The Driving License
Administrative Requirements: The Driving License and Documentation
To drive legally on public roads in Spain, knowing how to handle the vehicle is not enough; it is essential to comply with a series of administrative requirements. The driving license certifies that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to get behind the wheel safely.
Below, we break down the types of permits, rules for novice drivers, the points system, and mandatory documentation you must always carry.
1. Classes of Driving Licenses
It is vital to know which vehicles each permit authorizes to drive and minimum ages. Here is a comparative table with the most relevant ones for your exam:
| Permit | Min Age | Authorized Vehicles | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 15 years | Mopeds (2 or 3 wheels) and light quadricycles. | |
| A1 | 16 years | Motorcycles up to 125 cc (11 kW) and motor tricycles up to 15 kW. | Vehicles for reduced mobility. |
| A2 | 18 years | Motorcycles up to 35 kW (power/weight ratio 0.2 kW/kg). | Cannot derive from a bike with more than double its power. |
| A | 20 years | All types of motorcycles and motor tricycles. | Requires previous experience. |
| B | 18 years | Automobiles up to 3,500 kg and 9 seats (including driver). | See details below. |
Deep diving into Permit B
The permit you are studying for, Permit B, has special characteristics you must memorize:
- Permitted vehicles: Automobiles up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA) and up to 9 seats.
- Trailers:
- Light (up to 750 kg): Always permitted.
- Heavy (more than 750 kg): Permitted only if the combination (Car + Trailer) does not exceed 3,500 kg.
- Motorcycles: If you have held a Permit B for more than 3 years, you can drive motorcycles authorized by permit A1 within national territory.
- Agricultural Special Vehicles: Can be driven with Permit B (self-propelled or their combinations).
Note: For vehicle combinations exceeding Permit B limits, authorizations B+E (heavy trailer up to 3,500 kg) or B96 (combination up to 4,250 kg) exist.
2. The Novice Driver (The "L")
When you obtain your first license, you are considered a novice driver. You must comply with the following:
- Signal V-13 (The "L"): You must carry the rectangular plate with the white letter L on a green background.
- Location: On the rear left part of the vehicle (in a visible place).
- Duration: Mandatory for 1 year.
- Alcohol rate: Remember rates are stricter during the first 2 years.
3. The Points System
Your driving license starts with a points balance you can lose if you commit infractions, or increase if you are a good driver.
Points Allocation
- Novice: Start with 8 points.
- Veteran: If in 3 years you commit no infractions, you pass to 12 points (standard).
Loss of Points
Points are lost for serious or very serious infractions.
- Daily limit: Generally, you cannot lose more than 8 points in a single day, except for very serious exceptions (alcohol, drugs, speeding over 50%, reckless driving, etc.).
New Infractions (Traffic Law 2022)
Pay attention to these updated sanctions, they likely appear in the exam:
| Infraction | Points to deduct |
|---|---|
| Holding mobile phone by hand | 6 points |
| Throwing objects onto the road (butts) | 6 points |
| Overtaking cyclists without safety distance (1.5m) | 6 points |
| Not using seatbelt, helmet, or CRS | 4 points |
| Radar detectors (even if not used) | 3 points |
Points Recovery
- By time: If you spend 2 years without committing infractions that deduct points, you recover the initial balance of 12 points.
- Awareness courses: Allow recovering up to 6 points (maximum once every 2 years).
4. Documentation Needed to Circulate
To drive, you must carry originals (or certified photocopies) of the following documents. If you don't carry them, you can be administratively sanctioned (fine).
- Driving License: The physical card valid and in force. You must renew it periodically (usually every 10 years until age 65).
- Circulation Permit: Document identifying the vehicle and its owner.
- ITV Card (Technical Vehicle Inspection): Certifies the vehicle meets technical conditions. Must be accompanied by the favorable report of the last inspection and the sticker on the windshield.
- Compulsory Insurance: Every motor vehicle must cover at least Civil Liability (damage to third parties).
- Insurance covers: Personal and material damage to third parties.
- Insurance does NOT cover: Personal damage to the liable driver nor own material damage (unless comprehensive insurance).
Important: If you change address, you must notify Traffic Headquarters to keep data updated, although this doesn't imply issuing a new physical document necessarily.