DGT confirms major driving licence changes for 2026 including new rules for young drivers and over 65s

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has officially confirmed significant updates to driving licence regulations across Spain starting in 2026. These changes, which align with updated European directives, will specifically impact 17-year-olds and drivers over the age of 65, whilst also introducing new technical requirements for vehicle safety equipment.

One of the most notable shifts allows individuals to obtain a driving licence from the age of 17. Once they pass the necessary examinations, these young motorists will be permitted to drive, provided they are accompanied by a supervisor in the front passenger seat. This supervision remains mandatory until the driver reaches the age of 18. To qualify as a supervisor, the accompanying adult must be at least 24 years old, have held a valid licence in the same category for at least five years, and must not have faced a licence withdrawal in recent years. Furthermore, supervisors are subject to the same road safety regulations regarding alcohol and drugs as the driver, which is zero for under 18-year-olds.

For older motorists, the DGT is adjusting the frequency of licence renewals. Drivers born before 1961 will now be required to renew their permits every five years rather than the previous ten-year interval. While there remains no upper age limit for driving in Spain, all motorists must pass a medical check to confirm they do not have physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations that would compromise road safety.

In addition to licensing rules, 2026 marks the definitive transition to digital safety signals. From 1 January 2026, traditional emergency triangles will no longer be valid. Drivers must instead use a V16 beacon that is officially approved by the DGT and connected to the DGT 3.0 platform, allowing the vehicle’s location to be shared in real time during an emergency.

Other safety updates include a stricter approach to seatbelts, with previously existing exceptions for certain professionals in urban areas being removed. The driving test itself is also evolving to focus less on rote memorisation and more on risk perception through the use of real traffic videos during the theoretical exam.