Balearic Islands: Only One in Three Pass the Practical Driving Test on the First Attempt

On the Balearic Islands, only about one in three driving students pass the practical exam on the first attempt. Cheaper courses and taking exams too early are cited as reasons – and the islands sit below the Spanish average.

One in three? This is what the first attempt looks like here

When you drive past the exam center in Palma at 8:20 a.m., you often see the same scene: young people with racing hearts, parents in the car opposite, and driving instructors who quickly say a few words. Many don't manage it on the first try. On the Balearic Islands, according to current figures, only about one third of the test-takers pass the practical driving test on the first attempt.

Why so bad?

A reason you hear about on the streets: cheap offers. Cheap driving packages promise that you can quickly get to the test. It sounds tempting, but it costs time and nerves. Those who take it too early often don't yet have enough practice. Our local driving instructors confirm this too: an extra hour on the rural road or an additional maneuvers session would have easily carried some test-takers through.

The consequence is threefold: frustration among students, higher costs due to retake exams, and more stress for everyone involved. And honestly – this also shows on the roads. Nervous drivers are not a good match with Palma's dense rush-hour traffic or the narrow streets in villages like Sóller.

What do driving schools say?

I spoke with two driving schools in Inca and Playa de Palma. They report that many applicants believe theory and first driving lessons are enough. "Some must learn to stay calm even under pressure," says a driving instructor as he explains the exam procedures beside the road. Another says: "There is often a lack of realistic practice drives — night, rain, roundabouts at rush hour."

No loosening of standards

The responsible transport authority does not want to lower the requirements, but to improve preparation. So more and better training, not less control. Sounds reasonable. Whether that alone is enough is open. Some propose mandatory minimum hours or mandatory practical tests on rural roads before the official exam.

Tips for test-takers

If you are about to take the exam: drive in the rain, practice parking in the early morning and late evening, simulate exam stress with two friends asking questions. And one life tip: get up early, be on time, and a warm drink before the drive never hurts. Nervousness can be carried with you, but sometimes a good driving instructor can be the tipping point.

There is a lot of potential in the Balearics. The islands are small, the routes manageable — that should help. But apparently preparation and expectation management are not yet at the level needed to raise the success rate. Until something fundamental changes, it seems: practice, practice, practice. And the second chance is not a shame either – just more expensive.