How To Renew Your Driver’s License

Below, you will find information about the driving license in Spain, types of permits and legal driving age, among other important tips such as what to do to renew it.

In Spain there are various types of permits and licenses to drive cars and other vehicles, here we explain them:

1. The AM Permit: Mopeds and vehicles for people with reduced mobility: 15 years (moped drivers cannot carry a passenger until they are 18 years old).
2. Permit A1: Motorcycles (maximum power 11 kW, maximum engine 125cc) – age 16.
3. A2 permit: motorcycles (maximum power 35 kW, maximum power / weight ratio 0.2 kW / kg – age 18 years.
4. Permit A: all motorcycles (with at least two years of experience driving category A1 motorcycles) – age 20
5. Permit B: Vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 Kg and a maximum of 9 seats (including the driver’s seat) – age 18
6. Permit C: Vehicles weighing more than 3,500 Kg – age 21
7. Permit D; Vehicles for the transport of passengers – 24 years

What do you need to renew your driver’s license?

• A certificate of physical and mental fitness
• Two recent passport size photographs
• Proof of address in Spain
• Driving theory test

Instructions to renew the driver’s license

1. Applicants for a driving permit or license in Spain must be Spanish residents.
2. Applications must be submitted to the Sede Provincial de Tráfico(Jefatura de Tráfico) in the province of residence.
3. Driving schools will help you apply and submit documents for a driving test.
4. You should seek their advice before you start taking a Spanish driving test.
5. In some areas, the exam can be taken in English.
6. Contact a driving school for more information.
7. It is advisable to go to a driving school instead of relying on family members.
8. Take a driving theory test.
9. The test consists of two parts: theoretical and practical.
10. Both must be passed for a driver to be considered competent.
11. Training for the theory test can be done at a driving school.
12. A set number of hours of training must be completed with a driving school.
13. The practical test is taken in Spanish and a translator can accompany the person being tested.
14. Some areas have English-speaking driving examiners. You should ask if it is available, if needed, when you apply to take the exam.
15. The practical test is carried out in a driving school car (dual control) and the driving instructor will accompany the examiner and the person being evaluated.
16. The examiner will give instructions in Spanish or English (if previously requested).
17. To renew the license, it must be done at the Sede Provincial de Tráfico (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) in the province of residence of the holder before its validity expires.
18. If the address on the license is current, the licensee will receive a letter informing them of the renewal date.
19. The fee for renewing a Spanish driving license is very reasonable (in 2015 it was €23.50). If you’re over 70, it’s free.
20. The license will need periodic renewal.
21. A standard Spanish driver’s license for a private car or motorcycle is valid for ten years if the holder is under 65 and for five years from the age of 65.
22. Different conditions apply for passenger bus and heavy vehicle licences.
23. You must avoid traffic violations and penalties
24. Spain uses a points system to control a driver’s traffic violations.
25. A driver’s license begins with a credit point of 12 for experienced drivers and 8 for the first three years of driving for a new driver.
26. Two extra points are awarded for three years without violations up to a maximum of 15 points.

Tips for renewing your driver’s license

We will go ahead in the part of important advice and recommendations to renew the driving license in Spain. Pay close attention:

If you are a resident of Spain with a license issued in another EU country, you must change your driver’s license within two years of becoming a resident if your license does not comply with Spanish law.

Currently, some driver’s licenses do not have an expiration date and others have one of 15 years or more.

In Spain, a Spanish driving license is valid for 10 years up to the age of 65. After age 65, you must renew it every 5 years. The license you own must have the same time limits or change needs.

If this applies to you, you must change your license whether or not it has expired. Of course, if you wish, you can apply for a Spanish driving license before you have been a resident for two years. After all, why not?

How to change your license: If you need to change your license you have two options. You can do it yourself or you can pay someone to do it for you.

If you choose to go solo, then you can expect to have at least two trips back and forth to Traffic. First of all, you must make an appointment (appointment) which can be done on the DGT website www.dgt.es or by calling the free line 060. Then you must take the correct paperwork.

To renew your license you will need: An official application form that can be downloaded from the Traffic Department and is on the DGT website; Proof of identity (passport / ID) Residence (and copy); Padrón (proof of your town hall address) renewed in the last three months; Driver’s license and equivalent; A recent 32mm x 26mm photograph; You may also require a medical examination and you must find a designated clinic where you will be tested for vision, hearing, pulse and blood pressure, reaction speed and speed judgment.

If you pay someone to do it for you, the process is generally the same, but you will need to sign a form giving your representative permission to apply for a Spanish driver’s license on your behalf.

Your driver’s license in Spanish will be sent by post and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months (and has been reported years!) to arrive. Once it does, you’ll be able to drive with no problem.

You already know, you have to have a little patience, wait in the procedures because the desired document will finally arrive, your license to legally drive throughout Spain.

With firm steps and a good attitude is the best way to get out of this predicament, and thus obtain the long-awaited legal document to drive in Spain. Good luck in your case, surely you will achieve it.