Recent speculation across social media and online forums has sparked widespread curiosity over whether the legal driving age in Spain, including the Canary Islands, could soon be lowered to 17.
The idea, which centres on allowing teenagers to obtain the type B driving licence, needed to drive standard cars, has prompted questions among young people and their families. However, according to current legislation and official sources, no such change is imminent.
The General Driver Regulations still state that the minimum age for obtaining a type B driving licence remains 18 years old. Other licences with lower age requirements do exist: the AM licence, for mopeds with a maximum speed of 45 km/h, is available from age 15, while the A1 licence, which allows the operation of motorcycles up to 125cc, can be obtained at 16.
As for 17-year-olds, no current law, nor any pending legislation as of March 2025, permits them to drive standard cars in Spain. Nevertheless, the topic has gained attention due to proposals outlined in the 2024–2025 Action Plan published by the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) in the Official State Bulletin (BOE).
Among the initiatives being studied is the possibility of reforming the driver training model, including the introduction of supervised practice driving with private tutors, similar to systems already in place in countries like Germany and the UK. These models allow young learners to gain experience behind the wheel under the supervision of an adult before being eligible for a full licence.
While the plan does not explicitly propose lowering the legal driving age, it signals a more flexible approach to driver education. However, the DGT has confirmed that no regulatory change has been approved to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a type B licence in the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, 17-year-olds may begin studying for the theoretical portion of the driving test, but they must wait until their 18th birthday to take the practical exam and apply for their full licence.
