2025 Driving licence shock for over-65s in Spain: Everything you need to know about the new medical test – CSN News

Spain’s traffic chiefs dropped a bombshell in 2024 – from 2025, every driver renewing their licence will face tougher medical tests at the wheel. Now, furious drivers are calling it ageist red tape – but is it really about safety, or just another way to push pensioners off the road?

Drivers over 65 warned: new licence rules could stall your time behind the wheel:

If you’re over 65 and still enjoy the freedom of the open road, you’re not being pushed out of the driver’s seat – but you will need to jump through a few more hoops to stay there.

While rumours swirl on social media about older drivers being “banned” from driving, the truth is a little more measured – but still worth noting. Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has updated its medical test requirements, and they’re now tougher than ever for senior drivers.

There’s no legal age limit to driving in Spain – that’s right, you could be 90 and still cruising the coast in your convertible, as long as your health holds up. But once you hit 65, your licence must be renewed more frequently – and the tests to keep it aren’t getting any easier.

Tougher checks spark uproar as Spain cracks down on senior motorists.

Drivers in Spain over the age of 65 are bracing themselves for what some are calling the biggest shake-up in driving regulations in decades – and it’s all down to a new, tougher medical test that’s already catching out thousands.

The country’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has quietly rolled out stricter requirements for licence renewals, with a new battery of tests that goes far beyond the usual vision and hearing checks.

Now, older drivers must also pass cognitive and reflex tests, including memory challenges, attention assessments and simulated reaction scenarios behind the wheel. It’s all part of a new push by the DGT to bring Spanish driving standards in line with tougher European norms.

But for many over-65s, it’s less a minor update and more a car crash waiting to happen.

‘It’s not about discrimination – it’s about protecting everyone on the road,’ said former DGT director María Seguí in a recent official statement.

Until now, drivers aged 65 and up had to renew their licences every five years with a basic health check. But under the new regime, even seasoned seniors are finding themselves at risk of failing.

A roadblock for 15% of senior drivers

According to official estimates, as many as 15% of drivers over 65 may not pass the test on their first try. That’s left many older drivers in Spain feeling blindsided and unfairly targeted.

Social media has been ablaze with complaints, with many accusing the DGT of taking away their independence under the guise of safety.

Adding insult to injury, the new testing protocols may increase both the time and cost of licence renewal. Medical exam centres are already applying the changes – and some are warning that appointment slots are being snapped up fast.

Official DGT Guidelines for Drivers Aged 65 and Over (2025)

Renewal Frequency:

• Ages 65 to 70: Licence renewal is required every 5 years.
• Ages 70 and above: Licence renewal is required every 2 years.​

Medical Examination:

All drivers must undergo a ‘psychophysical aptitude test’ at an authorised Driver Recognition Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores). This emam includes eyesight, hearing, coordination, and overall health assessments. ​

Required Documents:

• Valid Passport or NIE.
• Current Driving Licence.
• Recent Passport-sized Photograph (32x26mm).
• Medical Certificate from the authorised centre.
• Proof of Address (Padrón certificate) if your address has changed.​

Spanish License Renewal Fees for Over-65s:

• Standard Renewal Fee: €24.58.
• Medical Examination: Typically between €35 and €80, depending on the centre.

Exemptions: If you’re 70 and above you’re exempt from the DGT renewal fee but must still pay for the medical examination. ​

License Renewal Process:

Visit an authorised Driver Recognition Centre for the medical examination.

Complete the renewal process at the centre, including photograph and signature.

Receive a temporary licence valid within Spain.

The official licence will be mailed to your address within approximately 1.5 months. ​

Things to bear in mind:

• The medical certificate is valid for 90 days.
• You can renew your licence up to 3 months before it expires.
• If your licence has expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot drive until the renewal is processed.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official DGT website.​

Crash course for the cautious

In a bid to soften the blow, the DGT has announced free road safety refresher courses for drivers aged 65 and over. These will focus on helping senior motorists prepare for the new tests and sharpen their on-road skills.

But not everyone’s convinced. Critics say the courses, while helpful, don’t address the deeper issue: a growing fear among older drivers that they’re being pushed off the road – even if they’ve never had a single accident.

So, is this really the beginning of the end for elderly drivers in Spain? Not quite, say officials – but there’s no denying that the bar has been raised.

With more rigorous testing now in place, drivers of a certain age may need to shift gears and start preparing for the next level of scrutiny.

Got an opinion on the new rules? Comment below – and let us know if you think they’re a lifesaver or a freedom-snatcher.

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