Spain's DGT authorizes 17‑year‑olds to drive under supervision from 2028

Spain's traffic authority (DGT) has approved a new rule that will allow 17‑year‑old residents to operate a conventional vehicle provided they are accompanied by an experienced driver who meets strict criteria. The supervised‑driving model mirrors schemes already used in Germany and France.

The accompanying driver must hold a licence for at least five years, have no recent licence suspensions or point deficits, and must be formally registered with traffic authorities before the young driver takes to public roads. The provisional permit for the 17‑year‑old is marked with a special identifier and is valid only within Spanish territory; it expires automatically when the driver turns 18. A zero‑tolerance alcohol limit (0.0 g/l) applies during the supervised period.

Officials cite French data showing that early supervised learning reduces novice‑driver accidents by 20‑25 % and raises driving‑test pass rates from roughly 55 % to 75 %. The regulation is scheduled to be fully operational by 26 November 2028, with the DGT already amending the General Drivers' Regulation to accommodate the change.