Incorrect Answers in Driving License Tests and Reasons
The theoretical driving test conducted by the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) consists of multiple-choice questions with signs and images, offering three answers, only one of which is correct while the other two are incorrect. Typically, the three answers appear similar, leading to confusion. The DGT allows a maximum number of errors to be considered apt and proceed to the practical driving test.
For this reason, we detail the most common mistakes and the signs that are usually the most difficult to interpret, so you can focus on them and avoid the errors that many make. Below, we list the most frequent mistakes and their error rates.
| Image | Name | What These Signs Mean | Common Mistakes in Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
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Beacons - Level Crossing or Movable Bridge (64% fail or provide invalid answers) | These beacons indicate the presence of a level crossing or a movable bridge and are located on the left and right sides of the road, respectively. They always appear alongside signs for movable bridges and level crossings, with or without barriers. | This mistake, which occurs in 64% of cases, happens because candidates interpret the sign as warning of an upcoming intersection. |
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Customs - Prohibition of Passing Without Stopping (54% incorrect answers) | Indicates that you must stop at a customs checkpoint, toll booth, or police control, as indicated on the sign or an adjacent panel. There may be a barrier after this sign. | This sign is often confused with the no-entry sign or signs warning of an upcoming toll, leading to a 54% error rate. |
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Mandatory for Motorcycles - Road for Motorcycles (53% fail or provide invalid answers) | Requires two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars to use the road where this sign is placed. | The error occurs because candidates often respond that it applies to all types of motorcycles, including those with sidecars, when it only refers to motorcycles without sidecars and does not include bicycles or mopeds. This mistake affects 53% of responses. |
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Mandatory Direction - Compulsory Direction (50% fail or provide invalid answers) | Requires drivers to follow the direction and sense indicated by the arrow. It prohibits turns and U-turns. | The error arises because candidates confuse one-way roads with roads with multiple lanes in both directions. This sign always requires going straight, and turns or U-turns are not allowed. It affects 50% of responses. |
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Mandatory for Pedestrians and Bicycles - Cycle Path (50% fail or provide invalid answers) | A path for pedestrians and bicycles, separated from traffic, running through open spaces, parks, gardens, or forests. | The mistake occurs because this sign is confused with the 'Cycle Path' sign, which has a round blue background and prohibits entry to other users, including pedestrians. 50% of responses are incorrect. |
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Mandatory for Mopeds - Road Reserved for Mopeds (50% fail or provide invalid answers) | Requires moped drivers to use the road where this sign is placed and prohibits entry to other users. | The confusion arises because candidates do not realize that this sign also prohibits access to other two-wheeled vehicles (bicycles and mopeds). Half of the responses are incorrect, according to the DGT. |
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Mandatory for Cars - Road for Cars (46% fail or provide invalid answers) | Requires car drivers – except motorcycles without sidecars – to use the road where this sign is placed. | Note that this only applies to motorcycles without sidecars (it does not apply to motorcycles with sidecars). 46% of responses are incorrect. |
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End of Speed Limit - End of Recommended Maximum Speed (45% fail or provide invalid answers) | Indicates the end of a section where it is recommended, for safety, to drive at a maximum speed as indicated. | Incorrect responses often occur because candidates confuse the maximum speed with the minimum speed. This sign always refers to the recommended or mandatory maximum speed. 45% of responses are incorrect. |
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Prohibition of Motor Vehicles - Entry Prohibited for Motor Vehicles (44% fail or provide invalid answers) | Prohibits entry to all types of motor vehicles. It does not apply to bicycles and mopeds, as they are not considered motor vehicles. | 44% of candidates fail because they believe this sign prohibits access to all types of motor vehicles, when it does not apply to bicycles and mopeds. |
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Prohibition of Mopeds - Entry Prohibited for Mopeds (43% fail or provide invalid answers) | Prohibits access to two- and three-wheeled mopeds, light quadricycles, and vehicles for people with reduced mobility. | As with similar mandatory signs, candidates who fail are unsure whether this applies to bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or all two-wheeled vehicles. |