Waiting times of up to three months at the DGT practical test center in Móstoles: What are the causes?

In Spain, to obtain a license to drive a motor vehicle, it is mandatory in all cases to pass practical tests , where applicants face real traffic situations or perform specific maneuvers depending on the type of license at a DGT center .

However, in recent months, the largest exam center in the Community of Madrid, located in Móstoles, has been experiencing an unprecedented collapse, with more than 40,000 students still waiting to take the practical exam , according to Móstoles Diario.

What is the legal maximum age to obtain a driver's license in Spain?

Why is there a waiting list at the testing center?

According to the Provincial Association of Driving Schools of Madrid (APAMAD), one of the reasons is the loss of examiners at the Madrid center , which has dropped from 103 to just 74 in just a few years. Furthermore, APAMAD also points out that the new European regulations only allow 13 tests per examiner per day , while before they came into force, 16 practical exams were possible.

Finally, another reason is that, on average, between 60% and 70% of candidates fail the practical test on the first try , which affects the waiting lists, as they must apply on a later date.

Requirements to be a traffic examiner

To begin, you must be over 23 years old . You must also have held a Type B driving license for at least three years, as well as an A2 license, and finally, a Class C or D license , which corresponds to the type of vehicles that aspiring drivers will be tested on later.

Additionally, it is essential to have a high school diploma and pass a selection process organized by the General Directorate of Traffic. This process includes two tests: the first is a 100-question multiple-choice questionnaire , and the second is a practical driving test in real-life traffic conditions.

After passing the competitive examination, you must complete a ten-week selective course at the DGT Training Center in Móstoles, where you will acquire the necessary knowledge to be considered suitable for the position.

Average salary of a DGT traffic examiner

The benefit for this job may vary depending on the length of service or the geographic location of the provincial headquarters. Initially, it is usually around 26,000 euros gross .

With three-year periods and other benefits, their salary is set between €30,000 and €40,000 gross per year. Furthermore, they are considered civil servants, so they enjoy many labor rights.