DGT theory test topics › Manoeuvres and Overtaking
In Spain you overtake on the left, after checking that you have enough space and visibility, and you may not exceed the speed limit to do it. Since 1 October 2026, when you overtake a cyclist on an interurban road you must slow down to at least 20 km/h below the speed limit and leave a gap of at least 1.5 metres.
Key rules to remember
- No extra speed to overtake: the limit is the same while overtaking. The old allowance of 20 km/h over the limit on conventional roads no longer exists.
- Overtaking cyclists on interurban roads (since 1 October 2026): reduce your speed to at least 20 km/h below the limit, keep a lateral gap of at least 1.5 metres and, where there is more than one lane in your direction, change lane completely.
- Behind a cyclist in town: keep at least 5 metres between your vehicle and a cyclist riding ahead of you in the same lane.
- Passing stopped vehicles: when you pass vehicles stopped after a crash, a breakdown or road works, leave 1.5 metres and slow down to at least 20 km/h below the limit.
- Snow: on motorways and dual carriageways overtaking is forbidden when snow is affecting traffic, and the left lane must be kept free for snowploughs and emergency vehicles.
Exam tip: Read every overtaking question twice: the exam often hides the key detail (a solid line, a junction, a cyclist or a pedestrian crossing) in the picture rather than in the text.
Practise: DGT questions about this topic
- On this two-way road, how should you position yourself to turn left?
- If the vehicle shown in the image sees that you have signalled to overtake, may it facilitate the manoeuvre?
- Are you allowed to overtake the green vehicle by passing it on the right?
- Is overtaking allowed at this junction?
- Outside built-up areas, how do you warn the driver ahead of your intention to overtake?
The other exam topics
- Traffic Regulations and Road Use
- Traffic Signs and Signals
- Vehicle Lighting and Visibility
- Use of the Vehicle
- Driver and Vehicle Documentation
- Accidents and Emergencies
- Road Safety and Behaviour
- Vehicle Mechanics and Maintenance
- Driving Types and Techniques