Administrative Requirements for Riding a Motorcycle
Welcome to Topic 2. To ride legally on public roads in Spain, knowing how to handle a motorcycle is not enough; it is essential to comply with a series of administrative procedures.
In this summary, we will break down the types of permits, the obligations of a novice driver, and the mandatory documentation you must always carry with you. Pay close attention to the numerical data, as these are frequent exam questions!
1. Driving Permits
A permit is the administrative authorization issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). Below, we compare the different permits that allow you to ride motorcycles and mopeds.
Permit Comparison Table
| Permit | Minimum Age | Authorized Vehicles and Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 15 years* | • 2 and 3-wheeled mopeds (up to 50 cc). • Light quadricycles. |
| A1 | 16 years | • Motorcycles without sidecar up to 125 cc and max. power of 11 kW. • Max. power-to-weight ratio: 0.1 kW/kg. • Motor tricycles up to 15 kW. • Trailers (must not exceed 50% of empty mass). |
| A2 | 18 years | • Motorcycles (with/without sidecar) max. power 35 kW. • Max. power-to-weight ratio: 0.2 kW/kg. • Important: Cannot be derived from a motorcycle with more than double its power (max. 70 kW). |
| A | 20 years | • All types of motorcycles and tricycles. • Requires holding the A2 permit for at least 2 years. • For tricycles exceeding 15 kW, the minimum age is 21. |
*Note on passengers for AM: Although the permit can be obtained at age 15, the rider must be 18 years or older to transport passengers.
2. The Novice Driver
A novice driver is considered to be any person who obtains their first driving permit.
- Signage: It is mandatory to display the L-plate (V-13).
- Placement: On the rear of the motorcycle, in a visible location.
- Features: Green background with a white letter "L".
- Dimensions: For motorcycles, the plate measures 100 x 130 mm.
- Duration: Must be displayed for 1 year, unless the driver has already held another permit for that duration.
3. Mandatory Vehicle Documentation
To circulate, the owner must carry the original documents (or certified photocopies). If you sell the vehicle or change your address, you have a period of 10 days to notify the Traffic Authority (Jefatura de Tráfico).
The essential documents are:
A. Permiso de Circulación (Registration Certificate)
This is the motorcycle's "ID card". It includes:
- Details of the owner.
- License plate number and date of first registration.
- Basic technical characteristics.
B. Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica (ITV - Technical Inspection Card)
This proves that the vehicle meets the technical conditions to circulate and records any modifications made.
ITV inspection periods for motorcycles:
| Vehicle Age | Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 years | Exempt |
| From 4 years onwards | Every 2 years |
C. Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance
Every motorcycle and moped must be insured to cover the driver's Civil Liability.
- What does it COVER?
- Personal and material damage caused to third parties.
- What does this basic insurance NOT COVER?
- Bodily injuries (physical) to the driver themselves.
- Material damage to the motorcycle itself.
- Damage to transported items or property of the owner/policyholder/driver (spouses or close relatives).
Remember: Riding without this insurance leads to a financial penalty and the impounding of the vehicle.