How many licence points can I recover?

With the partial-recovery course you can recover up to 4 points, without exceeding your licence's initial balance. You can also recover the initial balance after 2 years without a final sanction that carries point loss. The course can be taken once every 2 years, or once a year for professional drivers.

How do I recover licence points?

There are two routes if you still have points. First, time: after 2 years without a final sanction carrying point loss, you recover the initial 12-point balance. Second, the partial-recovery road-safety course: 10 hours at a DGT-authorised centre, with up to 4 points recoverable. You can take it once every 2 years; professional drivers can take it yearly.

How much does the points-recovery course cost?

The DGT says the cost is paid directly to the associated centre and can vary by course and centre. Use the official course search to check dates, format and price before paying. The partial-recovery course and the course to recover a lost licence have different durations and requirements.

How long does points recovery take without the course?

If you still have points, you recover the initial balance after 2 years without a final sanction carrying point loss. Check the date of the last final sanction that removed points and confirm your individual position in miDGT.

What happens if I lose all my points?

If you use all your points, the DGT starts a loss-of-validity procedure and gives you 10 days to make representations. Once the loss of validity is final, you may not drive. To obtain the licence again you must complete the 20-hour licence-recovery course and pass a theory test at Traffic after the disqualification period: 6 months for a first loss, 3 for professionals; 12 months for a second or later loss, 6 for professionals.

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?

Licence recovery includes a theory test on the course material at a Provincial Traffic Office after the disqualification period. The DGT treats this route separately from partial point recovery, so check the current requirements before booking a course.

Can I do the recovery course online?

The DGT course search shows the format available for each session. Confirm that the centre and course appear in the official search before paying, because only authorised courses count for this recovery.

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 once a year, compared with once every 2 years for other drivers. For a first loss of validity through point depletion, the disqualification period is 3 months instead of 6; for a second or later loss, 6 months instead of 12. Confirm what evidence of professional-driver status is required.

Recover licence points: DGT course and deadlines

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

After 2 years without a final sanction carrying point loss, you recover the initial balance. The DGT updates the balance; confirm your individual position in miDGT.

2. Partial-recovery course (10 hours, up to 4 points)

A 10-hour DGT-authorised course. The session defines the format and centre; its content includes a common section, group dynamics, victim intervention, variable content and an individual section. It can restore up to 4 points without exceeding the initial balance. 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 and has 4 points left after a final sanction removes 4. If 2 years pass without another final sanction carrying point loss, she recovers the applicable initial balance. She can also check whether she meets the requirements for the authorised partial course, which can restore up to 4 points without exceeding that initial balance.

Case 2: 6-year-experienced driver, very serious offence

Pablo (12 points) loses 6 points after a final sanction. His balance is now 6. To recover the initial balance through time, he must go 2 years without another final sanction carrying point loss; for the partial course, he should check the current session and requirements before paying.

Case 3: full balance loss

Sara accumulates sanctions and reaches 0 points. The DGT starts the loss-of-validity procedure and gives her time to make representations. Once the decision is final, she may not drive: for a first loss she waits 6 months, completes the 20-hour licence-recovery course and, after the disqualification period, passes the theory test at Traffic. A second or later loss has a 12-month period; professional drivers have specific shorter periods.

Refresh the syllabus to avoid losing more points

DGT exam-style questions. Ideal as a refresher after a recovery course.

Frequently asked questions

How many licence points can I recover?: With the partial-recovery course you can recover up to 4 points, without exceeding your licence's initial balance. You can also recover the initial balance after 2 years without a final sanction that carries point loss. The course can be taken once every 2 years, or once a year for professional drivers.
How do I recover licence points?: There are two routes if you still have points. First, time: after 2 years without a final sanction carrying point loss, you recover the initial 12-point balance. Second, the partial-recovery road-safety course: 10 hours at a DGT-authorised centre, with up to 4 points recoverable. You can take it once every 2 years; professional drivers can take it yearly.
How much does the points-recovery course cost?: The DGT says the cost is paid directly to the associated centre and can vary by course and centre. Use the official course search to check dates, format and price before paying. The partial-recovery course and the course to recover a lost licence have different durations and requirements.
How long does points recovery take without the course?: If you still have points, you recover the initial balance after 2 years without a final sanction carrying point loss. Check the date of the last final sanction that removed points and confirm your individual position in miDGT.
What happens if I lose all my points?: If you use all your points, the DGT starts a loss-of-validity procedure and gives you 10 days to make representations. Once the loss of validity is final, you may not drive. To obtain the licence again you must complete the 20-hour licence-recovery course and pass a theory test at Traffic after the disqualification period: 6 months for a first loss, 3 for professionals; 12 months for a second or later loss, 6 for professionals.
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?: Licence recovery includes a theory test on the course material at a Provincial Traffic Office after the disqualification period. The DGT treats this route separately from partial point recovery, so check the current requirements before booking a course.
Can I do the recovery course online?: The DGT course search shows the format available for each session. Confirm that the centre and course appear in the official search before paying, because only authorised courses count for this recovery.
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 once a year, compared with once every 2 years for other drivers. For a first loss of validity through point depletion, the disqualification period is 3 months instead of 6; for a second or later loss, 6 months instead of 12. Confirm what evidence of professional-driver status is required.

Related guides

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.

Recovering Spanish driving-licence points