🚗 1. Roadway definitions
- Platform: area formed by the carriageway and the shoulders.
- Carriageway: the part intended for vehicle traffic.
- Lanes: longitudinal strips that divide the carriageway.
- Shoulder: lateral edge of the carriageway for emergencies or special use.
- Median: strip separating carriageways with opposite directions. ❌ Do not drive on it.
- Pedestrian area: for pedestrians only. 🚶
- Sidewalk: raised part for pedestrians.
- Refuge: protected area on carriageways for pedestrians. 🛡️
- Traffic island: non-drivable area that organizes traffic.
- Curve with limited visibility: a curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
- Change of gradient (crest): change in slope that reduces visibility.
- Pull-off (turnout): area to stop without obstructing. 🚘
- Intersection: crossing of roads.
- Roundabout: circular junction that allows orderly passage between roads.
📝 2. Driver documentation
The driver must always carry a valid driving license or permit. If they experience significant physical or mental changes or need the vehicle adapted, they must notify the DGT.
🆔 3. Types of driving licenses
- LCM (from age 14): vehicles for persons with reduced mobility.
- LVA (from age 16): special agricultural vehicles.
🎓 AM class driving license
Minimum age: 15 years. Allows you to drive:
- 🛵 Two- or three-wheeled mopeds
- 🚲 Motorized cycles
- 🚗 Light quadricycles
| Age | License | Authorized vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 14+ | LCM | Reduced-mobility vehicles |
| 15+ | AM | Mopeds, motorized cycles |
| 16+ | LVA | Special agricultural vehicles |
🧾 License validity
- 🕙 Up to age 65: 10 years
- 👴 Over 65: 5 years
📋 Duplicates and changes
If you lose your license or your details change, you must request a duplicate within 15 days.
🆕 Novice driver
During the first year you must display the “L” sign on the rear left of the vehicle. 🚘
📑 4. Vehicle documentation
- 📄 Vehicle registration certificate
- 🧾 ITV card
- 🛡️ Valid compulsory insurance
📜 Registration certificate
Identifies the vehicle. It must be updated if it is sold or its details are modified.
🛵 Registration
Mandatory for mopeds and light quadricycles. One rear plate only.
🔧 ITV – Vehicle Technical Inspection
| Vehicle type | Up to | ITV frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Two-wheeled mopeds | 3 years | Exempt |
| +3 years | Every 2 years | |
| Motorcycles and quads | 4 years | Exempt |
| +4 years | Every 2 years |
📉 Possible ITV outcomes
- ✅ Favorable: Fit
- ⚠️ Unfavorable: May only be driven to a workshop
- ⛔ Negative: May not be driven; must be towed
🛡️ Compulsory insurance
Covers third-party damage. Not having it may entail:
- 🚫 Immobilization
- 📦 Impound for 1 to 3 months
- 💶 Fine from €601 to €3,005
🎯 5. Points-based driving license
Everyone starts with 12 points (8 if new or after recovering the license).
📈 Automatic recovery
- 2 years without offenses → you recover all points (3 years if they were very serious)
❌ Offenses with points loss
- 📱 Using a mobile phone → −3 points
- 🚫 Failing to obey stop signs, red lights, give way → −4 points
- 🍷 Alcohol or drugs → up to −6 points
🏫 Re-education courses
- ⏳ 12 hours → partial recovery (max. 6 points)
- ⏱️ 24 hours + exam → full recovery of the license
⚖️ 6. Liability for offenses
The main party responsible is the driver. For minors, parents or guardians are financially liable. The registered keeper or renter of the vehicle is liable for administrative matters.
📌 Recommendation:
Always keep your documentation up to date and follow the rules to avoid losing points or receiving penalties. 🚦
