The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has launched a significant initiative aimed at enhancing road safety and encouraging responsible driving habits. Effective March 26, 2025, drivers who voluntarily complete specific training courses will be rewarded with two extra points on their driving licenses. This program not only aims to prepare motorists to be more cautious but also helps reduce traffic accidents across Spain.
According to the DGT, this initiative includes an improved curriculum for the Class A license alongside safe and efficient driving courses. The objective is clear: to foster safe driving practices among motorists through continuous education. “These measures are part of the DGT's 2024-2025 Action Plan,” stated a DGT official during the announcement.
Participants in the Class A training courses will receive more hours of practical instruction on roads open to traffic and are now required to use airbags. Moreover, the newly developed driver assistance systems (ARAS) for motorcycles will be part of the training aimed at enhancing safety for motorcyclists.
As for the voluntary safe and efficient driving courses, they are structured to reward participants with the additional points, provided drivers engage in these courses every two years. However, there is a limitation of up to 15 points that a driver can accumulate through voluntary participation. “This initiative encourages drivers to stay current and enhance their driving skills,” emphasized the DGT.
Drivers typically start their journey with 12 points on their licenses. New drivers and those who regain their licenses after being withdrawn start with just 8 points. The points system rewards adherence to traffic regulations, allowing for additional bonuses. If a driver remains infraction-free for three years, they can gain 2 extra points, leading to a potential total of 15 over time.
“The points system is designed to incentivize good driving behavior,” the DGT explains. Notably, drivers who lose points due to serious violations may lose anywhere from 2 to 6 points based on the severity of their infractions. Common violations include speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving.
The DGT was established to promote road safety and reduce road accidents, a mission it has supported since the introduction of the driving license points system in 2006. “Driving is considered a privilege that must be earned, and it is fundamental to change driver behavior to reduce accidents,” the DGT advised.
In addition to the new points program, individuals wondering how to regain lost points can now opt for various recovery strategies. For those who have a remaining positive balance, after two years without severe infractions, their points will revert to the initial 12. If an individual has lost all points, they can apply for a new license after completing a 20-hour course focused on re-education and road safety.
Courses aimed at recovering points must be at least 10 hours in length and will cover both theoretical and practical components. The DGT has detailed the importance of road education and awareness in preventing traffic mishaps. By encouraging continuous learning, the DGT hopes to mitigate road accidents while promoting safe driving habits among the public.
In summary, the DGT's initiative to grant extra points for completing driving courses is part of a broader movement to ensure safer roads throughout Spain. The organization acknowledges that education among drivers plays a pivotal role in significantly reducing the incidence of traffic accidents. “Ultimately, this initiative promotes a society where road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” they remarked.
As these developments unfold, the DGT shows a commitment to enhancing road safety. The focus remains on raising awareness regarding traffic laws and safe driving practices as Spain continues to navigate the complexities of modern roadways.
