Obtaining the Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) is mandatory for drivers of certain vehicles in Spain, as it certifies that the driver has completed the required courses and passed the exams. This certificate is essential for driving on Spanish public roads for vehicles requiring driving licenses of categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D, or D+E, operated by companies established in any EU member state.
A mandatory initial qualification course (either ordinary or accelerated) is required for drivers obtaining licenses in categories D1, D1+E, D, or D+E after September 11, 2008, and categories C1, C1+E, C, or C+E after September 11, 2009. Drivers who obtained their licenses before these dates are required to complete a continuous training course.
For detailed information, refer to Royal Decree 284/2021.
Exemptions
Article 2 of Royal Decree 284/2021 outlines the specific exemptions to the CAP requirements. It is important to consult this article to determine if any exemptions apply to your specific situation.
How to Obtain the CAP
There are two main paths to obtain the Certificate of Professional Competence: initial qualification and continuous training.
Types of Courses
a) Initial Qualification: This is for new drivers and those returning to the profession after a significant break. It comes in two modalities:
- Ordinary Modality (280 hours): A comprehensive course covering all aspects of professional driving.
- Accelerated Modality (140 hours): A shorter, more intensive course for drivers with some prior experience or relevant qualifications.
If a driver already holds an initial qualification (accelerated or ordinary) for either goods or passenger transport, the duration of a new initial qualification for a different category is reduced to either 35 or 70 hours respectively. These are known as promotion or extension courses.
b) Continuous Training (35 hours): This is mandatory for all professional drivers to update their knowledge and skills. Drivers must complete a 35-hour course every five years covering essential topics outlined in Annex I, letter B) of the Royal Decree 284/2021. This ensures that all professional drivers maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations, safety procedures, and best practices in the industry.
You can consult the authorized centers for CAP training here.
Exams
To obtain the CAP, drivers must pass exams after completing the required courses.
Exam Deadline: Candidates must take the exams within one year of completing their course (either ordinary or accelerated). This timeframe is calculated from the course completion date to the application deadline for the exam.
Exam Location: Aspiring drivers can take the exams convened by the competent authorities regardless of their place of residence or where they completed the training course. This provides flexibility and accessibility for candidates across Spain.
Exam Schedules: Exams are organized by the relevant authorities responsible for issuing discretionary public transport authorizations for passengers and goods by road in each territory. Exam schedules are published in the corresponding official bulletin at least one month before the first test, with a registration period of no less than 15 days. Authorities are required to hold exams at least six times a year and may publish all annual schedules in advance, indicating the registration periods for each session.
Access the CAP exam question bank provided by the Ministry of Development here. This resource is invaluable for exam preparation and understanding the scope of the test.
