The B1 driving licence for under-18s could soon be available in Spain

Some time ago we told you about the B1 licence, which is available in several neighbouring countries but not in Spain. This licence allows access to driving vehicles weighing less than 400 kg and with a power output below 15 kW. It should be noted that these vehicles can already be driven with a B2 licence. However, to obtain that licence you must be 18 years old.

People over 15 years of age can ride mopeds with an engine capacity below 50 cc thanks to the AM licence. This replaced the old moped licence. The problem is that they cannot carry passengers or drive other vehicles. With the introduction of the B1 licence, this situation could change.

Driving from the age of 16

The legal driving age is 18. At that age you can obtain the B2 licence, which allows driving a vehicle weighing more than 3,500 kg and of any engine capacity within those parameters. From that age you can also drive a quadricycle weighing less than 400 kg or tricycles with a top speed below 90 km/h.

The introduction of the B1 licence in Spain would mean that 16-year-olds could drive this type of vehicle. It would be an intermediate step between mopeds and “standard” vehicles. From the age of 16 you can ride motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 125 cc, which already means a vehicle with some power. These motorcycles do not offer the safety of quadricycles, which have greater stability and a bodywork shell.

With limited power and speed, the driver is better protected than on a moped. Supporters of the proposal to activate the B1 licence in Spain believe that it is a good idea for young people to gain experience with these vehicles before obtaining the B2 licence, thereby improving road safety.

Given the trend in other neighbouring countries, it is possible that this licence will end up being approved in Spain. The conditions for its introduction in our country are still uncertain, but it could be very practical, allowing young people to access the possibility of driving a vehicle with controlled weight and power and, consequently, one that is easier to control.