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 you move to Spain to get a Spanish License.
- EU Driver’s Licenses: Your EU license is valid for two years after you move to Spain.
Note: As non-EU citizens, UK driver licenses have six months of validity before having to 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 part of 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, a good thing to note is that Spain gives you 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 allows the Spanish driving office to request information about your current license from the UK, such as any points or driving offenses. Any serious violations can stop you from getting a new license.
Exchanging for a Spanish Driving License
Moving to Spainโs Mike Bailey recently exchanged his UK driving license for a Spanish one. Hereโs how he did it and some tips:
If you meet the requirements, you must make an appointment at the Direcciรณn General de Trรกfico (DGT), the official Spanish government agency responsible for road safety, traffic management, and issuing driving licenses.
You can make an appointment (cita previa) through the DGT website. Select your province from the drop-down menu and โoffice formalitiesโ (Trรกmites de oficina) for the type of consultation. You can then fill out your personal information on the next page and book an appointment at your local office.
You will need to bring the following with you to your appointment:
- DGT Application Form
See the explanatory notes in English for more details. I advise you to ask the help of a professional to complete the form - Appointment Confirmation email from the DGT you received when booking
- Valid passport
- TIE
It is advisable to bring a photocopy of both the front and front and back - Your Padrรณn certificate
- Your UK driving license to be exchanged
It must be in force. Bring a photocopy of this, too - Verification Code
The day before the appointment, you must generate this code. To do 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
Once the code is generated, print it out and make a note of it.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Generate your Verification Code less than 24 hours before your appointment, as some DGT offices insist on this - Medical Certificate (Psicotรฉcnico)
You will have to take a medical test before your appointment. See โMedical Test (Psicotรฉcnico)โ below - Current passport photograph
In color, 32 x26 mm with a plain background - The current fee is โฌ28,87. While you can pay online in advance, you can also pay by credit card (cash not accepted) at your appointment. If not, bring your proof of payment.
Once you have completed your appointment, you can expect your Spanish driving license to be posted within 4-6 weeks.
Expert Tip: The availability of appointments at DGT offices can be low. However, unlike TIE appointments, you can go to any DGT office. Being prepared to travel increases your chances of getting an appointment within a reasonable timescale. In my case, I drove a nine-hour round-day trip to a DGT office in Madrid!
3. Spanish Driving License for EU and EEA Citizens and Selected Other Countries
Spain has agreements with all EU countries, 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 โdriving license exchangesโ (canajes de permisos de conducciรณn), 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 driving lessons in Spanish, you will have to look around. Itโs rare driving schools offer lessons in English. See: Driving Lessons in Spain 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 โฌ22 per lesson in 2023.
There are three elements: A medical, a theory exam, and a practical test.
2. The Medical Test (Psicotรฉcnico)
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 psicotรฉcnico) usually costs between โฌ30 and โฌ60, 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, โฌ150). 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. 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 donโt let the wait get you down.
During the test, your instructor will sit with you in the front with the invigilator in 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
Direcciรณn General de Trรกfico (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 can be translated into 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 they do exist. You may need to try several driving schools in your area until you find one that offers lessons in English. And you may have to travel further for your lessons. However, learning to drive in your language can make a massive difference in your progress and confidence.
Don’t forget 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 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 faculties 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 which clinic you go to. You should expect to pay between โฌ30 and โฌ60.
Need Car or Moto Insurance?
When searching for our own car insurance,ย we approached multiple brokers as regular customers to ensure we got an authentic experience without any special treatment or insider perks. From this process, weโve identified a great broker to help you find the best policy.
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 Internation 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, but remember, your foreign license is only valid for six months.
The cost of an IDP varies by country, but it’ll be around $20 for Americans and ยฃ5.50 in the UK.
FAQ – Obtaining your Spanish Driving License
What is the legal driving age in Spain?
You must be at least 18 to legally drive a car in Spain and 15 to drive a 50cc moped.
What is a Type B driver’s license in Spain?
Type B is the most common license in Spain and entitles you to drive a standard private passenger car. The car must have less than nine seats and less than 3500kg. The vehicle is for private use only, not commercial use, such as a taxi.
With a type B, you can also pull up a trailer of up to 750kg.
Do you need an international driver’s license in Spain?
If you have an international license and are a non-EU citizen from an agreement-exempt country, good news! Your license will be valid for up to six months. After this, you either need to:
– Exchange your license for a Spanish one or
– Pass your test in Spain if you don’t qualify for an exchange.
Can I drive in Spain with a UK license?
Yes, but only for six months. After this, you must exchange your license with the DGT for a Spanish one.
Can I hold a UK and Spanish driving license?
No, you can only hold one at a time. If you ever move back to the UK, you must exchange your Spanish license for a UK license with the DVSA.
Can I use my American driver’s license in Spain?
Yes, but only for six months. You must pass a Spanish driving test to continue driving after this time.
Can I hold a US and Spanish driving license?
You can hold both, but you can only legally use your Spanish one in Spain after the first six months.
Can I do my Spanish driver’s permit test in English?
You can take the written test in English, but your practical test will be in Spanish only. But don’t worry; the test is only 20-25 minutes long, and the instructions are basic.
How long can you drive on a foreign driver’s permit in Spain?
While an international driver’s permit is valid for 12 months, your driving license is only valid for six months. A permit differs from a license; you must obtain a Spanish license after six months.
Can I drive in Spain if I am from an EEA country?
If you’re from a European Economic Area (EEA) country (EU plus Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein). You can drive in Spain using your existing driver’s license for the first two years. You must also register with the traffic authorities after six months.
Is my UK Blue Badge valid in Spain?
For those using the UK-issued Blue Badge, this is no longer valid in Spain. You must return this to the UK and apply for a Spanish Disabled Parking Card. You can do this through the town hall.
What kind of insurances are required? recommended?
That would be for both owning a car and driving a rental vehicle.
Thanks.
jde
Hi John – We’ve written a complete guide to Car Insurance in Spain; please have a look for information on mandatory 3rd party, comprehensive, and excess cover insurance which should answer all your questions. All the best, Alastair
When exchanging a EU driving license for a Spanish one but they only send the new Spanish one after six week, will you get a temporary document so you can drive in the meantime?
HI Christian. The DGT issues a provisional Spansih license until your standard Spansih driver’s license arrives. All the best, Alastair
Question. Do I HAVE to wait 6 months before applying for a spanish drivers licence (I’m from the US). Related question – can I buy a car and get insurance for it before I get a spanish drivers license? Thanks in advance.
Hi Mely – no, you can get your license immediately upon arrival in Spain (you need to take the theory and practical test and the obligatory driving lessons). You can buy a car and get insurance with a US license (please see this article on car insurance in Spain for details), but you may need to provide a translation, etc., of your license. All the best, Alastair
Can i switch a canadian licence for a Spanish one?
Hi – Unfortunately, you cannot swap a Canadian driver’s license for a Spanish one. You’ll need to do both practical and theoretical tests. All the best, Alastair