Spain's Mandatory CAP Certification for Professional Truck Drivers Clarified

The Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) is required for anyone who drives a heavy‑goods vehicle professionally in Spain when a C1, C, C1+E or C+E licence is needed. The certification confirms that the driver has received training on road safety, transport regulations, tachograph use, driving and rest times, load securing, efficient driving and occupational risks. It is separate from the standard driving licence and must be renewed periodically.

Exemptions may apply when a vehicle is used to transport a company's own tools, equipment or materials and driving is not the primary activity of the worker. In such cases the driver must demonstrate that the main purpose of the job is a technical task rather than transport, for example a tradesperson carrying tools to a work site. Companies that employ drivers primarily for moving goods, even if the goods belong to the same company, remain subject to the CAP requirement.