When we think about driving, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of an adult person at the wheel. However, this perception is not entirely correct, since in Spain, More than 57,000 young drivers They have not yet turned 18. While most people associate the driving of a vehicle with the age of majority, there are exceptions that allow children under 18 to be behind the wheel, under certain conditions and with Specific permits.
Driving a car or motorcycle before the age of 18 in Spain is possible, but is limited to certain types of vehicles and permits. From the AM for cyclomotor to permission A1 for light motorcycles, minors have various options to obtain a driving permit. However, it is essential that they be responsible and well informed about the legal requirements, the Traffic regulations and the importance of road safety.
Driving permits for children under 18 years
In Spain, driving permits are not reserved solely for those who have reached the age of majority. There are several Licenses available for children under 18allowing them to drive specific vehicles under certain conditions.
AM: cyclomotor permission and light quadricycles
One of the most accessible permits for minors is the AM permit, which can be obtained From the age of 15 and allows cyclomotor and cars to drive with an engine up to 50cc, as well as light quadricycles (four -wheeled vehicles whose maximum speed should not exceed 45 km/h)
The requirements To obtain the AM permission they are:
- Be at least 15 years old.
- Approve a theoretical exam, which includes questions about traffic standards, circulation signs and safe behavior at the wheel.
- Overcome a practical exam, which evaluates driver’s skills to handle the vehicle in a closed circuit or on public roads, depending on the legislation of the Autonomous Community.
A1 permission: motorcycles and light vehicles
A1 permit is aimed at those who are at least 16 years old and want to drive Motorcycles with a larger displacement or three and four light wheel vehicles. With this permission, young people are authorized to drive motorcycles up to 125cc and with a maximum power of 11 kW, which represents a considerable improvement with respect to the AM permission. In addition to motorcycles, A1 permit also authorizes the driving of motor tricycles and light four -year, which expands the range of vehicles that young people can handle.
The requirements To obtain permission A1 are:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Approve the theoretical exam, which covers issues such as traffic signs, circulation standards and road safety.
- Overcome the practical exam, which consists of an evaluation of the candidate’s performance when driving a motorcycle or a vehicle of the characteristics allowed by this permission.
LCM license: people with reduced mobility
The Driving license for people with reduced mobility (LCM) It is intended for people with disabilities who need to drive vehicles adapted to their needs. This type of license offers an inclusive solution for those young people who, due to their reduced mobility status, cannot drive standard vehicles, but require accessing driving to move autonomy.
The LCM permission can be obtained From the age of 14and allows driving adapted vehicles, with the option that the driver can wear passengers from the age of 16. This permit is useful for people who need to conduct vehicles adapted to their physical needs, guaranteeing that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can access mobility and autonomy.
The requirements To obtain the LCM license are:
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Approve a medical examination to evaluate health conditions and if the applicant is suitable to drive safely.
- In some cases, it will also be necessary to approve a theoretical and practical examination, depending on the characteristics of the adapted vehicle and the driver’s conditions.
The LCM license has a Validity of 10 years Until 65 years, after which it is required to renew it every five years.
Agricultural Vehicle License (LVA)
He LVA permit (agricultural vehicle license) It is intended for those under 18 who need to drive special vehicles in rural or agricultural environments. This permit is designed to authorize young people, starting at 16, to drive self -propelled agricultural vehicles, such as tractors and other vehicles for agricultural use, which should not exceed 45 km/h speed.
The requirements To obtain the LVA permission they are:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Approve a theoretical exam on the characteristics and management of agricultural vehicles.
- Overcome a practical exam that demonstrates the necessary skills to drive this type of vehicles.
In short, the children under 18 in Spain They have the opportunity to obtain various driving permits according to their needs and the characteristics of the vehicles. From the AM permission for cyclomotores and light quadricycles, to the A1 permit for motorcycles and the LVA permit for agricultural vehicles, young people have several options to put themselves behind the wheel safely and responsible.
