Changes to the driving license for those born between 1956 and 1961 in 2026
Have you noticed that driving isn’t the same once you pass 60? The DGT changes the rules for a specific group, and this may surprise more than one.
Those born between 1956 and 1961 are about to experience a revolution in their driving license that will be no joke starting in 2026.
The new deadlines for renewing the driving license
Why do renewals change after age 65?
In Spain, there is no age limit for driving, but the DGT has tightened conditions for those over 65. The key is to ensure everyone maintains the physical and mental capacity to drive safely. For this reason, renewal periods are reduced and medical check-ups become more frequent.
Car and motorcycle licenses (AM, A1, A2, A, B) go from having a validity period of 10 years to only 5 years starting at age 65. In contrast, professional licenses have an even shorter expiry of 3 years.
What changes affect those born between 1956 and 1961?
This 2026, drivers born in 1956 will not have to pay fees to renew their license, while those born in 1961 will have to start renewing every 5 years instead of every 10. This represents a significant change in license management and personal planning.
Undergoing medical examinations is mandatory for everyone, but those over 70 are exempt from paying the DGT administrative fee, although the cost of the medical examination is always borne by the driver.
Medical check-ups and their key role
How is the capacity to continue driving assessed?
Recognition centers authorized by the DGT are responsible for certifying driving capacity. Psychotechnical tests such as vision, coordination, hearing, and cognitive state are precisely determined by these professionals.
If the driver passes these tests, they can renew the license regardless of age, something the RACE often reminds to avoid false myths about automatic removal for older drivers.
What are the reasons for losing the license?
Not everyone can drive just because of age, but based on the real state of their capabilities. The license must be revoked if medical tests are not passed, if there are physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations incompatible with safe driving, or if there is an administrative or judicial order.
This means there are no automatically excluded groups; rather, each case will be evaluated individually.
What does all this imply for the affected drivers?
Advantages and disadvantages of the new deadlines
For those born between 1956 and 1961, renewing more often may be inconvenient in terms of time and money, but also a guarantee of safety. The DGT wants to prevent those who are not fit from continuing to drive to avoid accidents.
Those over 70 can manage the process without an appointment, a convenience often not fully appreciated, and are exempt from paying certain fees.
Opinions and reactions from the sector
According to a DGT spokesperson, "this is not about an age limit, but a safety guarantee for everyone." Meanwhile, experts from RACE consider the measure a fair response to a reality many older drivers already experience in practice.
An independent mechanic points out that, «sometimes bureaucracy makes the process seem harder than it is, but safety is what counts».
| Aspect | Car and motorcycle licenses | Professional licenses |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry before age 65 | 10 years | 5 years |
| Expiry from age 65 | 5 years | 3 years |
These changes make it clear that safe driving is a shared responsibility and that the DGT does not want anyone to be left behind, but neither to drive when they cannot.
The reality is that these changes will affect thousands of drivers who will also have to prepare for more medical checks and manage more frequent renewals.
