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

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

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. The DGT also introduced incentives such as bonus points for completing voluntary safe-driving courses.

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.

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Sources

DGT Renewal Guidance | Driver Recognition Centres | RACE Renewal Fees | El País – Safe Driving Courses