Driving licence point-recovery course (DGT)

What you need to have to hand

1. DNI/NIE in force.
2. Permiso de conducir (if it hasn't been physically taken from you).
3. Cl@ve, certificado digital o DNIe to check your balance on the Sede de la DGT.
4. Resolución de pérdida de vigencia or notification if you're at 0 (it sets the suspension deadlines).
5. Card or funds to pay the course at the authorised centre.

Documentation

• Identity: DNI or NIE.
• Permiso de conducir: for ID (if not withdrawn).
• Resolución de pérdida de vigencia (only if you've lost the licence).
• Course certificate: issued by the centre when you finish; essential for total recovery.
• Proof of payment for the course (the centre may ask for it before starting).
• Cl@ve/certificado to check points on the Sede de la DGT.

Step by step

1. Check your points balance on the Sede de la DGT (sede.dgt.gob.es) with Cl@ve or certificado. That tells you if the parcial (you have some points) is enough or if you need the total (balance 0 and loss of vigour).
2. Pick the course type:
   • Parcial: 12 h. You recover up to 6 points. Can be done every 2 years (1 year if professional).
   • Total: 24 h + prueba teórica at the Jefatura de Tráfico. For those who lost the licence.
3. Find an authorised centre and dates on the DGT website (official list) and book. Note: places are scarce during holidays and month-ends.
4. Pay and attend. Being late or missing sessions means no certificate. For parcial there's no test; for total the centre prepares you for the exam.
5. Total recovery: the centre enrols you in the theory test at the Jefatura de Tráfico and will tell you how to pay the tasa de examen. Bring DNI and the course certificate on test day.
6. Points update: the centre notifies the DGT after you finish. It usually appears in 1–3 working days; check your balance on the Sede.

Time-savers

• Check your balance online first. Saves you paying for a parcial if you're actually at 0 and need the total.
• If your schedule is tight, ask about intensive courses (many centres run Friday evening + Saturday).
• Ask who handles the exam admin (for total): most centres arrange the inscription. Saves you a fight with the Jefatura.
• If you're a professional driver, declare it: you can do the parcial every year if needed.
• Have everything signed/paid before day one. Some centres won't let you in if the payment is missing.

Common mistakes that mess things up

1. Driving with a 0 balance: besides withdrawal, it's a crime (art. 384 CP). Don’t even think about it.
2. Thinking the course erases fines: it doesn't. It only recovers points or restores the licence after loss, not clear past sanctions.
3. Missing classes: without 100% attendance there's no certificate and you lose your money.
4. Trying to do two parciales in a row: you can't. Only every 2 years (1 if professional).
5. Waiting till the last minute: schedules close, and if you need a Jefatura exam for total, dates aren't immediate.
6. Not checking your points after the course: if the update doesn't show in a few days, contact your centre to confirm they reported it correctly.