Lorraine Williamson
From 2025, drivers in Spain aged 65 and over will face new conditions when renewing their licences. The reforms, introduced by Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), include shorter renewal periods and mandatory health checks designed to ensure continued driving fitness in later life.
The move reflects a wider effort to balance mobility and safety as the country’s population ages. Currently, around 4.1 million drivers in Spain are over the age of 65 — around 15% of the total. While older drivers are involved in fewer road incidents overall, they are disproportionately represented in fatal accidents.
Licence validity now linked to age
Until now, most drivers in Spain could go a decade without renewing their licence. That changes from age 65.
Drivers aged between 65 and 69 will need to renew their licence every five years. From the age of 70, renewals become more frequent — every two years. These shorter validity periods are designed to increase oversight as age-related changes in health, vision or reaction time become more common.
Health checks now part of every renewal
All drivers renewing their licence from the age of 65 must undergo a medical examination at an authorised centre. These assessments cover a range of physical and cognitive abilities, including eyesight (with attention to night vision), hearing, coordination, reaction time and concentration.
If any concerns are raised, further testing by a specialist — such as a neurologist or cardiologist — may be required. In some cases, restrictions might be added to the licence, such as limiting driving to daylight hours or local areas only.
Renewal process: What to expect
Renewing a driving licence in Spain from the age of 65 involves several straightforward steps. First, drivers must book an appointment at a certified medical centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores). During the visit, they will complete the required tests, have a passport photo taken onsite, and pay the relevant fees.
After completing the process, drivers are issued a temporary licence that remains valid throughout Spain. The permanent licence is sent by post and typically arrives within six weeks. There are no further steps or documents required once the appointment is complete.
For those aged 70 and above, the DGT’s administrative renewal fee is waived — though the medical examination still carries a cost.
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DGT offers guidance for families and drivers
Alongside the regulatory changes, the DGT has released a downloadable guide aimed at helping older drivers and their families make informed decisions about safe driving. The Guía de Consejo Sanitario Vial includes self-assessment tools, advice on recognising early warning signs, and conversation prompts for family members concerned about a loved one’s driving ability.
Common signals such as delayed reactions, confusion on familiar routes, or growing anxiety behind the wheel are highlighted as reasons to reassess driving habits. Rather than removing licences immediately, the guide suggests interim adjustments — like avoiding motorways or only driving during daylight — as a way to prolong safe driving while reducing risk.
Why these measures matter
The DGT has stressed that the aim of the new measures is not to punish older drivers, but to support them — and those around them — in recognising when it may be time to adapt. With an ageing population and a sharp increase in the number of senior drivers, the challenge is to strike a balance between independence and public safety.
These new procedures, while stricter, also reflect a commitment to ensuring that all drivers on Spanish roads remain fit and capable — regardless of age.
Sources: DGT, Madrid Informa