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DrivingLingo

Tema 17: visibility, glass and mirrors in the DGT exam

The windscreen must not deceive the eye or hide a red light, and mirrors are mandatory, not optional.

Reviewed on 6 October 2026 · sources: BOE and DGT

This tema asks what view the driver must have and what the rules require of the windscreen, glass and mirrors.

  • The vehicle must give you a clear view forward, to the right and to the left. Maintaining it includes not letting objects, stickers or dirt reduce it.
  • Every vehicle carries one or more mirrors, depending on its category, to see the traffic behind.
  • Transparent elements must not noticeably distort objects or confuse the colours used in road signs.
  • Installing non-homologated tinted glass or film is banned in every case. Homologated rear tinting is only allowed with two regulation exterior mirrors.

Watch out: a cracked windscreen that seems harmless still breaks the rule if it distorts the image or causes a traffic light to be misread.

In DrivingLingo: see the traffic signs, tema 18 on lighting, tema 16 on vehicle controls and the .

Source: RGV art. 11 (points 1 to 4) and annex III; RGC art. 19.

Key rules of topic 17

Field of vision

The vehicle must be built and maintained so the driver has a clear view forward, to the right and to the left.

  • 'Maintained' includes not letting objects, stickers or dirt build up and reduce it.

Source: RGV art. 11, punto 1

Mandatory mirrors

Every vehicle must carry one or more mirrors, depending on its category, whose number, dimensions and layout let the driver see the traffic behind.

  • The specific requirements for each mirror depend on the vehicle category.

Source: RGV art. 11, punto 2; RGV anexo III

Undistorted glass

The passenger compartment's transparent elements must not noticeably distort objects seen through them or confuse the colours used in road signs.

  • If the windscreen is the only way to see the road ahead, the vehicle must carry wipers and washers, plus de-icing and demisting if the regulation requires them.

Source: RGV art. 11, puntos 3 y 4

Tinted windows

Installing non-homologated tinted glass or film in a vehicle is banned in every case.

  • Homologated rear tinting is only allowed if the vehicle carries two regulation exterior mirrors.

Source: RGC art. 19

Learn the rule, then practise it

Study topic 17 step by step: the rule, its citation and exam-style questions.

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