If you hold a valid driving licence from another EU country or from a country in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), you may use it in Spain for up to six months from the date you obtain legal residency. After this period, you are required to exchange your licence for a Spanish one.
Spain also has bilateral agreements with several non-EU countries, allowing their citizens to exchange their driving licences without taking the Spanish driving tests, provided the exchange is done within the legal timeframe.
Countries with licence exchange agreements:
- Asia: Philippines, South Korea, Japan
- Africa: Algeria, Morocco
- Europe: Switzerland, Andorra, Croatia, Serbia
- South & Central America: Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Uruguay
If your country is not on this list, or if you fail to exchange your licence in time, you must pass the Spanish driving exams.
Spanish Driving Licence Test in English
Theory Test
This is a 30-question multiple-choice exam with a maximum of 3 mistakes allowed. It is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and official regional languages. You must book it in advance at your local Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. Study materials are available at physical or online driving schools, many of which offer content in English.
Practical Test
The driving test lasts approximately 25 minutes and takes place on both urban and interurban roads. To take this test, you will need:
- A valid NIE or TIE
- A medical certificate from an authorised Spanish clinic
- A certificate from a certified driving school
Note: Driving lessons are mandatory, even if you have years of experience from your home country.
Other Key Points
- EU licences are valid in Spain only if the holder passes the required medical checks: every 10 years until age 65, and every 5 years after that.
- Expired EU licences are not valid in Spain. You must obtain a new Spanish licence by passing the full exams.
- It’s essential to know local road signs and regulations, especially for drivers coming from left-driving countries like the UK.
- Speed limits in Spain:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Secondary roads: 90 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced driver or just getting started, having a valid Spanish driving licence is essential for driving legally and safely in Spain.
