Learner drivers in Barcelona waiting for a practical driving test, and the driving schools that depend on lessons and examinations continuing, face uncertainty over when test places will be available. Industry estimates cited in recent reporting put the Barcelona list at 63,000 people and the Catalonia-wide total at about 85,000, while the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), Spain's traffic authority, says far fewer candidates were confirmed as trained and ready for an extra examination plan.

The dispute matters both to learners seeking a driving licence and to small driving-school businesses, which say prolonged delays leave pupils unable to progress through practical training and examinations. Reported estimates put typical waits for a practical test nationally at between four and six months, although timings vary by province and the figures are contested.

Industry groups cite waits of up to nine months

Driving schools have attributed the delays to a shortage of DGT examiners. The problem also affects professional drivers, according to the Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport (CETM), whose statement was cited in reporting on the backlog.

“In some provinces, candidates have to wait up to nine months to take the practical test.”Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport (CETM)

CETM called on the DGT to provide an immediate solution. Reports have said that waits previously measured at one or two months have extended to six, eight or, in some locations, 12 months, according to driving-school representatives.

  • Barcelona's reported waiting list was 63,000 candidates.
  • Catalonia's reported total was about 85,000 candidates.
  • Experts cited in reporting estimated a national practical-test wait of four to six months.
  • CETM said some provinces had waits of up to nine months.

DGT says its extra examination plan found fewer ready candidates

The DGT introduced its Plan de Refuerzo Operativo de Exámenes, an operational reinforcement plan that included extraordinary Saturday examinations. Under the scheme, driving schools were asked to submit named candidates who had completed their training and were ready to take the practical test.

According to DGT figures reported after the plan was introduced, 1,450 candidates in Barcelona were certified as ready for a test, compared with the earlier reported list of 63,000. The difference does not establish how many learners remain in the wider training process, but it is central to the disagreement between the authority and driving schools.

The DGT's 16 June 2026 announcement said it was offering to examine all trained pupils through the Plan de Refuerzo Operativo de Exámenes. Learners who are waiting should ask their driving school whether they have been recorded as trained and put forward for an available practical-test place, then check the DGT announcement for the conditions of the reinforcement plan.

Reported by Source Text Link, russpain.com, thelocal.es, David Plaza, DGT, Ministerio interior, Lucía Rodríguez Ayala, Javier Marañón, Enrique Naranjo, cnae.com, Manuel Riu, LD/ Agencias, Irene Toribio.