In recent years, obtaining a driver’s license in Spain has become noticeably more difficult, directly affecting the plans of thousands of Spaniards. New data shows that not all regions of the country offer the same chances for passing exams successfully. For many families and young people, this means additional expenses, stress, and having to reconsider their usual ways of learning.
According to Carwow, the difference between regions turned out to be unexpectedly large. In some provinces, the chances of passing the exam on the first try are significantly lower than in others. This is not only due to the level of preparation, but also to the specifics of road infrastructure, the workload of exam centers, and even changes in testing regulations.
Regions with the most difficult exams
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has become the hardest city to obtain a driver’s license. Here, the average pass rate is just 38.9%. Theoretical tests are passed by 40.69% of candidates, while only 37.19% succeed in the practical part. This is the lowest figure in the country and has remained so for several consecutive years.
Next are Islas Baleares with a 41.85% success rate, and Huelva, where the average pass rate is 44.51%. In Almería, the rate stands at 44.94%, and in Segovia, 45.20%. These regions consistently rank among the top five most difficult places to get a license, as confirmed by annual reports.
The reasons for these results vary: from challenging road conditions to high competition among candidates. In some cases, exam routes run through areas with heavy traffic or complex interchanges, which increases the risk of mistakes.
Where it is easier to pass
In contrast to these regions, Soria shows the best results in the country. Here, the average pass rate is 60.70%, with 59.95% of candidates passing the theoretical part and 61.45% passing the practical part. Badajoz and Albacete are also among the leaders with results of 58.34% and 58.03%, respectively. In Ávila, the rate is 57.45%, and in Castellón, 56.2%.
Experts note that, in these provinces, exam routes are less complicated and examiners face a lighter workload. This allows candidates to feel more confident and reduces stress during the test.
Trends and changes
Analysis by Carwow shows that over the past decade, the theoretical exam has become noticeably more difficult. This has led to a decrease in the overall national pass rate. Some cities, such as Ciudad Real, have experienced a drop of more than 23%.
The practical part of the exam remains relatively stable, although certain regions have seen an increase in the number of retakes. This is linked to the growing number of candidates and changes in the organization of the examination process.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has regularly updated its driving license exam regulations, leading to changes in regional statistics. For example, in 2024, sudden spikes in the number of retakes were already recorded in Andalucía and Cataluña after the introduction of new test questions. Similar trends were observed in Madrid, where the success rate dropped by nearly 10% following the reform of examination routes. According to russpain.com, these changes are most often linked to efforts to improve road safety and reduce accident rates among new drivers.
