Compare licences for your age. The list uses standard minimum ages; also check the previous licences and conditions shown in each entry.
What changes at 18: B, A2 and more
At 18 the B licence opens, for cars up to 3,500 kg with eight passengers plus the driver, along with the A2, for motorcycles up to 35 kW. B+E, C1 and C1+E also appear, but these three require a previous licence (B, B and C1 respectively) and a specific theory test.
The B needs no previous licence and its theory test is the general one: our Permit B theory lessons cover it in six study topics, each with a checklist and exam traps. The heavier licences such as C or D have higher standard minimum ages (21 and 24), with the CAP exceptions detailed below.
Licences that open at 18
| Licence | Previous licence | Theory | Practical | Validity (under 65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | No previous licence is required. | General | Closed track and road | 10 years |
| A2 | No previous licence is required. | General and specific | Closed track and road | 10 years |
| B+E | You need a valid B licence. | Specific | Closed track and road | 10 years |
| C1 | You need a valid B licence. | Specific | Closed track and road | 5 years |
| C1+E | You need a valid C1 licence. | Specific | Closed track and road | 5 years |
The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with up to eight passengers plus the driver and a trailer up to 750 kg; with a heavier trailer, the combination may reach 4,250 kg, with an additional test above 3,500 kg BOE · art. 4
No previous licence is required. BOE · art. 5
General theory test. B manoeuvres may be assessed during the road test or, where circumstances warrant it, on a closed track. The general theory test is waived if you hold a valid licence that required it or passed it within the last two years. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg that are not derived from a vehicle with more than twice their power BOE · art. 4
No previous licence is required. BOE · art. 5
General and specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. The general theory test is waived if you hold a valid licence that required it or passed it within the last two years. A valid A1 licence exempts you from the specific theory test. With A1 and at least two years of experience riding its motorcycles, progressive access requires the road test under article 49.2. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
- B+EB+E licence
The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
combinations of a category B towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid B licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
motor vehicles over 3,500 kg and up to 7,500 kg MAM, excluding D1/D, for up to eight passengers plus the driver, with a trailer up to 750 kg BOE · art. 4
You need a valid B licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
- C1+EC1+E licence
The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
C1 combinations with a trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg MAM, or B combinations with a trailer or semi-trailer over 3,500 kg; the combination must not exceed 12,000 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid C1 licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
Licences from earlier ages
Still available; their requirements are on each licence page.
Other licences: standard ages and exceptions
These entries have a higher standard minimum age. Check the full exceptions and prerequisites; access is conditional.
The standard minimum age is 21. From age 18 with the ordinary initial CAP professional qualification. BOE · art. 4
motor vehicles over 3,500 kg MAM, excluding D1/D, for up to eight passengers plus the driver, with a trailer up to 750 kg BOE · art. 4
You need a valid B licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid C1 licence exempts you from the specific theory test. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
- C+EC+E licence
The standard minimum age is 21. From age 18 with the ordinary initial CAP professional qualification. BOE · art. 4
combinations of a category C towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid C licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid C1+E or D1+E licence exempts you from the specific theory test. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
The standard minimum age is 21. From age 18 with the ordinary initial CAP professional qualification; until age 21 these vehicles may only be driven in Spain. BOE · art. 4
motor vehicles for up to sixteen passengers plus the driver, up to eight metres long, with a trailer up to 750 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid B licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
The standard minimum age is 24. With ordinary CAP: age 21; in Spain, age 20, or age 18 without passengers or on regular services of up to 50 km. With accelerated CAP: age 23, or age 21 for regular services of up to 50 km. BOE · art. 4
motor vehicles for more than eight passengers plus the driver, with a trailer up to 750 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid B licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid D1 licence exempts you from the specific theory test. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
- D1+ED1+E licence
The standard minimum age is 21. From age 18 with the ordinary initial CAP professional qualification; until age 21 these vehicles may only be driven in Spain. BOE · art. 4
combinations of a category D1 towing vehicle and a trailer over 750 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid D1 licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid C1+E licence exempts you from the specific theory test. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
- D+ED+E licence
The standard minimum age is 24. With ordinary CAP: age 21; in Spain, age 20, or age 18 without passengers or on regular services of up to 50 km. With accelerated CAP: age 23, or age 21 for regular services of up to 50 km. BOE · art. 4
combinations of a category D towing vehicle and a trailer over 750 kg MAM BOE · art. 4
You need a valid D licence. BOE · art. 5
Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid C1+E licence exempts you from the specific theory test. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
Frequently asked questions
- At what age can you get the B licence?
- The minimum age is 18. BOE · art. 4
- What can I drive with the B licence?
- You can drive motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with up to eight passengers plus the driver and a trailer up to 750 kg; with a heavier trailer, the combination may reach 4,250 kg, with an additional test above 3,500 kg. BOE · art. 4
- Which tests are required for the B licence?
- General theory test. B manoeuvres may be assessed during the road test or, where circumstances warrant it, on a closed track. The general theory test is waived if you hold a valid licence that required it or passed it within the last two years. BOE · art. 54BOE · annex VDGT
Other ages in the journey
Check minimum ages, conditions and exceptions in the other guides.