Questions about alcohol limits come up on almost every DGT exam. The catch for the DGT theory test in English is that there isn't just one limit — there's a stricter one for newer and professional drivers, and that's exactly what the tricky questions test.
The alcohol limits in Spain
| Driver | Blood (g/L) | Breath (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| General drivers | 0.5 | 0.25 |
| New drivers (first 2 years) & professional drivers | 0.3 | 0.15 |
How it's measured
The most common roadside test is the breathalyser, measured in milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air (mg/L). Blood tests, in grams per litre (g/L), can also be used. The two scales are different, so the test may ask about either — know both columns above.
Drugs
For drugs the rule is simpler and stricter: zero tolerance. Any detectable presence of drugs that affect driving is an offence. The DGT carries out roadside saliva tests.
Why it matters beyond the test
- Exceeding the limit means fines, licence points lost, and in serious cases a criminal offence.
- New drivers have less margin — a single drink can put you over the 0.3 limit.
- Refusing a test is itself a serious offence.
Lock in the alcohol-limit questions
Coche Test drills the exact limit questions (general vs new-driver) in English and Spanish, in the real DGT format. Practise until you never confuse the two.
Start practising free →Keep going: road signs · speed limits · full DGT test guide.
General information only — confirm current limits with the official DGT (dgt.es).