Spanish Driving License >> How to get it in 2025

Just how easy is it to get a Spanish driving license? Obtaining a driving license in your home country is nerve-wracking, so the thought of going through the test in a foreign country is enough to deter many people. However, relying on public transport or walking is not always realistic, especially in situations like commuting for work, traveling to medical appointments, or wanting to explore more around this beautiful country.

But that’s where we’re here to help put you at ease. Below is all the information you need about obtaining your Spanish driving license as a non-EU or EU national. We cover the costs, the different license options, and the process you can expect to go through. As someone who has just completed this process as a non-Spanish citizen, it can be done!

How Long Can You Use Your Foreign Driver’s License?

All Expats moving to Spain can use a foreign license for a while.

• Non-EU Licenses: You have a maximum of six months after moving to Spain to obtain a Spanish License.
• EU Driver’s Licenses: You can use your EU license as long as it is valid. You can exchange any EU/EEA licence for a Spanish one at any time.

Note: As non-EU citizens, UK driver’s licenses are valid for six months before they must be exchanged for a Spanish license.

Obtaining Your Spanish Driving License

The country you are from dictates the process you need to follow:

1. Spanish Driving License for US Citizens

Several countries have an agreement with Spain that allows their citizens to swap their home country license for a Spanish driving license.

Unfortunately, the United States is not a party to this agreement, and all US license holders must take the Spanish driving test.

Understandably, this is frustrating, especially for experienced drivers. However, if caught driving with an American license, there can be severe consequences, including hefty fines and vehicle impounding.

As mentioned, it is worth noting that Spain provides a six-month grace period to use your home license. But it’s good to start your lessons as soon as possible.

You need to meet the following requirements to get your Spanish driving license

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have Spanish residency
• Have no court orders in place banning you from driving any vehicle

See below: Taking the Spanish Driving Test

2. Spanish Driving License for UK Citizens

Driving in Spain after BREXIT

Good news! On March 16, 2023, the UK and Spain reached an agreement regarding driving licenses. UK citizens who are Spanish residents can now swap their UK driving license for a Spanish one without taking the Spanish driving test.

Requirements for Exchange:

• The UK license cannot have been obtained while you were a legal resident of Spain
• You must have Spanish residency, not just an NIE number
• Be at least 18 years old

If you do not meet the first requirement, you will follow the same process as a non-EU citizen. If you don’t have residency, you must first complete that process.

Note: The agreement permits the Spanish driving office to request information about your current UK driving license, including any points or driving offenses. Any serious violations can stop you from getting a new license.

Exchanging for a Spanish Driving License

As of 2025, anyone exchanging a licence (UK, EU, and favored countries) can do the swap online (with one in-person visit to the DGT). You’ll need a Spanish digital certificate or be registered on the Cl@ve system.

This process replaces the need to present all your required documents in person at a DGT office. At first sight, applying online appears to be a more convenient method. However, I would say it is only a marginal benefit — for example, before, if you forgot a document, you would have wasted your in-person appointment, which won’t happen now. But you still have to go to the DGT to hand in your old license, and the requirement to take and pass the medical test before applying remains in effect.

Swapping Your License Online

1. Take the medical test.
   You will need to undergo a medical test prior to applying. See ‘Medical Test (Psicotécnico)’ below
2. Verify your license digitally with the original issuing authority. In the case of the UK this is the DVLA which issues a Verification Code.
   To get this, if your permit was issued by:
   – The UK (DVLA), go to: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
   – Northern Ireland (DVA) go to:  www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/view-or-share-your-driving-licence-information
3. Go to the DGT site and apply to swap your licence with you Cl@ve or digital certificate
4. Upload the following:
   • DGT Application Form (Modelo 03)
   • Valid passport
   • TIE
     It is advisable to bring a photocopy of both the front and back
   • Your original driving license, in date, and scanned
   • Verification Code
   • Medical Certificate (Psicotécnico)
   • Current passport photograph
     Digital version, in color, 32 x 26 mm with a plain background
   • Payment Receipt
     The current fee is €28,87. You will pay during the online process and then upload the receipt when prompted
5. Visit your nearest DGT office to hand over your original license and collect a temporary one
6. Your Spanish license will be posted to your home address

Once you have completed your appointment, you can expect your Spanish driving license within 4-6 weeks.

3. Spanish Driving License for EU and EEA Citizens and Selected Other Countries

Spain has agreements with all EU countries, as well as countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), most South American countries, and others. The complete list can be found on the DGT website here. Click ‘driving license exchanges’ (canajes de permisos de conducción), bringing up a third drop-down with the qualifying countries listed.

This agreement means the license holder doesn’t need to take any exams or tests. You can make an appointment online using the same link to exchange the license for a Spanish one. The DGT advises that after handing over your current license, you should receive your new Spanish one within six weeks.

Note: Your driving offenses and points will be brought over to your new license.

READ ALSO >>> Car & Moto Insurance In Spain >> Get The Right Cover At The Right Price

Taking the Spanish Driving Test

The process is the same whether you have a license or not; think of this as starting from scratch. Spanish citizens follow the same process when learning to drive.

You’ll follow these steps:

1. Find a Local Driving School

If you feel your Spanish is not up to par for driving lessons in Spanish, you will need to put in a little more effort. It’s rare that driving schools outside of popular Expats areas offer lessons in English.

But keep in mind your driving test will be in Spanish only. If your instructor does teach you in English, ensure they also teach you the commands and directions in Spanish. The cost of lessons will depend entirely on your area. In my case, I live in the province of Alicante and paid €22 per lesson in 2023.

There are three elements: A medical exam, a theory exam, and a practical test.

2. The Medical Test (Psicotécnico)

Before you can do the written test, you must pass the medical exam in a DGT-authorized medical clinic. This quick exam (known as the psicotécnico) usually costs between €30 and €60, depending on the clinic’s location. Your driving school can tell you your closest one so you can book an appointment.

During this exam, they will test your eyesight, hearing, reflexes, and multitasking ability using simple games. I can assure you the exam is far less daunting than it sounds! It lasts only 20-30 minutes and is not something to worry about.

Once you’ve passed the medical, you’ll get a certificate to hand in at your driving school.

You are now officially allowed to take the theory and practical tests. Your teacher will sign you up for the written theory test when you are ready.

3. Practice Learning the Written Exam

This will be done with your teacher on a computer at your driving school. You’ll also have access to an online app to practice questions and mock exams at home.

Unlike the practical, the written test can be completed in English. The driving school has to inform the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) before your test.

4. Test Day

On test day, you’ll go to your nearest DGT test center and take the exam in a room with other students. The exam has 30 questions; you need a mark of 27 or above to pass. Your driving school should give you a lift to and from your exam as part of their services.

Now that you’ve passed the medical and written exams, the practical exam remains. Again, your driving school will book the test for you once you are confident you are ready. As with the written exam, your driving school will give you a lift to and from the test location.

Costs

You pay a set amount to the driving school (in my case, €150). This covers the DGT admin registration fees and the driving school charges.

With this, you get three “chances” at the tests combined before paying the fee again for another three. Think of these like tokens, and each test attempt costs one token.

For example, if you need two attempts to pass the theory and one to pass the practical, you did it within your three tokens.

This cost is always for a block of three. If you have to buy a second block of three, you won’t get any money back if you pass your practical on your fourth or fifth token.

Test Day Information

Test day can be overwhelming, so being mentally prepared is good. Your driving school will drop you off at the test location on the day of the test. In my case, this was in the center of Alicante. Here, you’ll wait on the sidewalk until your name is called.

You won’t be given a specific time; instead, the invigilator will run through all the names alphabetically for Spanish nationals and then alphabetically for non-natives. If you’re not a Spanish national, expect to be one of the last called.
Expert Tip: While waiting, stay focused, and don’t let the wait get you down.

During the test, your instructor will sit with you at the front, with the invigilator at the back.
Important: You cannot speak with your instructor.

The test lasts about 20-25 minutes. If you make significant mistakes, the invigilator will tell you to drive back rather than make you continue the test.
Note: You’ll always use the driving school car for your practical test. You don’t need to buy a car in Spain before you get your Spanish permit.

Useful Information

Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)

The DGT is the authority responsible for issuing driving licenses in Spain. It administers the written and practical tests, issues permits and fines, and handles all driving administration in Spain. Each province has multiple DGT offices.

The DGT website is available in multiple languages, including English.

However, face-to-face appointments in English aren’t guaranteed. If your Spanish isn’t quite up to scratch, take a translator with you.

Driving Lessons in Spain in English

Not every driving school offers lessons in English, but some do. You may need to try several driving schools in your area until you find one that offers English-language lessons. You may also have to travel further for your lessons. However, learning to drive in your native language can make a massive difference in your progress and confidence.

Don’t forget that practical exams are in Spanish only, so your instructor will need to teach you the Spanish directions you’ll need.

Fortunately, your invigilator will only need to say minimal phrases such as “take the next left” or “take the third exit at the roundabout.” So, even under pressure, it’s easy enough to follow.

Where to Get a Medical for a Spanish Driving License

The medical test is mandatory; you must pass it to move on to the theory and practical tests. The medical tests are by appointment only; not all medical clinics will have the facilities to do it. Your driving school can recommend a clinic for you.

However, you can also check the DGT website for an authorized center that suits you.

The price of the medical test will depend on your region and the clinic you visit. You should expect to pay between €30 and €60.

Motorcycle and Moped Licenses in Spain

In Spain, obtaining a moped or motorcycle license differs from a standard Category B car license.

• AM License
  For mopeds up to 50cc. Minimum age: 15 years old
• A1 License
  For motorcycles up to 125cc. Minimum age: 16 years old
• A2 license
  For more powerful motorcycles up to 35 kW. Minimum age: 18 years old
• A license
  Any motorcycle. Minimum age: 20 years old. You must have held an A2 license for at least two years to obtain this license.

Unlike car licenses, motorcycle licenses require specific practical and theoretical exams focusing on bike handling. However, with a Category B car license, after holding it for three years, you are automatically allowed to ride mopeds (up to 50cc) without needing an additional license.

Driver’s License Categories in Spain

Category	Vehicles Allowed
AM	Mopeds (up to 50cc or electric equivalent), two or three wheels, and light quadricycles (up to 50cc).
A1	Motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW power. Motor tricycles up to 15 kW.
A2	Motorcycles up to 35 kW power.
A	Motorcycles of any power and weight. Motor tricycles above 15 kW (with age restrictions).
B	Cars with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg and up to 9 passengers (including driver). May tow trailers up to 750 kg. Light quadricycles and motor tricycles (up to 15 kW). Mopeds (up to 50cc) and light quadricycles, but for two-wheeled mopeds (up to 50cc), you must have held the license for 3 years.
B+E	Combination of vehicles: a vehicle in category B towing a trailer over 750 kg, provided total MAM < 4,250 kg.
C1	Vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg MAM, up to 9 passengers, may tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
C1+E	Minibuses with up to 16 passengers and a maximum length of 8 meters may tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
C	Vehicles over 3,500 kg MAM, up to 9 passengers, may tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
C+E	C-category vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.
D1	Minibuses with up to 16 passengers and a maximum length of 8 meters may tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
D1+E	D1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.
D	D-category vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.
D+E	D-category vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.

International Driving Permit for Spain

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your license. In this case, your permit would be a Spanish translation of your home country’s driving license. You must carry your IDP with you while driving under your non-Spanish license.

The permit is valid for 12 months; however, please note that your foreign license is only valid for six months.

The cost of an IDP varies by country, but it is approximately $20 for Americans and £5.50 in the UK.

---

FAQ – Obtaining your Spanish Driving License