With the new traffic law, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) continues to make the roads safer by reducing certain risks and raising awareness. One area will involve those drivers over 65.
As such, a new rule is aimed at drivers over 65-years-of-age. According to the Spanish newspaper Las Provincias, “despite only accounting for 10% of drivers, this age group is involved in one out of every three accidents.”
Reduced license term for drivers over 65 years
The new rule refers to the renewal of the driving license. Until now, this was something that the DGT established for every 10 years. However, with the new rule the frequency with which the license must be renewed has been increased. This period is now reduced to 5 years for those drivers over 65, and to just 2 years when for drivers over 70-years-of-age. There is currently no maximum age for drivers.
Medical exam
The medical examination that must be passed and the criteria to be evaluated are the same for any age. Currently, for all drivers, it is possible that if during the medical examination an illness or deficiency is detected, even it does not prevent renewal at that time, but is likely to worsen, the period of validity of the license will be shorter. However, in such a case, the rate to renew it will also be lower.
If you are over 70 years old, you are exempt from paying traffic fees for renewals. However, you will still have to pay the cost of the medical examination itself.
Renewing your license
You must renew your license BEFORE it expires. You can do this up to 3 months prior to the expiry date.
Renewing a license for drivers over 65 is like any renewal. The DGT sets out the following steps:
- Go to one of the authorised Driver Recognition Centres.
- There you can carry out the complete renewal application, they will even take your photo at the time. They will charge you an amount for the medical examination and the traffic fee. As mentioned above, if you are over 70 years old, you are exempt from paying the fee.
- At the time of carrying out the duplicate process, you will be given a provisional permit which will allow you to drive until you receive the new card.
- It can take up to 6 weeks to receive your new license.
Driver Recognition Centres
To find your nearest approved centre, click on the interactive map link below.
https://www.dgt.es/conoce-la-dgt/con-quien-trabajamos/centros-reconocimiento-conductores/
Also read: Resident in Spain with UK driving license
