Provisional driving licence: what it is and how it works

When you undergo the medical examination to renew your driving licence, the medical centre immediately provides you with a document called provisional driving permit. Many drivers are not exactly sure what it is or how long it is valid for. In this article, we explain it to you.

What is the provisional driving permit?

The provisional driving permit is an official document issued by the authorised medical centre that certifies that you have passed the medical examination and that the DGT is processing your new driving licence.

It has the same legal value as the definitive licence for its entire duration. You can use it along with your ID card to drive in Spain without any issues.

How long is it valid for?

The provisional permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Within that period, the DGT processes and sends the definitive licence to your home address.

In practice, the definitive licence usually arrives within 4 to 8 weeks after the examination, well before the provisional permit expires.

What must I always carry with me?

To drive with the provisional permit, you must always carry:

• The provisional permit (the document given at the medical centre)
• Your valid ID card

It is important to carry both documents together. Law enforcement may request both during a traffic stop.

Is it valid for driving abroad?

The provisional permit is valid for driving in Spain. For driving in other European Union countries, the situation may vary depending on the country. It is advisable to consult with the embassy or consulate of the destination country if you plan to use the vehicle for an extended period outside of Spain.

What should I do if I lose the provisional permit?

If you lose the provisional permit before receiving the definitive licence, you should contact the medical centre where you had the examination. If necessary, they can issue a duplicate.

Do I have to go to the Traffic office to collect the definitive licence?

No. The definitive licence is sent directly to your home by post. You do not need to visit any DGT office. The medical centre sends all the necessary documentation directly to the DGT.

What should I do when the definitive licence arrives?

When you receive the new definitive licence, you can destroy the previous one and the provisional permit. The new licence already includes the updated information and the new expiry date.

Can I drive if the provisional permit has expired and the licence has not yet arrived?

If the definitive licence has not arrived after the 6 months of validity of the provisional permit, you should contact the DGT to check the status of the processing. In practice, it is very rare for this to happen, as the licence arrives well before the provisional permit expires.

Conclusion

The provisional permit is a perfectly valid document for driving while you wait for the definitive licence. The process is completely automatic: the medical centre manages everything with the DGT without you having to carry out any additional procedures.