A Spanish driving licence medical is a short examination, usually twenty to thirty minutes, covering eyesight, hearing, reaction times and general health. Once it is done the centre sends the aptitude report to the DGT electronically, along with your photograph and signature, so there is no need to visit a traffic office at all.
If you need to renew your licence in Palafrugell or elsewhere in the Baix Empordà, here is everything worth knowing beforehand: who needs the medical, what is checked, what to bring and how to book.
Who needs a driving licence medical?
The certificate of psychophysical aptitude is not only for car licences. You will need one for:
- Renewing a driving licence, both private (A, B) and professional (C, D, E).
- A firearms licence or private security permits.
- Recreational boating qualifications, such as the PER or the basic navigation licence.
- Sports licences and fitness-to-participate certificates.
- Ownership of potentially dangerous dogs and other occupational permits (cranes, forklift trucks).
As a rule, a category B licence is renewed every ten years up to the age of 65 and every five years after that; professional licences have shorter periods. The exact date is printed on the back of your licence, and there is no need to leave it to the last minute — you can complete the process in the months before it expires.
What is checked at the medical?
Eyesight
This is the most important part. The examiner measures visual acuity with and without correction, your field of vision and how you recover from glare. If you drive with glasses or contact lenses, the test is carried out with the correction you normally use, and this is noted on the certificate.
Hearing
A simple check that you can hear what matters on the road: a horn, a siren, a warning from your own car. If you wear a hearing aid, the assessment is done with the device in place.
Coordination and reaction time
This is the psychotechnical test: a short exercise on a small machine that measures anticipation and two-handed coordination as you follow a moving target. No preparation is needed, only a calm and attentive few minutes.
General health
A brief conversation about your medical history, long-term conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, heart problems), regular medication and lifestyle, plus a blood pressure reading. Having a chronic condition rarely means you cannot drive: in most cases the doctor simply issues the certificate for a shorter period or adds conditions, such as driving with glasses or in an adapted vehicle.
What should I bring on the day?
- Your valid passport, NIE or DNI.
- The licence or permit you are renewing.
- The glasses or contact lenses you drive with.
- Your hearing aid, if you use one.
- A report from your doctor or specialist if you have a long-term condition or take medication that could be relevant. It is not always required, but it saves a second visit.
There is no need to fast or prepare in any particular way. It does help to arrive rested, to avoid alcohol beforehand and to have your prescription glasses up to date.
How long does it take, and when does the new licence arrive?
The appointment usually lasts twenty to thirty minutes. Once the report has gone to the DGT, your new licence arrives by post, and in the meantime the receipt we give you allows you to keep driving.
If any part of the examination needs a closer look, you will be advised to see the relevant specialist. Our centre has ophthalmology, cardiology, ENT and other [specialities](/en/especialitats) under the same roof, so the assessment can be completed without being sent elsewhere. If it has been a while since your last eye test, it is worth reading when to have an eye examination before you come.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before a driving licence medical?
No. There is no fasting and no special preparation. Just arrive rested, avoid alcohol beforehand and bring the glasses or contact lenses you drive with.
How far in advance can I renew my licence?
You can go through the process in the months before the expiry date printed on the back of your licence. If you cannot find it, bring the licence with you and we will check it for you.
Can I renew if I have a long-term condition or take medication?
In most cases, yes. The doctor assesses your situation and, where necessary, issues the certificate for a shorter period or with conditions, such as driving with glasses. A report from your specialist makes the appointment much quicker.
Booking an appointment in Palafrugell
Call us on 972 30 65 65 or write to us through the contact page. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, at Plaça de Catalunya, 5 in Palafrugell, and our staff can attend you in English. The medical examinations page lists the certificates we issue, and the list of insurers shows which companies we have agreements with for other consultations. If this is your first visit, you may also want to read how private insurance works here.
