What tests are performed to renew a driver's license?

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¿Qué pruebas se realizan para renovar el carnet de conducir?
All driver's licenses have an expiration date, and you must renew them to drive again. It's recommended that you renew your driver's license before it expires, otherwise you'll be driving illegally until you receive a new license. If you don't have any points on your license, you won't be able to renew it and will need to reinstate your license . At Help Flash, we believe it's important to consider what you need to do when renewing your driver's license. That's why, in this article, we explain the tests you need to pass.

Things to keep in mind when renewing your driver's license

When renewing your license, keep the following things in mind:
  • You don't need to take another theoretical or practical exam. You only need to pass a medical examination to determine, for example, whether you need to wear glasses or whether you're ineligible to drive due to any medical condition.
  • You can renew your permit up to 3 months before the expiration date.
  • If it has already expired, you can still apply for a renewal, but remember that you cannot drive during that period. When you renew your permit, you will be given a provisional permit until your final permit arrives.

Is it necessary to go to the DGT offices?

No, it's not necessary. You can go to anyauthorized Driver's Recognition Center (CRC). There, in addition to renewing your license completely, they will also take your photo. You will have to pay for the medical examination and the traffic fee. At these centers, you can obtain a driving license for any type of vehicle, but you must pass medical examinations.

What is a psychometric test?

It is a set of psychophysical tests carried out at a Driver's Recognition Center that must be passed to obtain a driver's license or have it renewed.

What tests need to be performed?

There are several:
  • Visual aptitude : This involves reading several letters of different sizes and recognizing which one is which. If you fail to read large or medium-sized letters, your doctor will likely tell you that you need glasses or contact lenses to drive. There is also another picture recognition test.
  • Hearing Ability : A test where you enter a soundproof booth, put on headphones, and have to describe different sound frequencies.
  • Balance tests : walking on one foot, walking in a straight line, etc.
  • Reflexes : used to analyze the locomotor system, that is, coordination, articulation and strength.
  • Respiratory and cardiovascular system : They will examine you and measure your blood pressure in case there are any abnormalities that could negatively affect driving.
  • Psychomanual coordination test : This is a video game with two T-shaped controllers. One for each hand, and you use them to control two circles on the screen so they don't go off the road. If they touch the edge, a beep sounds. This test assesses how long it takes you to react to external auditory and visual stimuli, as well as your self-control and response.

What are the results of the psychometric test when renewing your driver's license?

The Driver Recognition Center will issue a report indicating one of these four results:
  • Fit : the driver does not pose any risk to driving and can obtain or renew a license.
  • Suitable with restrictions : The driver is able to drive, but has a number of restrictions, limitations or adaptations.
  • Unfit : The user has failed the tests and is therefore unable to drive.
  • Interrupted : The user has not submitted all the documentation or needs to complete a test, which is why their status has been interrupted.

        Reasons for not renewing your driver's license

        Ensuring road safety is essential, which is why people who fail the test are not allowed to drive. These are the reasons why you may not be issued a driver's license:
        • Heart diseases or pathologies , as they can lead to embolisms, arrhythmias, heart attacks, etc.
        • Severe states of drowsiness that alter the ability to react or concentrate.
        • Untreated diabetes .
        • Mental illnesses such as dementia, schizophrenia, personality disorders, etc.
        • Epilepsy with recurrent seizure disorders.
        At Help Flash, we're road safety specialists and we care about everyone's safety on the roads. We have V16 devices approved in accordance with DGT regulations, which you can use today. We're pioneers in emergency lighting and we use technology to create useful elements that improve everyone's safety. Do you have any questions? Contact us without obligation.