Call these vehicles cars without license can be misleading. In reality, these are light quadricycles that require the AM driving license. So, being strict, they are neither cars nor are they “without a license”.
The advantage they have is that you can circulate with them since 15 years and exams to get such permission much easier. But do not think that everything is advantages. As a counterpart to this, they are a much more insecure means of transport and their relationship between quality and price is far below that of any urban compact.
Characteristics of cars without a license
La definition Exactly what the DGT does for light quadricycles is:
Four-wheeled vehicles whose empty mass is less than 350 kg, not including the mass of the battery in the case of electric vehicles.
The maximum speed by construction that these vehicles can develop cannot be higher than 45 km/h. The cylinder capacity will be less than or equal to 50 cc for internal combustion engines, as for other types of engines, the maximum net power will be less than or equal to 4 kW.
Now let's clarify some concepts of this section:
- empty mass: refers to the weight of the vehicle without occupants, but with a full tank of fuel, coolant and water.
- Maximum speed per build: means that the vehicle cannot exceed that speed due to the mechanical or electronic characteristics of its engine, not because a limitation has subsequently been applied to it, as is done with some motorcycles.
- net peak power: is a power expression system German called DIN. It is measured by testing the engine with all its accessories and components as they function in the vehicle. Always with the settings as they are from the factory.
- 4 KW: it is the equivalent of 5,35 CV of power
Are cars without a license safe?
No. As you have seen before, in order for this type of vehicle to be driven with the AM permit, they must weigh less than 350 kg. What a very important limitation when incorporate security measures.
The safety cage that limits the deformation of the passenger compartment and the rest of the chassis with much less resistant and safe than that of a conventional car. The Euro NCAP tests that have been done of this type of vehicles attest to it. There are currently eight cars without a license that have been subjected to these European safety tests. Many of them are not sold in Spain with the tested version and even exceed the limitations of a light quadricycle, but they give us a very clear idea of what is the level of security they offer:
- Aixam Crossover GTR: 1 star. Adult occupant protection 25%
- Bajaj Qute: 1 star. Adult occupant protection 28%
- Chatnet CH30: 2 stars. Adult occupant protection 38%
- Club Car 2+2 Villager LSV: 0 stars. Adult occupant protection 23%
- Ligier IXO JS Line 4 Places: 0 stars. Adult occupant protection 22%
- Microcar M.GO Family: 1 star. Adult occupant protection 38%
- Renault Twizy: 2 stars. Adult occupant protection 39%
- Tazzari Zero: 1 star. Adult occupant protection 31%
Why else if I'm going 45 km/h?
An argument that is often used in favor of this type of vehicle is that, since they are not going to travel at more than 45 km/h, they do not need as much security. However, light quadricycles share the road with cars, vans and trucks with whom, if they have an accident, they can end up very badly off.
Where can cars drive without a license?
Motorways, highways or the like
As indicated by the DGT, the only routes through which they cannot circulate These types of vehicles are motorways and expressways. Although we must not forget that there are some traverses and ring roads regionally regulated, which acquire highway regulations even though they have a lower maximum speed limit. A good example of this is the M-40 and the M-30 in Madrid which, having very similar characteristics to motorways, have stricter limitations for vehicles.
City and conventional roads yes
This means that cars without a license can circulate through the city and on conventional roads, but they cannot do it in any way. If the road has a hard shoulder, they must drive along it. If it does not exist or is too small, they must do it as far to the right as possible. In this way they will interfere less with traffic, given their low maximum speed of 45 km/h.
What requirements must be fulfilled
This is where most of the advantages of cars without a license are, since they have more lax requirements to be able to drive with one legally:
- have fulfilled the 15 years. That is, three years earlier than with normal cars.
- As with any driving license, you must pass the psychophysical aptitude test to get the psychophysical aptitude report. It's the same thing to do get your car license o renew. You have to go to any authorized medical examination center.
- Pass a theoric exam of 20 questions.
- Pass a practical test whose tests will depend on whether you want the AM permit for quadricycles or light tricycles (valid for "cars without a license") or if you want the AM that also authorizes you to circulate with mopeds (two wheels). The difficulty of these tests depends on the person. These are the tests:
- Unrestricted AM permission (two, three or four wheels): «Move on a strip of limited width» and «zigzag between cones at reduced speed».
- AM permit with restrictions (three and four wheels): «Change direction using forward and reverse speeds, in limited space». Then, "Park and exit in line, oblique or perpendicular, using forward and reverse gears, on flat or on an up or down slope."
Do they need insurance?
Keep in mind that even if it is a smaller and lighter vehicle than usual, a lot of damage can be caused by driving with it. That is why it should not be taken lightly and drive recklessly. Light quadricycles must have a civil liability insurance called compulsory insurance or SOA.
It is a kind of basic third-party insurance that covers damage caused to material goods or people while riding with them. As in any insurance, this coverage will not take place if the driver has the will to cause the damage by committing a crime, negligent conduct of the injured party is shown, there has been a force majeure strange to the driving or it is shown that the vehicle had some flaw.
Do they have to pass the ITV?
Like mopeds, light quadricycles must be taken for technical vehicle inspection. You have to pass it when the car without a license is four years old and then every two years. From the tenth year you will have to pass it annually.
Beware of fake cars without a license
If you are going to buy a car without a license, we recommend that you take a good look at the specifications it has. There are brands that not only manufacture light quadricycles. That is, with the limitations of 5,36 hp (4 KW), 350 kg empty weight and 45 km/h. Is about same looking cars but which go to the next category: normal or non-light quadricycles.
In these cases they may have mass up to 400 kg (550 kg if it is for the transport of goods) and a maximum net power up to 20,11 hp (15 kW). These are vehicles that, according to current regulations in Spain, can only be driven with license B. This category includes another type of vehicle called quads, which also have four wheels but differ in that the driver sits astride (as on a motorcycle), they do not have bodywork to protect him and they are directed with handlebars instead of steering wheel.
When you go to a car dealership without a license, clarify well to the seller what is the permit you have or you'll have to drive the car. If it's the AM, don't sell you anything that has more power than 5,36 hp (4 kW).
Is the A1 permit valid for a non-light quad?
In Spain the only permit that authorizes you to do this is the B. In any case, there are countries of the European Union that issue the B1 permit (Spain does not). That permit does allow you to drive non-light quadricycles. But although your Spanish driver's license has the hole, it is not obtained here. You would have to have a driving license from a country that does issue it.
El A1 permit It serves for motorcycles with a displacement of up to 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power of up to 11 kW (14 hp). In addition, its power to weight ratio must not exceed 0,1 kW/kg. also valid for tricycles motorized whose maximum power is up to 15 kW (20 hp).
Do they have to pay parking meter?
Yes. Although it may appear that they receive the same treatment as mopeds for some purposes, that is not the case with regulated parking areas such as the TO BE from Madrid or of Barcelona. There is some misinformation about it, because some pages have spread the hoax that they do not have to pay. Do not be fooled, because if you do not pay you will find a ticket on the windshield.