Traffic, Speed and Priority – 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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ Classic DGT question:

β€œPriority to the right.”


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.

πŸ’‘ 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.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Drowsiness multiplies the risk of an accident.


Alcohol and drugs

Effects:

  • worse reaction

  • less attention

  • more risk.

πŸ’‘ 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.