Do You Have To Take A Medical Examination When Applying For And Renewing A Spanish Driving Licence?

2025 update: The DGT has tightened medical standards, expanded CRC digital reporting, and updated renewal intervals for drivers with specific conditions. Processing times are now faster, but stricter documentation checks apply.

The mandatory medical exam at authorised CRC centres

For many foreigners in Spain, administrative processes can seem daunting, and renewing or applying for a Spanish driving licence is no exception. One question that often arises concerns the medical test required to ensure a driver is fit to be on the road. Known as the psychophysical examination or psicotécnico, this step is mandatory whether you are applying for your first Spanish licence, renewing an existing one, or exchanging a foreign licence.

Before a new licence can be issued or an existing one renewed, drivers must attend an authorised Driver Recognition Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores – CRC) to undergo the medical examination. These centres are licensed by the DGT to confirm that drivers meet the physical and psychological standards necessary to operate a vehicle safely. Appointments can be made directly with a CRC or, in some cases, through your local DGT office by calling 060 or booking online.

What the medical exam involves

The test is straightforward and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Medical professionals — doctors, psychologists and ophthalmologists — assess your overall fitness to drive. The checks typically include:

• General questions about your medical history
• Blood pressure and pulmonary auscultation
• Eyesight and colour vision test
• Hearing and audiometry test
• Mobility, reflex and coordination assessments
• Psychological or reaction-time test

These checks ensure that no health condition could endanger you or other road users. Standards are stricter for professional categories such as trucks or buses, and may involve additional testing.

Once the exam is complete, results are sent electronically to the DGT, allowing your renewal or application to proceed. If you pass, you will receive a provisional licence valid for three months while the permanent card is printed and sent to your registered address. Delivery typically takes between four and six weeks, so it’s important to keep your DGT address up to date.

Licence renewal intervals

The validity period depends on your age and licence type:

• Standard licences (AM, A, A2, B): valid for 10 years up to age 65, then every 5 years
• Professional licences (C, C1, D): valid for 5 years up to age 65, then every 3 years
• Shorter renewal periods may be required for medical reasons

You can renew your licence up to three months before it expires without losing any remaining validity. If your permit has already expired, you can still renew it — but you must not drive while it’s expired.

Fees for 2025

The DGT renewal fee remains €24.58 (Tasa 4.3). Drivers aged 70 or above are exempt from this charge. If your licence is renewed for a shorter term due to medical reasons, reduced rates apply:

• Up to 4 years – €19.67
• Up to 3 years – €14.75
• Up to 2 years – €9.83
• Up to 1 year – €4.92

The CRC medical test is charged separately and typically costs between €25 and €45, depending on the region and centre.

Renewal process and practical tips

You do not need to resit the theory or practical driving test to renew your licence. Simply complete the medical and renewal at a CRC or DGT office. To make the process smoother:

• Book your medical appointment early to avoid delays
• Ensure your address and ID details are correct
• Keep your provisional licence with you until your new card arrives
• Check the DGT portal for delivery updates

New DGT medical standards for 2025

General tightening of health criteria

In 2025, the DGT strengthened its medical criteria for renewals. Conditions such as severe vision impairment, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease or untreated sleep apnoea may require additional reports from specialists, or temporary suspension until treatment is confirmed. Each case is assessed individually to ensure safe driving rather than to penalise drivers.

Sleep apnoea and driving

For sleep apnoea, drivers may be asked for a report from a specialist sleep unit confirming that treatment (such as CPAP) is effective and used consistently. If control is not adequate, the licence validity can be reduced to a shorter period or renewal may be refused until the condition is properly treated.

Cardiovascular conditions

Cardiovascular problems such as serious arrhythmias, heart failure or recent heart attacks typically require detailed cardiologist reports. Depending on the severity and stability of the condition, the DGT may grant shorter renewal periods and require more frequent reviews to ensure that driving remains safe.

Neurological and psychiatric disorders

Neurological illnesses like epilepsy and psychiatric disorders that affect concentration, awareness or reaction time — or that require sedating or psychoactive medication — are now more closely monitored. Drivers can be asked for periodic specialist reports to confirm that symptoms and treatment side‑effects do not compromise driving safety.

Safe‑driving course bonus points

The DGT has also introduced incentives such as bonus points for those who complete voluntary safe‑driving courses, rewarding drivers who proactively update their skills and demonstrate safer behaviour on the road.

In summary

The renewal process is simple if you plan ahead. Arrange your medical early, bring your documents, and allow time for processing. Most drivers complete the procedure smoothly and receive their new licence within weeks.

Following these steps will help you stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep driving legally in Spain. Find official guidance and documents on the DGT renewal page, or browse the CRC directory for authorised centres near you.

FAQs about the Spanish driving licence medical exam

Do all drivers need to take the medical exam to renew a Spanish licence?

Yes. Every driver must pass the CRC medical exam to renew their licence, regardless of age or nationality.

Can I take the medical exam outside Spain?

No. The exam must be carried out at an authorised CRC centre within Spain. Foreign medical certificates are not accepted.

Do I need to bring photos or documents to the CRC?

Usually no. CRCs take your digital photo and signature and send everything electronically to the DGT. Just bring your NIE/TIE and your current licence.

What happens if I fail the medical exam?

The CRC may issue a shorter validity period, request additional medical reports, or advise you to pause the renewal until a condition is treated.

Can I drive with the provisional licence?

Yes. The provisional licence is valid for driving anywhere in Spain, but some foreign countries may not recognise it.

How long does the new licence take to arrive?

Most drivers receive it within 4–6 weeks. You can track progress through the DGT portal.

Are there penalties for driving with an expired licence?

Yes. Driving with an expired licence can lead to fines of €200 and may affect your insurance coverage.

Protect your health while you drive

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