ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep your drivers' ADR authorisations from expiring
The Spanish ADR driver authorisation is valid for five years and is extended for a further five at any Provincial Traffic Headquarters after passing a basic refresher course and its tests (Article 28 of Royal Decree 818/2009). If done within the twelve months before expiry, the new period starts on the expiry date.
Driving vehicles that carry dangerous goods, where the European ADR Agreement requires it, needs a special administrative authorisation. On its own it does not entitle anyone to drive: it must go with the valid driving licence for the vehicle, and the holder carries it together with the licence (Article 25 of the General Drivers Regulation, Royal Decree 818/2009). To obtain it, requirements include holding a class B licence for at least one year, a basic initial training course at a centre authorised by the DGT, and passing the tests at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Article 26).
The authorisation is valid for five years and can be extended for further five-year periods at any Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Article 28.1 and 28.2). To extend it, the holder must pass a basic refresher course, or if they prefer a basic initial course, and the corresponding tests; to extend a specialisation as well, a specialisation refresher course (Article 28.3).
If the course and tests are passed within the twelve months before expiry, the new validity starts on the expiry date. If they are passed earlier, it starts on the date the tests were passed, so part of the period is lost (Article 28.4). Extensions to new specialisations share the authorisation's validity (Article 29.2), and the original authorisation is handed in at the Headquarters on receiving the new one (Article 30).
At a glance
| Validity | Five years; extended for five-year periods (Article 28.1 and 28.2) |
|---|---|
| To renew | Basic refresher course (or basic initial course) and tests passed (Article 28.3) |
| Best window | Course and tests within 12 months before expiry: new validity starts when the old one expires (Article 28.4) |
| Specialisations | Same validity as the authorisation; renewed with a specialisation course (Articles 28.3 and 29.2) |
| On board | The authorisation together with the valid driving licence (Article 25.2) |
| Where | Any Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Article 28.2) |
Who is responsible?
The authorisation is personal: the driver applies for the extension and carries it with their driving licence (Articles 25.2 and 28.2 of Royal Decree 818/2009). A company assigning dangerous goods work needs to know that each driver's authorisation is valid, because without it they may not drive those vehicles where the ADR requires it (Article 25.1).
If the deadline passes
Without a valid authorisation the driver may not drive vehicles carrying dangerous goods where the ADR requires it (Article 25.1). To extend it, the course and tests in Article 28.3 must be passed; if taken more than twelve months ahead, the new validity starts on the date they were passed (Article 28.4).
Plan the refresher course a year ahead
The refresher course and tests can be taken in the twelve months before expiry without losing validity (Article 28.4 of Royal Decree 818/2009). Add a second entry for the course, dated within that year, so a place can be booked in time.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each driver's ADR authorisation with its expiry date and a second entry for the refresher course within the preceding 12 months.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself.
- The driver can upload the new authorisation through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the safety adviser or fleet manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a Spanish ADR driver authorisation valid?
- Five years, extendable for further five-year periods (Article 28.1 and 28.2 of Royal Decree 818/2009).
- What do I need to renew it?
- Pass a basic refresher course, or if you prefer a basic initial course, and the corresponding tests; for specialisations, also a specialisation course (Article 28.3).
- When should I take the course?
- Within the twelve months before expiry: the new validity then starts on the expiry date. If you take it earlier, it starts when you pass the tests (Article 28.4).
- Is it valid without a driving licence?
- No. The special authorisation alone does not entitle you to drive; it must go with the valid licence for the vehicle (Article 25.2).
Sources
- Real Decreto 818/2009, Reglamento General de Conductores: artículos 25 a 30 (BOE, texto consolidado)
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for ADR driver authorisation (Spain)
A ready template for ADR driver authorisation (Spain) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each ADR driver authorisation (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each ADR driver authorisation (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.