These microcars are also known as coches sin carnet or cars without licence and have been gaining popularity among among young people living in towns and cities – partly because it’s legal to drive them from the age of 15, and you don't need a full driving licence.
Sometimes they may also be referred to as a light quadricycle and are four-wheeled, two-seater vehicles whose empty mass is less than 350kg, not including the mass of the battery in the case of electric vehicles.
These small, lightweight vehicles are subject to strict restrictions on size and speed and cannot be used on motorways or high-speed roads. They can only circulate in the city or on secondary roads.
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Popular types of these microcars include Citroën Ami, Renault Twizy 45, EAixam, Invicta Electric Eidola and Sukoy L6E and prices range from €7,600 up to €19,400.
In Spain they fall under the L6e category of vehicles, the same as that of some low-displacement quadbikes.
To be able to drive them you don’t need a full Spanish driving licence, but you do still need a type of permit, and you will still need to take a test.
There are two options to be able to drive these types of cars - the AM permit or licence or the limited AM permit.
According to the DGT, the AM licence is the same you need to be able to drive a two- or three-wheeled moped of up to 50cc.
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The requirements for this type of permit or licence are:
- To be 15 years or older
- To take and pass a theoretical and a practical exam
- You must be at least 18 years old to be able to carry passengers
The practical exam consists of two tests. The first is driving along a narrow strip and then zigzag between obstacles at a reduced speed.
For the limited AM license the requirements are practically the same, although the DGT states that it "will allow you to drive light tricycles and quadricycles (up to 50cc) but does not allow you to drive mopeds”.
The practical exam for this includes two very simple moves in a closed circuit - a change of direction and parking in line.
The theoretical exam is basically the same for both.
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Like any other vehicles microcars must undergo a technical inspection known as the ITV in Spain, similar to MOT in the UK.
The first one must be passed four years after registration and then it will have to be done every two years until the vehicle is 10 or older. From then on, it will have to be done annually.
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