New driving tests being studied in Spain

SPAIN The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT, traffic authority that issues driving licences) is trying out a pilot scheme in seven Spanish cities for a new examen práctico ('practical' test, as opposed to the teórico, or 'theoretical') that lasts a minimum of 25 minutes, the first ten of which will be without instructions from the examiner. The objective of a new test would be to 'meet European standards better' and to 'offer better quality', according to Pere Navarro, head of the DGT. European directives have given until 2013 to upgrade driving tests throughout the EU and the seven cities where the new test is being piloted are Burgos, Segovia, Gran Canaria, Sevilla, Pamplona, Madrid and Barcelona.