If you’re thinking of relocating to Spain, or you’ve already made the move and are living the expat life, you may be wondering what you need to do to be able to drive a motor vehicle there. The rules are different depending on your situation, so we’ve put all the essential information in one place for you.
Whether you’re learning to drive for the first time, or you want to know about exchanging a license from another country, here’s Remitly’s guide to getting a driver’s license in Spain.
Table of contents
What are the requirements for driving in Spain?
If you already have a license from a country within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), your license is valid in Spain and you can drive with it for as long as it is valid. You may need to register it with authorities after becoming a resident.
Otherwise, you will need to apply for a Spanish license. To obtain a Spanish driver’s license (“permiso de conducir”), you must be a Spanish resident.
You’ll need to submit an application form to register with the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (“Dirección General de Tráfico, or DGT); you need to do this before you can take any lessons or apply to take the exams. You’ll also need to pass a medical exam.
Once you’re registered with the DGT, you’ll be able to begin your driving lessons with a registered driving school. Then, when you’re ready, you need to take a theory exam and a practical exam in order to obtain your license.
What documents do I need to apply for a Spanish driving license?
To submit your application to the DGT, you can go to your local DGT office. You can request an appointment (“cita previa”) here. You’ll need to take these documents with you:
- A valid passport, ID or residence permit (NIE/TIE)
- Proof of residence (e.g., empadronamiento)
- A medical fitness certificate (certificado médico) from an authorized medical center (centro de reconocimiento de conductores). This includes a vision test, physical exam and psychological assessment, and will cost around €30-40.
- A color, passport-size photo
- Proof of payment. You can complete this form online, then take it to a bank authorized by the DGT (usually large national banks) and pay the fee. They will stamp the form and you should take this with you to the DGT as your proof of payment. Some DGT offices allow the payment to be made there by credit card, but you should confirm this in advance.
You need to register first in order to start driving lessons and schedule the tests. The fee for your application is €94.05 at time of writing.
Enrolling in a Spanish driving school
When you’re ready to start taking lessons, look for a registered driving school (autoescuela) in your local area.
Using a registered driving school ensures that they have certified instructors and follow the rules set by the DGT. They will also provide the necessary vehicle and equipment for training.
Many schools can help you with the application process and include all the fees in the package they offer along with the driving lessons. Prices vary considerably around the country—expect to pay anywhere from €25 to €40 per lesson.
If you’re applying for your first-ever license, you must complete a mandatory 20 hours of lessons. If you’ve previously passed a driving test in another country, you’re not legally obliged to take the full 20 hours of lessons. Even so, consider taking some lessons to help you get used to driving in a new country.
Getting a Spanish driver’s license: the tests
When you’re ready to get your license, you will need to pass the exam. There are two parts to the Spanish driving test: a theory test and a practical test.
Your application fee covers unlimited takes of the theory test within a two-year period plus two practical test attempts.
Theory test
The theory test is taken at a DGT examination center. It’s a written exam that consists of 30 multiple choice questions, testing your knowledge on things like road rules, signs, driving safety and basic first aid. You have 30 minutes for the written test and you must get at least 27 questions correct in order to pass. The test can be taken in English and you can take a free practice exam online on the DGT website.
You must pass the theory test before you’ll be able to schedule your practical test.
Practical test
The practical exam is where you demonstrate your driving skills. The test lasts 25-30 minutes and is typically conducted in your driving school’s car (you can request for your driving instructor to be in the car during your test if you wish), but you may use your own car if it meets requirements.
The test will involve things like basic vehicle checks such as mirrors, seatbelts and lights; your ability to follow the rules of the road; your handling of the vehicle and your ability to perform different maneuvers such as parallel parking.
If you pass your test, you’ll receive a provisional license on the same day. You’ll receive your new license, an official document, in the post in one to two months. If you fail the test, you can rebook, but you must wait a minimum of ten days before retaking.
How to exchange a foreign driver’s license
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, find out if an exchange agreement exists between your home country and Spain. If there is one, you’ll be able to exchange your foreign license at the DGT. You may still need a medical certificate.
If you’re a non-EU citizen and your country of origin doesn’t have an exchange agreement with Spain, you’ll need to follow the full process to get a Spanish license. You can use your current license for your first six months in Spain, but the DGT recommends that you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Spanish. Note that if you already have a license, you’re not obliged to take the full 20 hours of driving lessons.
Tips for driving in Spain
Driving rules and conventions are different around the world, so here are our tips for driving in Spain:
- Driving direction: Like in many countries in Europe, remember to drive on the right-hand side.
- Speed limits: In urban areas, 50 km/h (unless otherwise posted); on non-urban roads, 90 km/h (unless otherwise posted); on dual carriageways, 100 km/h; on highways (autopistas), 120 km/h. Always check for variations.
- Seatbelts: It’s mandatory for the driver and all passengers to wear seatbelts.
- Mobile phones: It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless you’re using a hands-free system.
- Roundabouts: Vehicles inside of roundabouts have right of way.
- Parking: Street parking may be difficult, especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Generally speaking, blue, white and gold zones are active for street parking. White zones are free parking; blue zones are for short (one to two hours), paid parking (usually via a parking meter); gold zones are usually longer-term parking areas for residents/permit holders, but you may be able to park for a fee. Specific rules about each zone may differ by city and/or region, so check carefully wherever you’re parking.
- Pedestrian priority: Pedestrians have priority at crosswalks. Always slow down and let them cross.
Driving in a new country can be daunting at first, so take your time to get used to the roads as you settle into your new life in Spain, whether you’re going there to work, retire, or study. You’ll soon get used to it, and you’ll be ready to explore the many beautiful and diverse landscapes that Spain has to offer!
FAQs
For cars and motorcycles over 125cc, the legal age for driving in Spain is 18. Bear in mind that if you’re under 18 and you have a driving license from another country, you will not be able to drive in Spain until you’re 18. Spain has a well-developed public transport system.
You must submit an application to the Spanish driving authorities (DGT) and enroll in a driving school (autoescuela). If this is your first driver’s license, you must take a minimum of 20 hours of lessons. You’ll then need to pass a theoretical exam and a practical driving exam in order to obtain your license.
No, you cannot legally hold both a Spanish license and a driver’s license from the USA at the same time.
To get your Spanish driving license in English, you can request a translation (“Certificado de Conformidad”) from the Spanish traffic authority (Dirección General de Tráfico, or DGT).
You’ll need a valid ID or residence card (NIE/TIE); proof of residence; your current driver’s license (if applicable); a medical fitness certificate (certificado médico) from an authorized medical center (centro de reconocimiento de conductores); a color, passport-sized photo and proof of payment.
Yes, the UK and Spain have reached an agreement since Brexit whereby you can exchange your UK driving license without having to take a test. You should aim to do this within six months of arrival in Spain.
No, Australia does not currently have an exchange agreement with Spain. If you’re coming from Australia, you’ll need to follow the process to obtain a new license from Spain.
Spain does not have a reciprocal agreement with the US, so you’ll need to go through the full process to obtain a Spanish license. You can use your US license for the first six months.
The time can vary, but on average, it ranges from two to six months. Once you’ve passed both tests, you’ll receive a temporary license immediately and your official license will arrive by post in one to two months.
You’ll pay an initial fee to the DGT (currently €94.05). This covers unlimited theory test attempts within a two-year period, and two practical test attempts. If you fail the practical test on your first try, you can retake it for free. If you fail a second time, you will need to pay the fee again.
