Driving License and Other Issues in Spain

Is it mandatory to have a driving license in Spain? How good is public transportation in that country? What are the advantages of having a car in Spain? Let’s discuss these issues in the following note.

First of all, you have to know if your driving license is valid in Spain. If your license was issued in any EU Community country, the answer is yes. Although, it is important to know that you need to have a registration to put your license on.

If your license was not issued in an EU country, however, you can legally drive in Spain for about six months. After that period of time, you have to convert your license to fulfill the European regulations. Also take note that you have to be 18 years or older to drive a car legally in Spain.

Where do you go to get a Spanish driver’s license?

The Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico is the body in charge of the tests, so go to the webpage to make an online appointment to take the theoretical exam once prepared.

What else do I need to do before getting my driving permission?

• A copy of your NIE/DNI certificate.
• The driving license of the country you came from.
• An address in Spain that can be verified (you must have lived in Spain for at least six months).
• Being up to date with the social security payment (your wage slip will be required).
• A photocopy of your passport with the visa of residence.
• The form filled out that you can pick from the local Traffic Office (registration application).

How much does it cost for the license conversion and/or to register my license?

Please visit the DGT website for dates and updated fees.

What do you need to convert a non-EU license into an EU license?

Unfortunately you must take the driving tests (theoretical, practical and medical) again in Spain and provide all the documents needed. You can’t drive with the driving license of your country of origin if there’s no an agreement between Spain and your country to automatic exchange of driving licenses.

What are the documents required to convert your non-EU license?

• A copy of your NIE/DNI certificate.
• Your visa of residence issued in your passport.
• The payments of your social security.
• Your driving license from the country you came from, as well as a photocopy.
• A signed form (self-declaration) declaring that you only hold one driving license.
• A signed form (self-declaration) which says that your original license is absolutely legal and valid. Also, a translator of the license made by a legal translator in Spain if the license is not written in Spanish.
• A medical certificate (the form can be obtained from one of the centers near the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico).
• A legal address in Spain (you must have been in Spain for six months and have a valid residence permit).
• A 32 x 26 mm passport style color photograph.
• A form (solicitud de carnet del permiso de conducir) which can be picked up from the Traffic Office or found on their website http://www.dgt.es

What if you don’t have a license in your own country?

To start, it is important to understand that the driving test here in Spain is very difficult to pass as the driving laws and regulations are more demanding than in other countries.

As in many countries around the world, you have to take driving lessons along with theoretical lessons and pass them both. You can take the Spanish driving theory test in English, but you must indicate this when you register for the exam.

How can you get lessons?

Practical lessons cost around €25 per hour and theory lessons around €30. Online driving lessons with theory tests in English are a convenient alternative to traditional classes.