Importance of points on the driving license
Maintaining points on your driving license is essential for all drivers, as they reflect confidence and responsibility behind the wheel. Loss of points can seriously impact your ability to drive legally and restrict your mobility. Additionally, it can involve serious legal and financial repercussions.
Consequences of driving without points
Driving without points on your license is a legal offense that carries severe penalties, including high fines, the withdrawal of your driving license and, in extreme cases, prison sentences. It is essential to understand how you can recover points according to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and what steps you must follow.
Methods to recover lost points
Auto recovery
A simple way to recover points is to maintain exemplary driving behavior. If you do not commit violations that lead to the loss of points for two years, you will automatically recover the lost points until you reach the initial 12 points.
Road awareness and re-education courses
Another option is to take a road awareness and re-education course. These courses are designed to raise drivers’ awareness about the importance of road safety and correct bad driving habits. They last 12 hours and allow you to recover up to 6 points on your license. You can take a course every two years or every year if you are a professional driver.
Safe and efficient driving courses
A recent option is to take safe and efficient driving courses, which also allow you to recover points. These courses, although still in the process of specific regulation, are expected to last 6 hours and offer theoretical and practical training. They will allow you to recover up to 2 points on your license, complementing other forms of recovery.
Steps to recover the license after total loss of points
If you lose all the points on your card, the situation is more complex. You will have to wait six months (three months for professional drivers) before taking a 24-hour license recovery course. After completing the course, you must pass a theoretical exam to recover your card with an initial balance of 8 points.
Course costs
The cost of these courses varies. Courses for partial recovery cost around 175 euros plus VAT, while full recovery courses can cost approximately 330 euros plus VAT. It is a necessary investment to be able to drive legally again and with all the possible points on your license.
The importance of following the right steps
Recovering driving license points is not only possible, but also essential to guarantee road safety and avoid major penalties. By following the correct steps and complying with the requirements established by the DGT, you will be able to enjoy driving again with all your points.