The medical certificate for a driving licence
The psychophysical aptitude report for a driving licence is obtained at an authorised driver assessment centre, costs between thirty and sixty euros including the administrative fee, and is completed in a single visit of about thirty minutes.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- A category B licence lasts 10 years to age 65 and 5 years after that.
- The visit takes about 30 minutes and the report is filed electronically.
- The cost is typically 30 € to 60 € including the fee.
- Minimum binocular visual acuity for category B is 0,5.
The whole process happens in one place in half an hour. The usual confusion comes from assuming a visit to your own doctor is needed first, which it is not.
Where it is done
At an authorised driver assessment centre. These centres carry out the examination, issue the aptitude report and transmit it electronically to the traffic administration, which then issues the renewed licence. In most cases the driver leaves with the process complete and receives the document by post within a few days.
| Licence | To age 65 | From 65 |
|---|---|---|
| B, cars | 10 years | 5 years |
| A and AM, motorcycles | 10 years | 5 years |
| C and D, professional | 5 years | 3 years |
| Cost of the assessment | 30 to 60 € | 30 to 60 € |
| Duration of the visit | about 30 minutes | |
| Minimum acuity, category B | 0,5 binocular | |
| Validity where a condition exists | reduced | per report |
| Renewal window | 3 months before expiry |
What is examined
Visual acuity with and without correction, visual field and night vision. Hearing. Cardiovascular assessment including blood pressure. Musculoskeletal function and coordination. A psychotechnical test of bimanual coordination and reaction time. And an interview covering medical history, medication and any substances that could affect driving.
What to bring
Identification in date. Glasses or contact lenses if worn, because the examination is carried out with the usual correction. The previous licence. And medical reports where a relevant condition exists: in that case the centre may issue a report with reduced or conditional validity, for example a review at 2 years rather than at 10.
Concealing a relevant condition or medication does not help: if it contributes to an incident, the consequences greatly exceed the inconvenience of a shorter validity.
Renewing in time
Renewal can be done in the 3 months before expiry without losing any validity, since the new period runs from the previous expiry date. Driving on an expired licence is an offence carrying a 200 € fine even where the holder remains fully fit to drive. Setting a reminder 90 days ahead avoids the most common and most avoidable problem in the whole process.
Frequently asked
+Where do I get the certificate?
At an authorised driver assessment centre, which also files the report with the traffic administration.
+What does it cost?
Typically 30 € to 60 € including the administrative fee.
+How often must a category B licence be renewed?
Every 10 years to age 65 and every 5 years after that.
+What should I take?
Identification, glasses or lenses if worn, the previous licence and any relevant medical reports.
+What if I drive on an expired licence?
It is an offence carrying a 200 € fine, even where the holder remains fit to drive.
Sources
- 1Dirección General de Tráfico, Ministerio del Interior (August 2026)
- 2Boletín Oficial del Estado, BOE (August 2026)