Proposal Aims to Tackle Licensing Delays

The Catalan government has proposed that Mossos d'Esquadra officers in 'second activity', those no longer on active patrol due to age or health, be reassigned as practical driving examiners to help clear a backlog affecting nearly 85,000 people. The measure, announced by Interior Minister Núria Parlon on Thursday 5th November 2026 during a parliamentary session, responds to a severe shortage of examiners at the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), which has left applicants waiting up to eight months for practical tests.

85,000 Applicants in Limbo

Parlon confirmed that around 85,000 individuals across Catalonia have passed their theoretical exams and completed driving lessons but cannot schedule practical tests due to staffing shortages. In Tarragona alone, almost 3,000 candidates are waiting just to take the theoretical exam, according to opposition MP Josep Rius (Junts), who raised the issue in Parliament.

We don't have too many police officers; we want to optimize them, because the police officers we have in second activity can do a very good job as examiners.

, Núria Parlon, Minister of the Interior and Security of the Generalitat

State Shortage Worsens Regional Impact

Despite a national 'shock plan' launched by the DGT in spring 2026, recruitment remains weak. Only 15 of 44 examiner positions allocated to Catalonia were filled in the latest public call, according to the Federation of Driving Schools of Catalonia (FAC), which attributes the shortfall to the region's low appeal among state civil servants. The Catalan Traffic Service has previously considered allowing driving instructors to serve as temporary examiners, but no such measures have yet been implemented. At the national level, the National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE) estimates Spain is short at least 300 examiners and 700 administrative staff, a gap linked to insufficient public employment offers amid rising demand and mass retirements. Parlon acknowledged the challenge: We won't lie to you, we haven't fully resolved it yet, but we will continue to work hard.

Sources: Metrópoli Abierta (CA), Metrópoli.