The DGT plans a new theoretical exam for licence renewal

The Dirección General de Tráfico has announced that it is studying the possible introduction of a new theoretical exam for the renewal of the driving licence.

This measure is still at a very early stage of study and, if it goes ahead, it would mean the introduction of a second test, which would be added to the current psychotechnical test.

According to the Director General of the DGT, María Seguí, it is “an idea” that has been circulating among technicians in the traffic department for some time, and that would help improve drivers’ road knowledge, the weakest point according to the latest studies on the subject.

Road accident rates would also benefit, although Spain is already one of the countries with the lowest number of road deaths (specifically, it is the 7th best country worldwide), with 1,902 fatalities recorded in 2012.

The hypothetical theoretical exam would have a structure similar to that of the current tests, so it could be a multiple-choice exam that would measure drivers’ road knowledge at the time of licence renewal.

What has not yet been specified is whether the test would be free or would add yet another fee to the existing ones we pay when renewing the licence. Without a doubt, a new fee would lead many people to forgo (or at least postpone) renewal, creating the opposite of the intended situation, that is, more danger and insecurity on our roads.

Source | Diariovasco.com