The Driver's Physical State: What appears in the exam
Hello, future driver! As a driving school teacher, I assure you this is one of the most important topics. Not only for your safety (which is main), but because the DGT always asks questions about how alcohol, fatigue, or drugs affect your driving.
The golden rule you must burn into your mind for the exam is:
If the driver is not well:
- Reaction Time INCREASES (you take longer to brake).
- reaction Capacity DECREASES (you are less skilled).
- Stopping Distance INCREASES (you need more meters to stop).
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is not just being sleepy; it is physical and mental tiredness reducing your attention.
- Main causes: Driving many hours, heavy traffic, bad weather (rain/fog), or vehicle in poor condition.
- Symptoms: Yawning, constant movements in the seat, heaviness in eyes.
- The trick for the exam: The only thing curing fatigue is rest.
- You must stop every 2 hours or every 200 km.
- Rest for about 20-30 minutes.
2. Sleep and Drowsiness
Sleep is one of the biggest enemies. Warning: effects appear before falling asleep.
- Microsleeps: Time lapses (seconds) where you lose consciousness without noticing. Lethal on highways.
- Critical hours: Sleep appears strongest between 03:00 and 05:00 AM and between 14:00 and 16:00 PM.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol causes a large part of fatal accidents. It affects the brain even if you think you are "in control".
Key Effects for the Test:
- Produces Tunnel Effect (loss of peripheral vision).
- Generates a false sense of security (you think you are a better driver and take more risks).
- Increases aggressiveness.
Alcohol Limit Table (Fixed question!)
Memorize this table. If you exceed these rates, you test positive.
| Driver Type | Breath Air (mg/l) | Blood (g/l) |
|---|---|---|
| General (Normal drivers and cyclists) | 0.25 mg/l | 0.5 g/l |
| Novices (During first 2 years) | 0.15 mg/l | 0.3 g/l |
| Professionals (Transport >3500kg, passengers, etc.) | 0.15 mg/l | 0.3 g/l |
Note: The rate is 0.0 for underage drivers (e.g., AM permit or moped licenses).
4. Drugs and Medications
Not all drugs act the same, and the DGT loves asking this. Here is the cheat sheet:
| Substance | Main effects on driving |
|---|---|
| Cannabis / Marijuana | Increases drowsiness, alters perception of colors and space. |
| Cocaine | Aggressiveness, competitiveness, impulsiveness. Less sensation of fatigue (but rebound effect). |
| Ecstasy / Designer | Optical illusions, glare, Flashbacks (reliving effects hours later). |
| LSD / Hallucinogens | Strong hallucinations, distortion of reality. |
About Medications:
- Driving while taking medication is not prohibited unless it affects driving.
- Look for a red triangle with a car inside on the box.
- Allergies: Modern antihistamines are better, but older ones (first generation) produce much drowsiness (similar to 0.5 g/l alcohol rate).
5. Distractions
First cause of accidents in Spain.
- Mobile Phone: The "headliner". Using it (even hands-free) makes you miss 40% of signals.
- Prohibited: Manipulating with hand.
- Allowed: Hands-free (though not recommended for long).
- GPS: Must be programmed before moving. Touching it while moving = Fine and points.
- Smoking: Not prohibited, but considered a distraction that also irritates eyes and smoke reduces visibility.
Quick Summary for the Exam
- Alcohol gives false security.
- If you drink, your reaction time INCREASES (is worse).
- Novice rate (0.15 air) lasts 2 years from getting your first license.
- Fatigue is cured by stopping to rest (no loud music or opening windows, those are temporary patches).