Driving in Spain - Medical Test

Driving in Spain is a must. Just like the UK you cant get very far or get where you are going quickly by public transport. So you need a car.
I like driving so it will become a regular post on this blog. To give some idea of the regulations the expats have to be aware of, if not follow I append the Medical Test Details.

I only know of 1 person who has actually done this.

Driver Medical Test: British Drivers in Spain

HELPSHEET A: Information about the Driver Medical Test for British Drivers in Spain

1. WHAT IS THE DRIVER MEDICAL TEST?

The Driver Medical Test in Spain is known as the Psicofísica. It is a very simple test which is designed to check vision and anticipation skills. The test usually lasts under 20 minutes and usually consists of two tests, a vision test similar to those in opticians, and an anticipation test at a computer (no computer skills or knowledge is needed, although if you do not understand Spanish, it may be a good idea to bring an interpreter or someone who can help you with the instructions).

2. DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TEST?

A law was passed in Spain on 8th May 2009, which has the following paragraph in Spanish (translation below):
´El titular de un permiso de conducción expedido en uno de estos Estados que haya adquirido su residencia normal en España quedará sometido a las disposiciones españolas relativas a su período de vigencia, de control de sus aptitudes psicofísicas y de asignación de un crédito de puntos´.

This translates as follows: ´The holder of a European Driving License who is normally resident in Spain is required to adhere to Spanish regulations relating to the period of validity, to the control of their psycophysical aptitudes, and to the assignment of point credit´.

Regarding the Medical test, this appears to effectively mean that:

If you have a Residencia Card / Certificate and are normally resident in Spain, then your UK driving license will only be valid (and therefore your insurance will only be valid) if you take a Psicofísica Test in the same way that a Spanish person would.

If you are a Resident and have never taken this test while living in Spain, then the law would appear to suggest that your driving license and therefore your insurance are entirely invalid. If you have already taken this Medical test in the past, then you should take another test:

- Every 10 years if you are aged between 18-45,
- Every 5 years if you are aged between 45-70,
- Every 2 years if you are aged over 70.

3. WHERE CAN I TAKE THE TEST?

There are a number of accredited locations to take the Test, and a test usually costs around 30 Euros per person.

Trafico publishes a list of all accredited centres (see the link below). The Trafico list is designed as an easy to use clickable map. Just click on the province where you live, choose the phrase ´Provincia´ and you will see the full list of all centres in your area.

Some of these centres may speak English fluently. Some centres may require you to make an appointment first, so it is always a good idea to phone before you arrive.

You will usually need to show your ID (Residencia, NIE and Passport), and supply two passport photographs. You will also need to bring both parts of your new photo driving license. For holders of old licenses, it is a good idea to check with a local legal advisor as to whether or not you need to change or renew your license before taking the test.

You can find the full Trafico list on the Trafico Website by clicking HERE.

NB If you are taking the test in order to apply for a new license, you should take the test in the same province as the province in which you live and will apply for the license.

4. OTHER INFORMATION

The Law mentioned in this website also includes a number of other notes. One of these mentions that if you have an EU Driving License without an expiry date, then you may have to renew this license (to a Spanish one) within two years of arriving as a resident in Spain.

Always check with your legal advisor. If they ask the name of the law, then quote this name:

Real Decreto 818/2009, de 8 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Conductores.