Provisional licenceSpain

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42. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Citroën C3 driving-school car. (Valencia, Spain)
Wikimedia.org • Jerónimo Roure Pérez • CC BY-SA
What is a provisional driving licence?

A provisional driving licence allows a learner driver to practise driving under specified conditions before obtaining a full driving licence.

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

This depends on the type of provisional licence and local rules. Some licences require an approved supervisor, while others allow the learner to practise alone after completing specified training.

How long is a provisional licence valid?

The validity period varies between countries and licence types. If it expires before the learner passes the practical exam, additional conditions may apply before another provisional licence can be obtained.

Can you drive abroad with a provisional licence?

Often not. A provisional licence may be valid only in the country that issued it. Learners should check the applicable rules before attempting to drive abroad.

Are there restrictions on when a learner may drive?

Yes, in some countries. Provisional licences may include restrictions on night driving, passengers, trailers, vehicle types or certain roads.

Do you need to display a learner sign?

Many countries require a learner vehicle to display an L plate or another learner-driver sign. The design and conditions vary by country.

1 Spain 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Dead end 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Rockfall 24 Curve 25 Roadworks 26 Height limit 27 Selective barriers 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Driving licence 32 Location marker 33 Countdown markers 34 Traffic mirror 35 International border 36 Pedestrian underpass 37 Cycling route 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 Disabled parking 41 Reversing 42 Provisional licence 43 City limit 44 Licence plate 45 Charging station 46 Dangers 47 Pedestrian 48 Cyclist 49 Bus 50 Police 51 Ambulance 52 European emission standard 53 Pothole 54 Path 55 Particulates 56 Air pollution 57 Rush hour 58 Road code 59 Street gutter 60 Road debris 61 Cargo bike 62 Forestry vehicle 63 Construction vehicle 64 Semi-trailer truck 65 Trolleybus 66 Speed pedelec 67 Delivery vehicle 68 Idling 69 Tow truck 70 Four-wheel drive 71 No vehicles 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...