must return:
to the right lane.
Crossing with other vehicles
In narrow passages:
priority goes to whoever has greater difficulty maneuvering.
Example:
truck versus car.
Use of the shoulder
You must not drive on the shoulder.
Except:
emergency
authorized vehicles
breakdown.
2. SPEED
Appropriate speed
It must be adapted to:
traffic
weather
visibility
road condition.
π‘ Frequently asked:
Even if the speed is legal, it may be inappropriate.
Maximum speed
You must never exceed:
the set limit.
Minimum speed
Traffic must not be hindered:
by driving excessively slowly without reason.
Reducing speed
Speed must be moderated especially:
at intersections
curves
tunnels
school zones
pedestrian crossings
in rain or fog.
Weather conditions
Rain
It increases:
braking distance.
You must:
reduce your speed.
Fog
You must:
reduce speed.
increase safety distance.
Ice
High risk of skidding.
Movements:
smooth.
Braking distance
It depends on:
speed
condition of the vehicle
condition of the pavement.
π‘ Very important:
The higher the speed, the much greater the distance.
Aquaplaning
It occurs when:
the tires lose contact due to water.
You must:
gently lift your foot off the accelerator.
avoid sharp braking.
3. RIGHT OF WAY
General rule
At unsignaled intersections:
priority for the vehicle on the right.
π‘ Classic DGT question:
βPriority to the right.β
Priority signs
STOP
It requires:
bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
YIELD
You must let others pass:
if necessary.
It does not always require stopping.
Priority vehicles
They have priority:
ambulances
police
firefighters.
When they are operating:
on an urgent service.
with light and sound signals.
Priority at roundabouts
Priority goes to:
whoever is already driving within the roundabout.
Priority on narrow slopes
On narrow roads with steep gradients:
priority for the vehicle going up.
If the other can easily pull aside.
Pedestrian priority
You must yield:
at pedestrian crossings.
when turning at intersections.
4. DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Defensive driving
It consists of:
anticipating danger.
maintaining constant attention.
π‘ Exam key:
Defensive driving reduces accidents.
Observation
You must look:
far ahead
at mirrors frequently
at blind spots.
Use of mirrors
It is recommended to:
check mirrors regularly.
Especially:
before braking
turning
overtaking.
Braking
It must be:
progressive
smooth.
Avoid:
sharp braking.
Correct use of the steering wheel
Movements:
smooth.
firm.
Night driving
You must:
increase attention.
reduce speed.
Risks:
fatigue
glare.
Glare
If another vehicle dazzles you:
look toward the right edge.
reduce speed.
Fatigue and drowsiness
Symptoms:
yawning
distraction
heavy eyes.
You must:
stop and rest.
π‘ Frequently asked:
Drowsiness multiplies the risk of an accident.
Alcohol and drugs
Effects:
worse reaction
less attention
more risk.
π‘ DGT rule:
The only safe level is 0.
Use of the seat belt
Mandatory:
for driver and passengers.
It reduces:
serious injuries.
risk of death.
Mobile phone use
Prohibited:
using the mobile phone manually while driving.
It causes:
distractions.
5. MOST COMMON MISTAKES ON THE EXAM
forgetting priority to the right
confusing STOP and Yield
not adapting speed to the weather
thinking the legal speed is always safe
forgetting safety 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 driving inside.
Rain
Less speed + more distance.
Fog
Less speed + more attention.
Fatigue
Stop and rest.
Safety distance
The higher the speed β the greater the distance.
ULTRA-QUICK SUMMARY
Traffic flow
Always on the right.
Overtake
On the left.
General priority
Vehicle on the right.
STOP
Mandatory stop.
Speed
Must be adapted to conditions.
Safety distance
Essential to avoid collisions.
Defensive driving
Anticipate danger.