Spain is moving closer to allowing 17-year-olds to drive, but there is one detail that is catching people off guard. The adult sitting in the passenger seat will not just be there for reassurance. Under the proposed rules, the supervising co-driver could also be stopped and tested for alcohol or drugs, just like the person behind the wheel.

This change comes from a European directive that introduces supervised driving before the age of 18. Spain has not yet applied the system, but the framework is already clear. And for families, the focus is shifting as much to the passenger seat as it is to the driver.

Why the co-driver matters under the new driving rules

When people hear that 17-year-olds may soon be allowed to drive, the first reaction is often about the young driver. But the real responsibility sits partly with the adult next to them.

This is not a casual passenger role. The co-driver is expected to guide, observe and step in if needed. They are there to support the learner in real traffic situations, not just to tick a legal box. Because of that, their condition matters.

If the adult has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs, they are no longer able to supervise properly. That is why the rules allow authorities to carry out roadside checks on the co-driver as well.

It may feel unusual at first, but from a safety point of view, it is consistent. The system treats the supervising adult as part of the driving process, not as someone who is simply along for the ride.

What the rules say about who can sit in that seat

Not everyone will be allowed to act as a co-driver. The conditions are quite strict. The person must be at least 24 years old, must hold a valid EU driving licence and must have had that licence for at least five years. They must also not have been banned from driving in the last five years.

These requirements are there for a reason. The idea is to make sure that the person supervising has enough experience to handle different situations and guide a new driver calmly. Someone who has only recently passed their test would not meet that standard.

There is also room for Spain to go further. The European rules allow countries to introduce additional conditions if they want to strengthen the system. That could include limiting how many young drivers one person can supervise or adding extra checks.

For now, those details are still being worked out.

How driving at 17 would actually work

The system itself is fairly straightforward. A 17-year-old would go through the same steps as any other learner. That means theory lessons, exams and a practical driving test. Passing those would lead to a licence.

The difference comes after that. Until the driver turns 18, they would only be allowed to drive with a qualified adult in the passenger seat. This would be clearly marked on the licence with a specific code, making it easy for police to identify drivers under this rule.

Once they reach 18, the restriction is lifted and they can drive on their own.

Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, is already working on how to introduce this system. The European directive sets a deadline of November 2028 for countries to adapt their laws.

Why alcohol and drug checks include the co-driver

This is the part that raises the most questions. Why test someone who is not actually driving? The answer lies in the role they play.

The co-driver is there to supervise, correct and guide. If they are not fully alert, that support disappears. In some situations, it could even make things worse if the advice they give is delayed or unclear.

By allowing checks on both people in the car, authorities are trying to keep the supervision meaningful.

It also sends a clear message. If you agree to sit next to a young driver, you take on a responsibility that comes with rules.

In practice, it means that anyone acting as a co-driver will need to treat the situation as seriously as if they were driving themselves.

What this could mean for families

For many families, this system will change the way driving is introduced. Parents are likely to be the main co-drivers, which means they will need to be fully aware of the responsibility involved. It is not just about helping their child gain confidence. It also means respecting the same standards expected of a driver.

For young people, it opens a door earlier than before. Being able to drive at 17 could make a difference, especially for those living in areas where public transport is limited. It can help with studies, work or daily life.

But that freedom comes with conditions. Every journey involves supervision, and that supervision has to be taken seriously.

Why Spain is looking at this model now

The approach is based on a system already used in countries like Germany. The idea is to give new drivers more time to learn under guidance rather than leaving them to manage everything alone from the start. Experience is built gradually, with support in real situations.

From a road safety point of view, that can make a difference.

Instead of going from lessons straight to independent driving, there is a transition period where mistakes can be corrected in real time.

Spain sees potential in that model, particularly for younger drivers who may benefit from extra support during their first months on the road.

A small detail that changes the whole picture

At first glance, the headline is about 17-year-olds driving. But the detail that stands out is the role of the co-driver.

They are not just a passenger. They are part of the system, with responsibilities that come with it. And that includes something many people would not expect.

If the rules go ahead as planned, sitting in the passenger seat could mean being breath tested or checked for drugs, simply because you are there to supervise.

It is a small shift on paper, but it changes how driving is shared between two people. And that is likely to be the part most people remember.

Nature-concerned community members have a final opportunity to protect our local shores before the busy summer rush begins. Melissa Vaughn and the dedicated Eco Amigos team are calling for volunteers to join their upcoming mission at the border of Malaga and Cadiz. This essential event focuses on clearing debris from one of the area’s most beautiful coastal stretches before council maintenance crews take over for the peak season.

Join the Eco Amigos at Playa de Cala Sardina.

Playa de Cala Sardina will host this final pre-summer effort on Sunday, May 10. Volunteers should gather at 10.30am sharp for a ninety-minute session dedicated to removing plastic and litter from the sands near Punta Chullera. Local residents are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to make sure our marine environment remains pristine for both wildlife and beachgoers. One discarded drinks can can have a psychological effect on others as they begin to think it is OK to throw their litter too.

Meeting arrangements are straightforward. Drivers should enter the main car park and bear left, heading to the upper level rather than driving down toward the water. Melissa Vaughn will be stationed in this upper area close to the main road, ready to distribute all necessary equipment from her vehicle.

Everything provided for a greener Manilva

Eco Amigos removes all barriers to participation by providing the essential tools for the job. Participants will receive:

• Heavy-duty bin bags
• Protective gloves
• Professional litter-picking sticks
• Hand sanitising gel

Families are encouraged to bring children to learn about environmental stewardship firsthand, though the organisers kindly request that dogs stay at home for this specific event. Hard work will be rewarded shortly after 12pm, as the group plans to head off for a refreshing drink and a social catch-up.

Anyone with questions can reach Melissa Vaughn directly via telephone or WhatsApp at +34 622 060 488. Note the day in your calendars and help make a difference this May.

If you are getting ready to submit your tax return in Spain, there is one detail that could quietly reduce what you pay. From April 8, when the 2025 income tax campaign opens, some homeowners will be able to deduct part of their home insurance. The catch is that not everyone qualifies, and many people miss it simply because they assume it does not apply to them.

This is not a new benefit, but it is one that still catches people out every year. If you bought your home under certain conditions and still have a mortgage, there is a good chance you could be eligible without even realising it.

Who can actually claim the home insurance deduction

The first thing that matters is when you bought your home. This deduction is linked to older tax rules that still apply to properties purchased before January 1, 2013. If your home was bought after that date, this specific benefit will not apply, even if you have a mortgage and insurance in place.

The second condition is just as important. Your home insurance must be connected to an active mortgage, and in most cases, it needs to have been arranged with the same bank that granted the loan.

For many homeowners, that will sound familiar. When taking out a mortgage, banks often require insurance as part of the agreement. That is exactly the situation where this deduction comes into play.

But having insurance on its own is not enough. It has to be tied to the mortgage from the beginning.

Why many homeowners overlook this deduction

Every year, thousands of people go through the same routine. They open their draft tax return, check the main figures, and accept it without making changes. It feels easier and quicker, especially if nothing obvious looks wrong.

The problem is that the draft does not always include everything. Some deductions, particularly those linked to older rules, can be missing. Others may not be calculated correctly because the system does not have all the necessary details.

That is why tax advisers often say the same thing. Do not accept the draft without checking it carefully.

This home insurance deduction is a good example. It is easy to overlook, especially if you have had the same mortgage for years and do not think about it anymore.

What part of your insurance you can deduct

Even if you meet the conditions, there is another point that often causes confusion. You cannot deduct the full cost of your home insurance.

Only the part that is directly linked to the mortgage can be included in your tax return. If your policy includes extra coverage, such as protection for valuables or optional services, that portion does not count.

In practice, this means you may need to look closely at your insurance documents. Some policies clearly separate the different elements. Others bundle everything together, which makes it harder to identify the exact amount that can be deducted.

If you are unsure, it is worth contacting your bank or insurer. A quick check could help you avoid mistakes and make sure you claim what you are entitled to.

When the 2025 tax campaign begins in Spain

The timeline is already underway. The 2025 income tax campaign opened on April 8, and taxpayers can now file their returns online. As in previous years, the process runs over several weeks, with different options available depending on your situation.

For many people, the first step is to review the draft provided by the tax authorities. That is where it is worth slowing down and checking the details carefully.

Mortgage information, insurance payments and any deductions linked to your home should all be reviewed before confirming the return. Taking a bit more time at this stage can still make a difference.

A small detail that can reduce your tax bill

For most homeowners, this deduction will not lead to huge savings. But that does not mean it should be ignored.

Tax returns are built on small adjustments. One deduction on its own may seem minor, but combined with others, it can change the final outcome.

For those who bought their home before 2013 and still have a mortgage, this is one of those details that is easy to miss but worth checking.

It is also one of the few remaining benefits linked to the old rules on primary residence investment, which no longer apply to newer buyers.

That is why it still matters.

Before you submit your tax return, take a second look

If you are planning to file your return as soon as the campaign opens, it may be worth pausing for a moment. Check when you bought your home. Look at your mortgage. Review your insurance.

If everything lines up, you could be entitled to a deduction that is not immediately obvious. And if you skip that step, you may end up paying more than you need to.

In a process that many people rush through every year, this is one detail that deserves a closer look.