First-Time ES Spain driving license 32x26 mm Application Tips - Beginner's Guide

Requirements

• Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a category B driving licence in Spain
• Legal residency: Present original and photocopy of your valid Spanish DNI or NIE and passport to prove residency
• Medical fitness certificate: Obtain a “Certificado Médico” from an official Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores dated within 90 days
• Application form (Modelo DGT 01): Complete in block capitals, sign and date; no erasures or corrections allowed
• Passport-style photographs: Provide two identical 32 × 26 mm colour photos on matte or gloss paper with plain light background
• Photo composition: Head centred and straight, neutral expression, eyes open, no headgear, head height 70–80 % of frame
• Fee payment (Modelo 791): Pay the current DGT fee (~€93) at any bank or online, keep the original receipt valid for 3 months
• Appointment booking (“Cita Previa”): Schedule your DGT office visit online or by phone and bring all documents in one folder
• Theory test registration: Register at your local Test Centre with ID, medical certificate and fee-payment code before the deadline
• Practical test booking: After passing theory, book your driving test within 1 year; tests expire if not taken in time

Step-by-Step Process

Content about First-Time ES Spain driving license 32x26 mm Application Tips - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Dimensions: Use a professional cropping tool to set your photo size to exactly 32×26 mm to avoid automatic rejection due to mismatched dimensions
• Head Size & Placement: Ensure your face height covers 70–80% of the 32×26 mm frame with eyes at mid-height to comply with Spanish guidelines and prevent misaligned crops
• Background Uniformity: Shoot against a plain, light-colored background free of shadows or patterns to meet DGT requirements and avoid background-related rejections
• Neutral Expression & Eye Contact: Maintain a closed-mouth, neutral expression with eyes fully open and directly facing the camera to satisfy biometric standards and prevent expression-based refusals
• Accessories & Eyewear: Remove hats, scarves and tinted glasses (unless for religious reasons) and keep jewelry minimal so your facial features remain unobstructed and compliant with ID photo rules

Conclusion

Conclusion:

Applying for your first Spanish driving license requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth, rejection-free process. By adhering to the official 32×26 mm photo specifications, gathering all necessary documents, and following the appointment and submission guidelines, you’ll minimize delays and stress.

Key Points:

• Photo specifications: 32×26 mm, white or light grey background, neutral expression, no headwear or glasses (unless medically required)
• Document checklist: valid ID (DNI/NIE), proof of residence, medical fitness certificate, and completed application form
• Appointment: book your cita previa online with the DGT, arrive early with originals and copies, and pay the fee in advance if possible
• Quality control: use a professional photographer or certified photo booth, check dimensions with a ruler, and submit high-resolution digital or print photos
• Common pitfalls: incorrect photo size, shadows or uneven lighting, missing documents, late arrivals, and unreadable scans

By following these tips and double-checking every requirement, you’ll maximize your chances of a hassle-free first-time driving license application in Spain. Good luck!