The five non-negotiable pillars for getting behind the wheel of a truck in Spain

To work as a professional truck driver in Spain, knowing how to handle the wheel is not enough. Current regulations, aligned with European guidelines, establish a series of documentary and training requirements that are absolutely unavoidable. Driving without them not only entails financial penalties that can exceed €4,000 but can also mean the immediate immobilization of the vehicle. These are the basic pillars that every transporter must have in order before starting their shift.
The first step, and the most obvious one, is to possess the appropriate driving license. For a rigid truck, a class C license is required. If you are going to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kilos, the necessary license is C+E. Lacking these specific permits or not carrying them during an inspection can result in a fine of up to €500 and the immobilization of the truck, preventing it from continuing its journey.
However, a driving license alone does not qualify one to work. The Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) is the document that distinguishes a private driver from a professional. As clarified by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), it is mandatory for any paid activity, whether it is the transport of goods or passengers. Driving a truck for an employer without this certificate, or with it expired, is a serious infraction that can lead to fines exceeding €2,000.
Along with the CAP, the tachograph card becomes the driver’s shadow. This device, whether digital (with a personal card) or analog (with diagram discs), is responsible for recording driving and rest times. European regulations are strict: a maximum of 9 hours can be driven daily (extendable to 10 twice a week) and a 45-minute break must be taken after 4 and a half hours at the wheel. Failure to accredit these records can result in fines of up to €4,000.
Added to these personal requirements is the mandatory vehicle documentation, which must always be on board. The vehicle registration permit, the technical data sheet with a valid ITV (MOT), and the insurance receipt are the three basic documents for the truck. Driving without a valid ITV or with the mandatory civil liability insurance expired is not only dangerous but can also lead to sanctions of between €200 and €3,000, in addition to the immediate immobilization of the vehicle.
In summary, being a professional truck driver in Spain implies a very specific legal backpack: ID card/national ID, C or C+E license, valid CAP, tachograph card, and up-to-date vehicle documentation. For those transporting dangerous goods, the ADR certificate (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) is added as an indispensable requirement. Before each trip, checking that these five documents are carried is the best guarantee to avoid legal problems and ensure safe and efficient transport on Spanish roads.