The new driving licence regulations have been in effect across the European Union since 3 December. They aim to modernise the system, improve road safety and make life easier for drivers. Spain must implement the changes by the end of 2028.
The update comes at a critical time: nearly 20,000 people still die on European roads each year. In response, Brussels seeks to tighten regulations and promote safer driving, with the goal of halving road fatalities by 2030 and approaching zero by 2050.
What changes for European drivers?
Here are some of the main changes that may directly affect you:
- You can start driving at 17, provided you are accompanied by an experienced driver.
- Your ID card can become digital and accessible on your mobile phone.
- If you commit a serious offence in another EU country, it will also be enforced in Spain.
- New drivers will have a minimum probationary period of two years.
- The validity of A (motorcycle) and B (car) licences will generally be 15 years, while lorry and bus licences will be valid for five years.
These measures aim to better prepare new drivers and ensure that traffic rules are respected across all EU countries.
What does it mean to be an experienced driver?
The European Union now allows 17-year-olds to obtain a Category B driving licence, provided they are accompanied by an experienced adult until they turn 18.
However, the directive does not define who qualifies as an “experienced driver.” Each Member State, including Spain, will set its own criteria when transposing the rules into national law.
Although there is no official definition yet, examples from other countries suggest that the accompanying driver will typically need:
- A minimum age (e.g., 25 years)
- A minimum driving experience (usually 3–5 years)
- A clean driving record, with no serious offences
Specific training may also be required for those supervising young drivers.
Driving licence on your mobile: the main option
A major new development is the introduction of the digital driving licence, which will become the primary format across the European Union. You will be able to present your licence directly on your mobile phone, without carrying the physical card.
However:
- The physical licence will still be available if you prefer it.
- This is particularly useful when travelling outside the EU, where the digital version may not be accepted.
- Ultimately, you will have full freedom to choose the format that suits you best.
What are the new minimum ages for driving lorries and buses?
To address the shortage of professional drivers, the EU has introduced changes to the minimum ages for heavy vehicle licences:
- A lorry licence (Category C) can be obtained at 18, provided the driver holds a professional certificate.
- A bus licence (Category D) can be obtained from 21, also with a professional certificate.
- Without the certificate, the minimum ages rise to 21 for trucks and 24 for buses.
These changes aim to make it easier for new professionals to enter the transport sector, which has faced a labour shortage for several years, particularly on routes between countries and major cities.
Driver training and driving test changes
Training for new drivers will become more demanding and closely aligned with real road conditions.
The driving test will place greater emphasis on the risks that cause many accidents, requiring you to demonstrate knowledge of:
- Identifying blind spots, especially around lorries and buses
- Using driving assistance systems correctly, such as automatic braking and lane departure warnings
- Opening doors safely to avoid collisions with cars, cyclists or pedestrians
- Recognising the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving
The goal is for you to get behind the wheel better prepared, more attentive and with a greater awareness of the real risk.
What are the fines for using a mobile phone while driving?
If you plan to get your driving licence at 17, it’s important to know that using a mobile phone while driving is a serious offence and remains one of the main causes of accidents in Spain.
Penalties in Spain include:
- A fine of €250–€1,250
- Immediate loss of points on your driving licence
- A driving ban of up to one year
These measures exist because just a few seconds of distraction can cause a serious or fatal accident, undermining all the safety that careful driving should provide.
What do driving licence codes in Spain mean?
A driving licence not only certifies that we are qualified to drive but also contains a series of codes that, at first glance, may seem puzzling. These numbers and letters are not random; they serve to provide vital information regarding specific restrictions, adaptations or limitations related to the driver or the vehicle.