Minister backs transfer of driving test powers

During a parliamentary plenary session on Wednesday 4th November 2026, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Núria Parlon, expressed openness to considering the delegation of powers to the Generalitat to conduct practical driving tests. The proposal was raised by Junts deputy spokesperson Josep Rius, who suggested the Spanish government could approve a decree enabling Catalan officials to administer the exams. Parlon responded directly: "I take you up on your offer, we will consider it." She added that Mossos d'Esquadra officers in second activity, those unable to carry out frontline duties due to age or reduced capacity, could perform "a very good job" as driving examiners.

Catalan Traffic Service seeks solutions to delays

The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has previously proposed transferring management of driving tests to the regional administration to reduce long waiting times, a move that has not yet been implemented. Parlon acknowledged the challenge, stating, "I won't lie to you, we haven't fully succeeded, but we will continue to work hard." Rius countered that if the Spanish government approves the delegation, the backlog issue would be "resolved." He described the solution as "very simple."

Sharp drop in scooter-enabled robberies

Parlon also reported a 46.3% decrease in robberies using personal mobility vehicles, commonly referred to as "fast lane" crimes, between January and September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Incidents fell from 3,375 to 1,811. Completed or attempted offences in this category dropped by 73%, with more than 129 arrests made. According to the minister, 66 vehicles were seized and 33 recovered during enforcement operations. The data reflects broader trends of declining crime in Catalonia, where overall offences fell by 8.4% between January and August 2026, according to figures presented at the 10th Security and Justice Committee on Tuesday 3rd November 2026.

Sources: La Ciutat, catalunyapress.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya, El Periódico.