The driving license is an official document issued by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) that accredits its holder to drive motor vehicles on public roads. This document usually carries with it a series of relevant data, such as the name of the holder, their photograph, the date of issue and expiration. It also includes the category or classes of vehicles that the holder can drive and, in some cases, information regarding specific restrictions.
Among the considerations that the document may include in this last section are, for example, the need to use corrective lenses or adaptations to the vehicle. In Spain, 72% percent of people, that is, almost three quarters of the population, have some visual problem, according to a study by the Baviera Clinic, which is why a large number of drivers have to wear glasses or contact lenses. when getting behind the wheel. This information is incorporated into the document.
The driving license, which in Spain and the rest of the European Union countries is the size of a credit card, not only determines what types of vehicles can be driven, but also incorporates a unique identification code for each holder. . This identification number is found in box number five on the front of the license and, in the case of our country, coincides with the DNI number of the driver’s license holder.
For this reason, the driver’s license number is made up of 8 digits and a letter. In the case of foreign drivers, those who have NIE instead of DNI, the code consists of a letter at the beginning, 7 figures and a code at the end that serves as verification.
In addition to the identification number, the driver’s license incorporates a series of additional figures and digits that provide information about the holder. On the front, your name and surname, date of birth and country of origin appear, as well as the date of validity of the card from the day it was issued until the moment it must be renewed. Each of these concepts appears next to a number expressed in smaller characters.
The back of the card provides other relevant information. On the one hand, it includes information about the vehicles that are allowed to drive and on the other, if the driver has any limitations when getting behind the wheel. The most common problems are usually vision, which implies the need to use corrective lenses when driving. But the card can also include information about some limitations derived from health problems.
All this data is identified through a series of alphanumeric codes that the authorities will recognize in the event of an inspection. They are included in Order INT/1676/2016, of October 19, which modifies Annex I of the General Regulations for Drivers.
The most common code is 01, which stands for “vision correction and protection,” which generally indicates that the driver’s license holder needs to wear glasses or contact lenses to drive safely. However, there are other categories of identification codes that may appear on the driver’s license, such as 02 for hearing restrictions, 70 for vehicle adaptations, or 99 for additional limitations specified on the back of the license.
All of these categories are designed to ensure safe and appropriate driving according to the individual needs of the driver.
Following the latest reform of the Traffic Law, in force since March 2022, it is specified that the possession of administrative authorizations, both for the vehicle and the driver, “may be proven by their physical or digital presentation.” This means that it is completely legal to carry the license downloaded in the miDGT mobile application, although to drive abroad the license is required in physical format.
On the front of the card in digital format there is the same information as on the physical document with the exception of two pieces of information. The signature of the holder and the number of the team in charge of issuing the license are the only two references that do not appear. As for the reverse, it is much simpler. However, this is not an obstacle to the type of license, the date of obtaining and expiration of the license, as well as the medical limitations and adaptations of the vehicle that are required.
