Driving License - How to get one in Spain?

Getting a driving licence in Spain requires more than simply enrolling at a driving school. You must meet the residence, age and medical requirements, submit an application to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and pass the tests corresponding to the licence category you want to obtain.

The process normally includes a psychophysical fitness examination, a theory test and a practical driving test. Certain motorcycle and professional licences also require a closed-circuit manoeuvring test or additional qualifications.

In this guide, we explain how to obtain a Spanish driving licence, what documents you need, which tests you must pass and how long your results remain valid.

Who issues driving licences in Spain?

The Dirección General de Tráfico is the authority responsible for issuing most driving licences and permits in Spain.

The DGT verifies that applicants:

• Meet the minimum-age requirement.
• Have normal or legally recognised residence in Spain.
• Have the necessary psychophysical fitness.
• Are not legally or administratively prohibited from driving.
• Pass the required theory and practical tests.
• Do not hold another equivalent EU or EEA licence.

The licence category determines the type of vehicle you may drive and the tests you must pass.

Do I need to obtain a new Spanish driving licence?

Before applying for a new licence, check whether a licence you already hold can be used or exchanged in Spain.

You may not need to take new tests if:

• You hold a valid licence issued by an EU or EEA country.
• Your country has a driving licence exchange agreement with Spain.
• Your licence and personal circumstances meet the conditions of that agreement.

A valid EU or EEA licence is normally recognised in Spain while it remains in force. Its exchange for a Spanish licence is generally voluntary, although renewal may become necessary in certain cases.

Our guide to EU and EEA driving licences in Spain explains when these licences can be used, renewed or exchanged.

General requirements for obtaining a Spanish licence

To obtain a new Spanish driving licence, you must normally:

• Have normal residence in Spain.
• Meet the minimum age for the requested category.
• Not be deprived by a court of the right to drive motor vehicles or mopeds.
• Not be subject to an administrative suspension or intervention affecting your driving entitlement.
• Have the psychophysical abilities required for the category.
• Not hold an equivalent licence issued by another EU or EEA country.
• Pass the corresponding theory and practical tests.
• Pay the applicable DGT fee.

A person with a disability or medical condition is not automatically prevented from obtaining a licence. Depending on the medical assessment, the DGT may issue a licence with restrictions, adaptations or a shorter validity period.

What does normal residence mean?

Normal residence is generally the place where a person habitually lives for at least 185 days during each calendar year because of personal or professional ties.

Foreign applicants must be able to prove that they reside legally in Spain. The documents used to demonstrate this will depend on whether the applicant is:

• A Spanish citizen.
• A citizen of another EU or EEA country.
• A non-EU resident.
• A foreign student.

A non-EU foreign student may apply when they can prove a continuous period of study in Spain of at least six months and meet the remaining requirements.

The six-month student rule should not be confused with a general requirement forcing every foreign resident to wait six months before applying.

Minimum ages for the main driving licences

The minimum age depends on the category requested:

• AM: 15 years old.
• A1: 16 years old.
• A2: 18 years old.
• A: 20 years old and at least two years of experience with an A2 licence.
• B: 18 years old.
• B+E: 18 years old and possession of a category B licence.
• C1 and C1+E: 18 years old.
• C and C+E: generally 21 years old.
• D1 and D1+E: generally 21 years old.
• D and D+E: generally 24 years old.

Professional lorry and bus licences may be obtained at a younger age when the applicant holds the required Driver Qualification Card and Certificate of Professional Competence, commonly known as CAP.

For category B, an applicant may take the first theory-test attempt during the three months before reaching the minimum age. However, the licence cannot be obtained or used before the legal minimum age is reached.

What can you drive with a category B licence?

The category B licence mainly authorises you to drive motor vehicles with:

• A maximum authorised mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms.
• No more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver’s seat.
• A trailer with a maximum authorised mass not exceeding 750 kilograms.
• Certain heavier trailer combinations when the applicable mass limits and authorisations are respected.

It also authorises other vehicles in the circumstances established by Spanish legislation, including certain three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

The administrative conditions and vehicle categories are explained in the section on administrative requirements for driving a motor vehicle.

Can foreigners take the Spanish driving test?

Yes. Nationality does not prevent a person from obtaining a Spanish driving licence.

A foreign applicant must meet the same age, medical, training and examination requirements as a Spanish applicant and must also prove the required residence or student status.

Before starting the process, a foreign driver should determine whether:

• Their existing licence is valid in Spain.
• The licence can be exchanged.
• The exchange requires additional tests.
• A completely new Spanish licence is necessary.

You can find the principal alternatives in our guide to Spanish driving licences for foreign residents.

Can I take the theory test in English?

The common theory test for category B can generally be requested in English. The applicant must select the appropriate language when the examination application is submitted.

Language availability can vary according to the test and licence category. The fact that the category B common test is offered in English does not mean that every specific motorcycle, lorry, bus or professional examination is available in that language.

Before applying, confirm:

• That English is available for the requested test.
• That the correct language is recorded in the application.
• Whether the study material covers the current Spanish rules.
• Whether any specific or supplementary test must be taken in Spanish.

The practical test is not a written language examination, but the candidate must understand and follow the examiner’s instructions. Any language or accessibility need should be discussed with the driving school and the corresponding Traffic Office before the test.

Our guide on getting a Spanish driving licence in English explains how English-speaking applicants can prepare for the process.

Do I have to enrol at a driving school?

Attending a driving school is the usual and most practical way to prepare, but it is possible to submit the application and prepare the theory test independently.

A driving school can:

• Submit the examination application.
• Manage appointments and examination dates.
• Provide theory lessons and practice tests.
• Organise practical lessons in a dual-control vehicle.
• Provide the vehicle required for the practical test.
• Inform the candidate of the result.
• Deliver the provisional licence after approval.

Preparing independently does not eliminate the need to complete all administrative requirements or pass the same official tests.

For most candidates, professional practical training is necessary because the practical examination must be completed with an appropriate vehicle that satisfies the regulatory requirements.

Is there a minimum number of practical lessons?

Spanish legislation does not establish one universal minimum number of practical lessons that every category B applicant must complete before taking the road test.

The number of lessons depends on:

• The candidate’s previous experience.
• The ability to control the vehicle.
• Knowledge of Spanish traffic rules.
• Observation and anticipation skills.
• Progress during training.
• The instructor’s professional assessment.

Previous experience does not guarantee that a candidate is ready for the test. The examiner evaluates compliance with Spanish rules, correct observation, safe decision-making and control of the vehicle.

Step 1: choose the correct licence category

Before submitting the application, identify the category corresponding to the vehicle you intend to drive.

Consider:

• The type of vehicle.
• Its maximum authorised mass.
• The number of passenger seats.
• Whether it will tow a trailer.
• Its engine power or cylinder capacity.
• Whether it will be used professionally.
• Whether another licence must be held first.

Applying for the wrong category can result in unnecessary tests, fees and delays.

Step 2: obtain the psychophysical fitness report

Before applying for the tests, you must attend an authorised Driver Recognition Centre.

The examination normally checks:

• Eyesight.
• Hearing.
• Coordination and reaction ability.
• General health.
• Medical conditions that may affect driving.
• Medication or treatment relevant to road safety.

You must tell the centre which licence category you intend to obtain because the required medical standards depend on the category.

The psychophysical fitness report must normally be used to submit the examination application within 90 days. If the application is not submitted within that period, a new report may be required.

Step 3: prepare the application documents

The exact documents depend on the application method and the candidate’s circumstances. The applicant will generally need:

• The official application form.
• A valid identity document.
• Proof of legal or normal residence in Spain.
• Proof of student status when applying under the foreign-student provision.
• The psychophysical fitness report.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding DGT fee.
• A recent photograph when required by the procedure.
• The necessary declarations included in the official application.

The applicant must declare that they:

• Have not been deprived by a court of the right to drive.
• Are not subject to an administrative suspension or intervention.
• Do not hold another equivalent EU or EEA driving licence.
• Have not had an equivalent licence restricted, suspended or cancelled in another Member State.

The DGT or Traffic Office may request additional documentation when residence, identity or licence history cannot be verified electronically.

Step 4: pay the examination fee

The DGT examination fee must be paid before taking the tests. Training, practical lessons, medical examinations and driving-school services are not included in this administrative fee.

The ordinary examination fee gives the applicant two examination attempts.

These attempts apply to the complete examination file. For example:

• If you fail the theory test once and pass it on the second attempt, a new fee will be required for the practical test.
• If you pass the theory test on the first attempt, you normally retain two attempts for the practical test.
• If you fail the practical test twice, you must submit a new application and pay another fee.

The current amount should be checked when applying because DGT fees can be updated.

Step 5: submit the examination application

If you are enrolled at a driving school, the school normally submits and manages the application on your behalf.

If you apply independently, you must follow the procedure established by the DGT and provide the required documentation yourself.

Submitting the application does not mean that the appointment is automatically the final examination date. The documents must first be checked and the examination scheduled.

Check that the application correctly states:

• The licence category.
• The requested theory-test language.
• Your contact information.
• The Traffic Office or examination centre.
• Any authorised adaptations or accessibility needs.

Step 6: pass the theory test

For the category B licence, the ordinary theory test consists of multiple-choice questions about traffic rules, signs, road safety, driving behaviour, vehicle safety and risk prevention.

The usual category B test contains:

• 30 questions.
• Three possible answers for each question.
• Only one correct answer.
• A maximum of three errors to pass.

Questions may include images, diagrams or situations requiring the candidate to identify a hazard or apply a traffic rule.

The DGT has also been introducing audiovisual risk-perception content. Candidates should therefore prepare to understand realistic traffic situations rather than relying only on memorised definitions.

What subjects appear in the theory test?

The category B theory test can cover:

• Traffic signs and road markings.
• Priority rules.
• Speed limits.
• Overtaking and lane use.
• Stopping, parking and immobilisations.
• Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distraction.
• Safety distances.
• Vehicle lights and signalling.
• Tyres, brakes and basic maintenance.
• Protection of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users.
• Behaviour in accidents and emergencies.
• Driver and vehicle documentation.

Before taking the test, candidates should study the full syllabus and complete updated practice questions instead of relying only on short summaries.

Step 7: complete practical training

After passing the theory stage, the candidate prepares for the practical examination.

Practical training should cover:

• Safety checks before moving off.
• Correct seating and mirror adjustment.
• Starting, stopping and gear control.
• Observation and use of mirrors.
• Junctions and roundabouts.
• Lane changes.
• Overtaking.
• Pedestrian crossings.
• Urban and interurban roads.
• Motorways and dual carriageways.
• Parking and reversing manoeuvres.
• Independent driving.
• Identification and anticipation of hazards.

A candidate should not book the practical test merely because a certain number of lessons has been completed. The important factor is whether they can drive safely, independently and consistently.

Step 8: pass the practical driving test

During the road test, the examiner assesses whether the candidate can drive safely in real traffic.

The examiner may evaluate:

• Preliminary vehicle checks.
• Correct driving position.
• Observation before moving.
• Use of controls.
• Compliance with signs and road markings.
• Speed selection.
• Safety distances.
• Priority decisions.
• Position on the road.
• Interaction with vulnerable road users.
• Parking and other manoeuvres.
• Independent decision-making.
• Safe and efficient driving.

Faults are classified according to their seriousness. One serious intervention or an accumulation of faults can result in failure.

How long is a passed test valid?

Each passed examination remains valid for two years.

For example, after passing the theory test, you have two years to pass the remaining tests and obtain the licence. If you do not complete the process within this period, you will normally have to take the expired tests again.

The two-year period should not be confused with the number of examination attempts included in the fee. These are separate rules:

• The fee ordinarily includes two attempts.
• A successfully completed test remains valid for two years.

What happens after passing the final test?

Once you have passed the final required test, the DGT begins issuing your driving licence.

You will normally receive a provisional authorisation that allows you to drive while waiting for the definitive card.

The provisional licence:

• Is normally valid for three months.
• Allows you to drive only within Spain.
• Must be accompanied by a valid identity document.
• Does not automatically authorise driving in other countries.

The definitive licence is normally sent to your registered address approximately one and a half months after the procedure is completed, although delivery times can vary.

Can I drive immediately after seeing a passing result?

A positive examination result confirms that you passed, but you should wait until the provisional authorisation is available before driving independently.

A screenshot of the examination result, a message from the driving school or an online result page does not replace the official provisional document.

Before driving, make sure:

• Your provisional licence has been issued.
• It is still valid.
• You have a valid identity document.
• The vehicle is insured and legally authorised to circulate.

Can the provisional licence be used abroad?

No. The Spanish provisional driving licence is intended for driving within Spain.

It should not be used to drive in another country because provisional and temporary documents are not automatically recognised internationally.

You should wait until you receive the definitive driving licence before planning to drive abroad.

How long is a Spanish category B licence valid?

An ordinary category B licence is generally valid for:

• Ten years until the holder reaches the age of 65.
• Five years from the age of 65.

The validity period may be shorter if the medical examination identifies a condition that requires more frequent monitoring.

Professional categories have shorter validity periods and more demanding medical requirements.

What documents must you carry after obtaining the licence?

When driving, you must be able to prove that you hold the appropriate valid licence. The vehicle must also have its compulsory documentation in force.

Relevant documentation includes:

• The driver’s licence.
• The vehicle registration document.
• The technical inspection card.
• Valid compulsory insurance, even when physical proof does not have to be carried.

You can review these requirements in the section on driver and vehicle documentation before a journey.

Common mistakes during the application process

• Applying for a new licence without checking whether a foreign licence can be exchanged.
• Choosing the wrong licence category.
• Allowing the medical report to expire before submitting the application.
• Assuming that the DGT fee includes driving-school lessons.
• Believing that every foreign applicant must wait six months.
• Failing to request the theory test in English on the application.
• Assuming that every licence category can be examined in English.
• Confusing the two examination attempts with the two-year validity of a passed test.
• Driving before receiving the provisional licence.
• Attempting to use the provisional licence outside Spain.
• Failing to update the address used for delivery of the definitive licence.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Spanish driving licence without attending a driving school?

You may prepare the theory test and submit the application independently. However, most candidates use a driving school to manage the procedure, receive practical training and provide an appropriate vehicle for the road test.

Are practical lessons compulsory?

There is no universal statutory minimum number of category B lessons. Nevertheless, you must reach the standard required to pass the practical test safely.

Can I take the category B theory test in English?

Yes, the common category B theory test can generally be requested in English. The language must be selected when applying.

Can every driving test be taken in English?

No. Language availability depends on the licence category and the specific examination. Confirm this before submitting the application.

How many questions are on the category B theory test?

The ordinary category B theory test has 30 multiple-choice questions and allows a maximum of three errors.

How many examination attempts are included in the fee?

The ordinary fee includes two attempts shared between the required tests. After using both attempts, a new application and fee are necessary.

How long is the theory test valid after passing?

A passed test remains valid for two years. The remaining examinations must be completed within that period.

How long is the medical report valid?

The examination application must normally be submitted within 90 days of the psychophysical fitness report being issued.

Can I drive as soon as I pass the practical test?

You should wait until the official provisional driving authorisation is available.

How long is the provisional licence valid?

It is normally valid for three months and can only be used within Spain.

When will the definitive licence arrive?

It normally arrives at the registered address approximately one and a half months after the final procedure, although delivery may take longer in some cases.

Can I use the provisional licence to drive in France or Portugal?

No. You should wait for the definitive licence because the Spanish provisional document is not valid for international driving.

Can I apply before turning 18?

For category B, the first theory-test attempt may be taken during the three months before reaching the minimum age. The licence cannot be obtained or used independently before the applicable minimum age.

Do I need a new Spanish licence if I already have an EU licence?

Not normally. A valid EU or EEA licence is generally recognised in Spain, although renewal or exchange may be required in particular circumstances.

Conclusion

To obtain a driving licence in Spain, you must meet the residence and minimum-age requirements, pass a psychophysical examination, submit the application and successfully complete the tests corresponding to your licence category.

The category B theory test can generally be requested in English, but this option should be selected when applying and should not be assumed for every licence category.

The ordinary DGT fee includes two examination attempts, while each passed test remains valid for two years. After passing the final test, you must wait for the provisional authorisation before driving. This document is normally valid for three months and only within Spain.

Before beginning the process, check whether an existing foreign licence is valid or exchangeable. This can avoid unnecessary examinations, costs and administrative delays.