How the Spanish points-based licence works
The points-based licence has been in force in Spain since 1 July 2006. The idea: each driver has a points balance that decreases with infractions and is recovered through good behaviour or a re-education course. It isn't a fine: monetary sanctions are paid separately. Points are an independent driver-risk management tool.
Starting balance: 12 points for drivers with 3+ years of seniority without sanctions; 8 points for novices (the first 3 years from first licence issue). After 3 consecutive years without losses you add 2 extra points up to a maximum of 14; after 6 years, you reach 15. A real compliance incentive, especially for long-time drivers.
Two ways to recover points
1. Automatic recovery over time
If 2 years pass since the last infraction that cost you points, you automatically recover the full balance corresponding to your seniority (12 or 8 points). The period rises to 3 years if the last infraction was very serious (high alcohol, drugs, very serious speeding, reckless driving). No paperwork needed: the DGT updates the balance automatically. Confirm in miDGT after 2–3 years.
2. Partial-recovery course (12 hours, up to 6 points)
An in-person or online course at a DGT-authorised centre. Duration: 12 hours spread over several days. Content: road regulations, risk perception, alcohol and drugs, human factors, accident dynamics. Ends with a multiple-choice test of about 30 questions — 80 % required to pass. On passing, the centre updates the DGT balance (up to 6 points, without exceeding your licence's maximum). You can take it once every 2 years — professionals once a year.
Points deducted per infraction (2026)
| Infraction | Points |
|---|---|
| Driving with alcohol > 0.50 mg/l breath (pro > 0.15 mg/l) | 6 |
| Driving under the influence of drugs (positive test) | 6 |
| Very serious speeding (more than 50 km/h over the limit) | 6 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Handheld mobile phone use | 6 |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 4 |
| Dangerous overtaking (solid line, blind crest) | 4 |
| No seatbelt, helmet or other restraint systems | 4 |
| Failing to yield priority or stop signs | 4 |
| Driving while holding navigation devices | 3 |
| Failing to maintain safe following distance | 4 |
| Serious speeding (depends on bracket) | 2-6 |
Summary table — the full list is in the Spanish General Traffic Regulation. Traffic rules are updated frequently: if your sanction is recent, check the official document at sede.dgt.gob.es to verify the exact deduction and applicable legal regime.
Worked examples
Case 1: novice with 8-point balance loses 4 points
Marta has held her licence for 1 year (8-point balance). In October 2024 she gets a fine for running a red light: -4 points. New balance: 4 points. Option A (wait): if she doesn't lose more points until October 2026 she automatically recovers 8. Option B (partial course): she pays €200 at an authorised centre, does the 12 hours and passes the exam — recovers up to 6 points, but her novice maximum is still 8, so she ends at 8.
Case 2: 6-year-experienced driver, very serious offence
Pablo (12 points) tests positive with 0.55 mg/l breath alcohol: -6 points. New balance: 6 points. To automatically recover the full balance he needs 3 years without further losses (because the last was very serious). If he doesn't want to keep a low balance, he can take the partial-recovery course 2 years after the last infraction (not sooner, except for professionals).
Case 3: full balance loss
Sara accumulates several sanctions in 12 months and reaches 0 points. She receives a registered DGT letter: licence suspended from the notification date. She waits 6 months (no driving), takes a 24-hour course at an authorised centre, passes the DGT-specific exam and recovers the licence with the initial balance for her seniority. The full process, including course cost (~€350–€450) and possible practical-exam repetition if required, typically runs €500–€800.
Refresh the syllabus to avoid losing more points
The same official DGT questions. Ideal as a refresher after a recovery course.
Frequently asked questions
- How many points does my Spanish driving licence have?
- Starting balance is 12 points for drivers with 3+ years of seniority and 8 points for novice drivers (less than 3 years). If you go 3 years without losing points you can accumulate up to 15 points as a good-driving bonus. Checking your balance is free in the DGT online portal (miDGT) with DNI electrónico, Cl@ve PIN or a digital certificate.
- How do I recover lost points?
- Two ways. First, time: if you go 2 years without losing points again (3 years for very serious infractions), you automatically recover your full balance (12 or 8 depending on seniority). Second, the partial-recovery course: a 12-hour course at a DGT-authorised centre that returns up to 6 points. You can take it once every 2 years. Professional drivers can take it every year.
- How much does the points-recovery course cost?
- €170–€280 in 2026 depending on autonomous region and centre. Duration is 12 hours (partial-recovery course) or 24 hours (full recovery after licence loss for point depletion). The price includes enrolment, materials, mandatory attendance and the multiple-choice exam at the end. The centre handles updating your DGT balance.
- When do I recover points automatically without a course?
- If you lost points for minor or serious infractions, you automatically recover the full balance 2 years after the last loss without further sanctions. For very serious infractions or road-safety offences the period is 3 years. The clock resets each time you lose points: it's not 2 years from the first fine but 2 years from the last.
- What happens if I lose all my points?
- When your balance reaches 0 the DGT notifies you by registered post and from the notification date your licence is suspended. To drive again you must wait 6 months (3 months for professional drivers), then pass a 24-hour road-safety re-education course and a DGT-specific exam. If you are caught driving during the suspension period, it is a criminal offence (Spanish Criminal Code article 384) with prison, fine or community service.
- Which infractions cost the most points?
- The highest deductions: alcohol over 0.50 mg/l in breath or driving under the influence of drugs (6 points), very serious speeding (6 points), handheld phone use (6 points in 2026, previously 3), no seatbelt or child restraint (4 points), running a red light or stop sign (4 points), dangerous overtaking (4 points), reckless driving (6 points). A single very serious offence can halve your balance instantly.
- Does the recovery course have an exam?
- Yes. After 12 (or 24) hours of mandatory training there's a multiple-choice exam, usually 30 questions, on the course content: regulation, road safety, risk perception, alcohol and drugs. You pass with 80 % correct. If you fail you can retake after a short wait and a new payment, depending on the centre. The actual fail rate is very low because the course is designed to reinforce the content.
- Can I do the recovery course online?
- Yes, there are DGT-authorised centres offering the course 100 % online or in a hybrid format. The final exam may be mandatory in-person or remote depending on the centre and modality. Confirm the centre is listed as authorised on the DGT website before paying — non-authorised courses do not credit points to your balance.
- How do I check my point balance?
- Through miDGT (the DGT online portal) with DNI electrónico, Cl@ve PIN or a digital certificate — free and instant. Also via the official miDGT mobile app. Without digital access you can check in person at any Provincial Traffic Office with your physical DNI — but it costs time and the data is the same.
- Do professional drivers have different rules?
- Yes. They can take the partial-recovery course every year (vs every 2 years for everyone else). And if they lose the licence by point depletion the suspension is reduced to 3 months instead of 6. The rationale is employment: for many professionals losing the licence equals losing the job. In exchange, on-the-job inspection is stricter — professionals lose points earlier for tachograph and driving-rest violations.
General 2026-oriented information. Rules, amounts and deadlines can change due to legal reforms. For individual sanctions and official paperwork, always consult the DGT online portal (sede.dgt.gob.es) or a road-safety legal advisor. This content is not a substitute for personalised legal advice.