When talking about driver's licenses, it is essential to understand that it does not refer to a single type of license, but to a wide range of permits that allow the driving of different types of vehicles according to Spanish regulations. Among the most common licenses is the Type B license, which is the most requested by drivers due to its versatility and usefulness for a wide variety of vehicles.
The type B driving licence, in addition to enabling the driving of cars, offers the possibility of driving vehicles with light trailers, low-displacement motorcycles, and even agricultural and other specialized vehicles. In addition, updates and modifications have been made to the regulations to adapt to new technological and sustainable mobility demands, such as driving electric vehicles or heavier motorhomes.
What Vehicles Can Be Driven with a Type B License?
In Spain, Type B license allows drivers to operate a variety of vehicles in compliance with current regulations. Some of the most notable include:
- Cars: With a B licence, you can drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3500 kg and that can carry up to 8 passengers, excluding the driver. This includes conventional cars, vans and vehicles with a higher capacity as long as they are within the weight and seating limits.
- Trailers: A B licence allows you to drive vehicles with trailers up to 750 kg maximum authorised mass (MW). If the trailer weighs more than 750 kg, the sum of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3500 kg. If this occurs, an extension of the licence (B+E or B96) is required to drive heavier vehicle combinations.
- Motorcycles up to 125 cc: Drivers with more than three years of experience with a B license can drive motorcycles up to 125 cc without needing an additional license (although in some cases a practical course is required).
In addition, the B license allows you to drive motor tricycles and quadricycles, intended for both tourist and recreational or service use, as long as they do not exceed the established weight limits.
Driving Special Vehicles with a B License
The type B license also allows the driving of certain vehicles classified as special vehicles, which are divided into two categories:
- Agricultural vehicles: With a B licence you can drive self-propelled agricultural vehicles and their combinations, such as tractors or harvesters, which do not exceed a maximum speed of 40 km/h and weigh less than 3500 kg.
- Non-agricultural vehicles: As for non-agricultural vehicles, such as excavators or other similar vehicles, their use is permitted provided that the maximum speed does not exceed 40 km/h and the weight does not exceed 3500 kg.
If special vehicles exceed these limits, it will be necessary to opt for another type of license, such as class C.
Requirements to Obtain a Type B Driver's License
To obtain a type B driver's license in Spain, it is necessary to meet several requirements standardized by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). These include:
- Minimum age: Be at least 18 years old. However, applicants can begin taking the theoretical test at 17 years old.
- Residence in Spain: Legal residence in Spain is required to obtain the license. Those from countries that do not have license homologation agreements will have to complete the process from scratch.
- Aptitude tests: Pass a theoretical test consisting of 30 questions and a maximum of three errors allowed. In addition, you must pass a practical driving test lasting approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Psychophysical report: The applicant must take a medical test to certify that he or she has the physical and mental capacity necessary to drive.
Extensions and New Regulations: B96 and B+E
For those who need to tow heavier trailers or larger vehicle combinations, there are B license extensions like the B96 and the B+E.
B96 license
The B96 is an extension of the B license that allows you to drive vehicle sets of up to 4250 kg MMA. No additional theoretical exam is required, but a practical test is required in which the driver must demonstrate maneuvers such as coupling and uncoupling the trailer, as well as driving safely on open roads.
B+E License
This licence allows the driver to drive vehicles with a GVM of over 3500 kg along with trailers of considerable size. To obtain the B+E licence, it is necessary to pass a specialised theoretical test and a thorough practical exam that assesses the driver's ability to safely handle this type of vehicle.
Both of these extensions are key for drivers who need to tow large trailers, such as campers or horse trailers.
Maintenance and Renewal of Type B License
La Type B driver's license It has a validity period of 10 years until the age of 65, when they must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal process is simple and consists of presenting the DNI and an updated medical report certifying that the driver continues to meet the physical conditions.
It is important to note that the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is not obliged to notify drivers of the approaching expiration date, so it is the driver's responsibility to renew the license in a timely manner.
In addition, failure to comply with the renewal can lead to fines of up to € 200 or even the immobilization of the vehicle by the traffic authorities. However, in situations where the driver requires an extension for health reasons or work justification, he or she can request it from the DGT with the relevant documentation.
La Type B driver's license It is one of the most important and useful in Spain, allowing not only the driving of conventional cars, but also a series of vehicles such as low-displacement motorcycles, agricultural vehicles and some special vehicles. With the possibility of extending to B96 and B+E licenses, its versatility covers a good part of the needs of the modern driver, who increasingly needs to adapt to new regulations that respond to innovations in mobility and electric sustainability.