Is it legal to drive a truck or bus without a CAP (Professional Aptitude Certificate)?
The road freight and passenger transport sector is currently experiencing a surge in activity, requiring more drivers to meet the high demand in this sector, which is essential for economic development.
For this reason, many Spaniards wonder about the requirements to work as a truck or bus driver in our country. Among them is the need to have the Professional Aptitude Certificate, better known as the CAP, which is defined as a training course to become a professional driver.
Can you drive a truck without the CAP?The answer is yes. The DGT specifies that to drive a truck, you only need a valid C driving license, which certifies that you have passed the theoretical and practical tests required for this license. The same applies to buses and trailers, which in their cases will be D and C+E licenses , respectively.
However, you may not use any of these vehicles as a means of transporting cargo or passengers, nor may you receive financial compensation for doing so. Ultimately, to be able to work with a truck or bus, you must pass the CAP course .
How is CAP defined?
The Certificate of Professional Competence is a mandatory document for those working as professional drivers of goods or passengers, both in Spain and the rest of the European Union. In other words, it is required for anyone who drives a truck, bus, or trailer and receives a salary for this activity.
This certificate demonstrates that the driver has completed the required training to perform their duties safely, efficiently, and in compliance with European Union regulations. In short, the CAP is mandatory for those who drive vehicles used for professional road transport and who require category C1, C, D, and their combinations with +E licenses.
After reviewing the Regulations of the Land Transport Regulation Act and Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006, which regulates social aspects in road transport, it is established that the daily driving day must not exceed nine hours , although it may be extended up to ten hours on a maximum of two days per week.
The weekly limit cannot exceed 56 hours, and the total driving hours in a two-week period must not exceed 90. Furthermore, a driver cannot remain behind the wheel for more than four and a half hours without taking a break . These rules apply to professional drivers, i.e., those who hold a valid Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) and drive vehicles equipped with a tachograph.
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