The Spanish Government has approved the new General Regulation of Drivers which, amongst other things,  increases the minimum legal age to ride a moped from 14 to 15 years, from September 1, 2010.

The minimum age the rider must be before they can carry passengers is also extended, but by 2 years from 16 to 18.

Potential moped riders will also have to pass both a theory test and a practical driving test on a closed circuit, as specified by the first vice president of the Government, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega.

A new license for medium sized motorcycles has also been introduced. The A2 group is for motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW -47 hp and an engine of 500 cubic centimeters, which may be obtained directly from the age of 18. Potential riders will have to pass both a theory and practical test, but the license can also be obtained by a progessive means for experienced riders of smaller bikes and mopeds over the age of 20, who will only have to show their skill and ability to control the vehicle.

The new regulation extends the period of validity of current driving licenses. For vehicles classed as AM (moped), A1, A2, A (motorbike), driving licenses must be renewed every 10 years up until the persons age of 65, and every 5 years for drivers over 65.

Professional licenses (BTP, C1, C, D) must be renewed every five years up to age 65, then every three years once the driver has reached that age.