Clinica Centro is also an official centre for driving licence test examinations which are required in Spain for securing or renewing driving or firearm licences, together with other licences such as one allowing the keeping of dangerous animals.

When can I go to Clinica Centro to have a physico-technical exam?

What does the examination entail?

The Physico-technical examination consists of three parts:

1ª)  A medical examination conducted by a general practitioner. This involves measuring the applicants blood pressure, a physical examination and also a medical questionnaire centering around medical history; current treatments being undertaken etc.

2ª) An optical examination to verify the applicants vision and whether or not their glasses perscription needs to be updated.

3ª) A simple co-ordination examination designed to test eye-hand co-ordination and psychologicval reflexes. For this, the applicant pilots a motorboat using a computer screen with levers for the hands and pedals on the floor. The applicant then undergoes a series of simple tests, the aim of which is to take calmly to avoid errors.
     Following this is a series of simple questions testing the personality of the applicant. Again the key with this simple test is to answer spontaneously and honestly.

These three examinations are carried out by a general practitioner; a psychologist and an optician. When all three examinations are completed, a report is submitted and signed by each of the three examiners. Finally, it is signed by the director of the Physico-technical Centre and a final document created stating whether the applicant is either "suitable" or "not suitable" to receive the relevant licence for which he or she is applying.

This document is then presented to the provincial office of the DGT (Director General of Traffic), which in the case of Torrevieja is situated at the following address:

What documents should I bring with me to Clinica Centro?

• 4 Passport sized photographs
• Original drivers licence.
• Photocopy of your DNI Spanish ID card or Residencia

How much does it cost to carry out the examination at Clinica Centro?

* These prices are orientative and change continously. They are always  the minimal tariffs recommended by the DGT (Director General of Traffic)). Ask for information by telephone () or at the reception desk at the clinic.

What happens if I am found "not suitable"?

Except for very extreme cases, it is usually very difficult for an applicant to be found "not suitable". However, should this be the case and the final document states "not suitable", the Traffic Department will usually designate a second physico-technical centre to allow the applicant the chance for a second opinion.

If after seeking a second opinion and the two centres concur that, indeed, the applicant is "not suitable", then securing or renewing the licence is denied. However, in most cases time is granted for the applicant to demonstrate the reasons why they failed the examination (for example not continuing to take a medication prescribed to them; or adapting a vehicle in a manner different to the norm, which makes the standard test difficult etc).

Normally when the problem is recognised and/or the applicant agrees to undergo the examination more regularly (for example every year or every two years etc) there is no further problem. Also, in the case of the original centre and second centre not agreeing on the final outcome of the examination, it passes to a third centre, who acts in an "arbitrary" capacity in deciding the final result.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Clinica Centro has decided to withdraw the service of delivering the driver's licence to the applicant in their home because due to the current procedure, apart from being expensive (21 Euros), the driving licence has to be sent to Madrid, then returned to Alicante, then to an office in Torrevieja, and finally to the applicant in their home.

In reality, this procedures means that the applicant can be waiting anywhere up to six weeks, whereas if the applicant delivers his or her papers directly to the DGT in Alicante (old driving licence - or if a renewal - the report from the Physico-Technical Centre, DNI or Residencua and 4 passport photographs) he or she can have their new licence the same day, without waiting up to six months. Should this current procedure be updated or stream-lined in the future, Clinica Centro would naturally re-introduce this service.

How to renew your driving licence?

When you receive the letter stating your "suitability" from the DGT, the procedure is then very simple to renew your licence. In a large envelope introduce the following items:

- The medical certificate obtained from Clinica Centro.
- A photocopy of your DNI / Residencia.
- Two passport sized photographs.
- The original driving licence you wish to renew.
- A small, self-addressed envelope with a stamp.
- Detach the bottom half of the letter from the DGT, sign it and take it to the nearest Post Office. There you simply pay the fee relating to the amount of time you want your renewal for. The prices are as follows :

• Renewal for 5 years or more ..................................................... 17.60 euros.
• Renewal for 4 years ............................................................... 14.00 euros
• Renewal for 3 years ............................................................... 10.60 euros
• Renewal for 2 years ............................................................... 7.00 euros
• Renewal 1 year or less ........................................................... 3.60 euros

In Torrevieja, the main Post Office on C/ Caballero De Rodas is open at the following times:

While you are waiting for the DGT to send you your renewed licence, you are still able to drive. Simply keep the top two parts of the original letter with you and this will let the authorities know that you are awaiting your renewal should you be stopped.

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