Spain has not yet changed its licensing age, but a new European Union structure gives the country the option of letting 17-year-olds lead passenger cars under adult supervision. The change is not yet in force in Spain: the EU directive allows member states to introduce accompanied driving from age 17, and Spain must incorporate the rules into national law first. Until then, the minimum age for a Spanish category B licence remains 18.
The European Parliament and the Council adopted Directive (EU) 2025/2205 on October 22, 2025. Spain’s deadline to transpose it is November 26, 2028. Once Spanish rules take effect, 17-year-olds who pass both the category B theory and practical examinations would be allowed to lead only with an authorised supervisor until they turn 18. The directive sets an EU structure; it does not require every member state to offer licences at 17.
Supervision Requirements
The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat and be able to give the young driver instructions. The structure sets eligibility conditions, including a minimum age of 24 or more than five years’ experience holding the relevant driving licence. Supervisors must also have had no withdrawal or suspension of their right to lead in the preceding five years and must follow alcohol- and drug-driving rules. Accompanied driving is intended to give novice drivers practical experience with supervision before they start driving independently.
The anticipated European licence code for accompanied driving is 98.02. Spain’s national authorities, including the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), must adapt domestic licensing procedures and regulations before 17-year-olds can use the system.
Training and Exams
The age change does not remove the requirement to pass the category B theory and practical tests. Spain’s implementation will set the administrative arrangements for accompanied driving. The EU reform also changes other parts of the driving-licence structure, including a minimum two-year probationary period for novice drivers and a 15-year validity period for category B licences.
Accompanied driving is already available in several European countries, including Germany, while Denmark has its own national system allowing licensing at 17. The EU structure creates a common basis but leaves each country free to decide whether to introduce the option and how to apply it nationally.
Why the Change Matters
Supervised driving could matter particularly for teenagers in rural areas or those who need to travel for education. Experience before driving alone is intended to prepare young people for independent driving. Montserrat Pérez, the DGT’s Deputy Director for Training and Road Safety Education, has said the system is designed to provide closer oversight during a vulnerable stage of a young driver’s development.
For Spain, the reform creates a future legal option, not an immediate change to the licensing age. Any pathway for 17-year-olds depends on national implementation, while the EU directive places accompanied driving within a broader update to driving-licence rules across member states.
