Spain's DGT rolls out pilot driving‑exam plan and V16 beacon mandate

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) began a pilot of the Plan de Refuerzo Operativo de Exámenes (PRO) in Navarra, Lleida, Almería and Palma de Mallorca. The pilot dates were 9 and 16 May in Navarra, 16 May in Lleida, and 30 May/6 June in Almería and Palma. Candidate turnout was far lower than the schools' advertised waiting lists – 275 of an estimated 6,000 in Navarra, 312 of 5,000 in Lleida, 630 of 8,000 in Almería and 407 of 8,000 in Palma – which the DGT says reflects the actual number of students ready for the practical test.

DGT director Pere Navarro also urged all drivers to keep the mandatory V16 safety beacon in their glovebox for the summer, acknowledging shortcomings in the communication campaign. He announced the deployment of mobile speed‑radar units in work zones and reported that 16 autonomous‑vehicle test authorizations have been granted, with new legal regulations under draft.

The DGT maintains that the system can handle the real volume of prepared candidates and stresses its commitment to road safety and autonomous‑vehicle development.