Vehicle documents, controls and adjustments

To drive legally, you must always carry your Driving Licence, the Vehicle Registration Document, and the Technical Inspection Card (ITV). All motor vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles, require compulsory third-party liability insurance, which covers damage to others but not injuries to the driver of the insured vehicle. The vehicle's registered owner is responsible for keeping the ITV up to date, with passenger cars and motorcycles requiring their first inspection at four years, and then every two years thereafter.

A new driver starts with 8 points on their licence and must display an 'L' plate on the rear left of the vehicle for their first year. After two years without infractions, the point total rises to 12. A standard Class B licence permits driving vehicles up to 3,500 kg and 9 seats. After holding it for three years, it also allows you to ride 125 cc motorcycles, but only within Spain. Any change of address must be reported to the Traffic Authority within 15 days.

Before every journey, ensure you adjust your seat and mirrors while the vehicle is stationary. The correct seating position involves having slightly bent arms and legs when operating the controls. Mirrors are essential for observing your surroundings and must be checked frequently. Remember that mirrors have blind spots, which are areas you cannot see without a brief, direct head turn to look through the side windows. For passenger cars, the left exterior mirror is always mandatory; if the interior mirror's view is blocked, both exterior mirrors are required.

Always use your turn signals to indicate maneuvers, day or night. The horn is a safety device to be used only to prevent an accident, never to express impatience. On motorcycles, the right hand controls the throttle and front brake, while the left foot operates the gear change pedal. Mastering these documents, adjustments, and controls is fundamental to safe and legal driving.