Driving licence renewal is a process almost all of us leave until the last minute, and there is no need to. If you know when your licence expires and what steps to follow, you can have it sorted in a morning. Here is the logical order, the official deadlines and what you need for the medical check at our centre in El Corte Inglés in Málaga.
Step 1: find the date on your licence
It all starts with the card. On the front, next to your photo, there is a series of numbered lines. The date in box 4b shows the day until which your licence is valid.
A practical tip: as soon as you see it, set a reminder on your phone for 3 months before. That is exactly when you can start your licence renewal.
Step 2: work out when yours is due according to your licence
Validity is not the same for everyone. It depends on the licence class and your age, and it is set by article 12 of the General Drivers Regulation:
- Car and motorbike licences (AM, A1, A2, A, B, B+E): licence renewal comes every 10 years up to the age of 65, and every 5 years from that age.
- Professional lorry and bus licences (C1, C, D1, D and +E variants): every 5 years up to the age of 65, and every 3 years from that age.
Watch out for a detail many people do not know: if the medical check detects an illness or condition that could get worse, the validity period may be shortened. That is why your date may not match the general table. The reliable reference is always box 4b on your own card.
Step 3: pass the medical check
To extend your licence you have to show that you still have the physical and mental fitness to drive. This is certified with a medical check at an authorised drivers’ centre, and it is the central part of licence renewal.
You do not need to prepare anything. You come in, we do the vision, hearing and coordination tests along with a general check-up, and that is it. It is a quick check designed so you do not lose your morning.
Our centre is part of Semedi Salud, where you have all medical specialities with the same team, also in Málaga.
Step 4: fees and price, each one separately
Here it helps to be clear about the costs of licence renewal. The medical check at our centre costs €37. The traffic fee is not included: it is a separate payment to the authorities, as stated on the DGT renewals page.
If the date has already passed
It happens more often than you might think. The good news is that the DGT allows licence renewal even if it has already expired. The bad news is that while it is expired you cannot drive: an expired licence does not authorise you to get behind the wheel, and doing so is an offence.
If that is your case, leave the car parked and come to the centre for your licence renewal as soon as possible. The less time you spend without a valid licence, the better.
Why not leave it until the last week
Starting your licence renewal with time to spare has clear advantages: you choose the day that suits you best, you are not stressed by the date looming over you and, if anything unexpected comes up, you have time to react. With a 3-month window, there is no reason to cut it fine.
Frequently asked questions about licence renewal
Can I renew earlier than 3 months before?
The margin the DGT allows is 3 months before the expiry date. If you have longer to go, note the date and come back when that window opens.
Does turning 65 change the date on the licence I already have?
No. The date in your box 4b remains valid. What changes is the period until your next licence renewal, which becomes shorter.
If I have a car and a bus licence, are they renewed at the same time?
Each class has its own validity. Professional licences are renewed more often, so check the date of each one.
