If you drive in Spain, sooner or later you’ll meet the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos), which is Spain’s answer to the UK’s MOT.
It’s not optional, the ITV exists to make sure vehicles are safe enough for the roads, so everyone stands a better chance of making it home in one piece.
Where can you get an ITV?
Not at your local garage. ITVs are only carried out at official ITV stations, and each autonomous community runs them their own way.
How often do you need an ITV?
It depends on what you drive:
- Cars: First test 4 years after registration. Then every 2 years. Once the car turns 10, it is an annual event
- Motorbikes & Quadricycles: First at 4 years, then every 2 years
- Buses & Coaches: First at 5 years, then every 6 months .
- Mopeds: First at 3 years, then every 2 years
So, the older your ride, the more often you will be seeing the ITV centre
When else might you need an ITV?
Apart from the usual dates, you will need an ITV if:
- Your vehicle’s been in a serious accident
- You’ve made major changes (no, not just new fluffy dice)
- The car is up for first registration in Spain
The all-important sticker
If you pass your ITV, you will get a V-19 sticker to slap on your windscreen. It’s proof you passed and stops you looking dodgy if the police take a peek.
Officials can check your test against the DGT’s database, so no point trying to recycle last year’s sticker with a glue stick!
Buying a used car?
Have you recently bought a new car in Spain? Don’t panic, a change in ownership doesn’t affect the validity of the ITV. Just make sure the test is still in date before you hand over the cash.
EU-registered vehicles in spain
If your car’s from another EU country and you’re registering it in Spain, the ITV rules are still in play. Certificates from other EU states are accepted, as long as they’re still valid under Spanish frequency rules.
Your ITV on the Costa Blanca
You can book your ITV:
- Online via the official website
- Or by calling (+34) 960 88 22 00
What documents do you need?
Don’t forget the paperwork!
- Ficha Tecnica: This is a sheet you are given after your ITV test, outlining any faults that are found. You should bring the Ficha Tecnica from the last ITV test that your car passed
- Permiso de Circulacion: This is your vehicle’s registration document
- Evidence that your car has appropriate insurance. Many ITV centres have access to this information online but take along proof to be on the safe side
- DNI/NIE identification is sometimes needed
How much does an ITV test cost?
Up to date information for pricing can be found on the SITVAL website.
Final thoughts
The ITV test isn’t quite like the UK MOT. Instead of just dropping off your car and leaving it to the mechanics, you will actually be asked to join in. Yes, you’ll be in the driver’s seat, following instructions to check things like lights, brakes, and steering.
If you aren’t keen on the stress (or you don’t speak enough Spanish), no problem. Many garages offer a “we will do it for you” service. You hand them your keys, they take your car through the ITV, and you collect it later with the job done!
