Driving Licenses in Spain for Foreigners (in English!)

If you are a foreign citizen living in Spain, the procedure you must follow to drive legally depends mainly on the country that issued your licence and when you became resident in Spain.

You may be able to continue using your existing licence, exchange it for a Spanish one or obtain a completely new Spanish driving licence by passing the corresponding tests.

There is no single rule for every foreign driver. EU and EEA licences, British licences and licences issued by other non-EU countries are subject to different procedures.

This guide will help you identify which situation applies to you and what steps you should take.

Which driving licence situation applies to you?

Foreign drivers in Spain normally fall into one of these five groups:

1. You hold a valid licence issued by an EU or EEA country.
2. You hold a valid UK driving licence.
3. You hold a licence from a non-EU country that has an exchange agreement with Spain.
4. You hold a licence from a country without an exchange agreement.
5. You do not currently have a driving licence.

Identifying the correct group before applying can prevent unnecessary examinations, fees and administrative delays.

What is normal residence in Spain?

Many driving licence rules depend on the date on which you acquire normal residence in Spain.

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

It should not be confused with:

• A holiday in Spain.
• A temporary visit.
• Owning a Spanish property.
• Your nationality.
• The date on which your flight arrived.
• Municipal registration by itself.

The DGT may require official documentation proving both your identity and your legal or normal residence.

Can EU and EEA citizens use their original licence?

Yes. A valid driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country is normally recognised in Spain while it remains in force.

The European Economic Area includes the EU Member States together with:

• Iceland.
• Liechtenstein.
• Norway.

You can generally use the licence provided that:

• It has not expired.
• It authorises the category of vehicle being driven.
• You meet the Spanish minimum-age requirement.
• It has not been restricted, suspended or withdrawn.
• You comply with any medical or administrative restrictions shown on it.

Exchanging an EU or EEA licence is generally voluntary. You do not automatically need a Spanish licence merely because you have moved to Spain.

Our guide to EU and EEA driving licence rules in Spain explains the exceptions in detail.

When must an EU or EEA licence be renewed in Spain?

If Spain is your normal country of residence when the licence expires, you must normally renew it through the Spanish authorities.

Renewal is also required after two years of normal residence when the licence:

• Has no expiry date.
• Has a validity period exceeding 15 years for motorcycle or car categories.
• Has a validity period exceeding 5 years for lorry or bus categories.

This is not a general obligation to exchange every EU licence after two years. It applies specifically to licences with indefinite or unusually long validity periods.

Can an EU licence be exchanged voluntarily?

Yes. If you are resident in Spain, you may voluntarily exchange your valid EU or EEA licence for an equivalent Spanish licence.

Before completing the exchange, the authorities verify that the original licence:

• Is authentic.
• Remains valid.
• Has not been restricted.
• Has not been suspended.
• Has not been cancelled or withdrawn.

After the exchange, the original licence is surrendered. A person may not hold and use two equivalent EU or EEA licences at the same time.

Are British licences treated as EU licences?

No. The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union or European Economic Area.

British licences are processed under the specific bilateral agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom. Qualifying licence holders can exchange their UK licence for a Spanish equivalent without taking a new Spanish theory or practical test.

The applicant must follow the country-specific procedure and may need to provide verification information from the UK licensing authority.

For licences issued after the bilateral agreement entered into force, the licence must generally have been obtained in the country where the holder had legal residence.

Can non-EU licences be used in Spain?

Some non-EU driving licences are temporarily valid in Spain when they comply with the recognised legal format and other requirements.

The licence must normally:

• Be valid and in force.
• Authorise the corresponding vehicle category.
• Have been issued by the competent authority.
• Comply with an internationally recognised model or be written in Spanish.
• Be accompanied by an official translation when required.
• Be used by a person who meets the minimum age required in Spain.

For a person who acquires normal residence in Spain, an eligible non-EU licence is generally valid for a maximum of six months from the beginning of normal residence.

When that period ends, the holder must exchange the licence if possible or obtain a new Spanish licence.

Does every foreign licence remain valid for six months?

No. The six-month rule is not a universal guarantee for every foreign document.

A non-EU licence must first be valid and recognised under Spanish legislation. A licence that does not comply with the required format may need:

• An official translation.
• An International Driving Permit.
• Additional documentation.
• Confirmation from the issuing authority.

An expired, suspended, fraudulent or unrecognised licence does not become valid for six months merely because its holder moves to Spain.

What happens after the six-month period?

After the recognised period expires, a non-EU licence no longer authorises a resident to continue driving in Spain.

The holder must then:

• Exchange the licence when Spain has an applicable agreement; or
• Obtain a new Spanish driving licence when no exchange is available.

What is a driving licence exchange?

A licence exchange, known in Spanish as a canje, replaces a valid foreign driving licence with an equivalent licence issued by the DGT.

It is not the same as:

• Applying for a completely new licence.
• Renewing an expired Spanish licence.
• Obtaining an International Driving Permit.
• Translating a foreign licence.
• Registering a foreign vehicle.

When the exchange is completed, the original foreign licence is surrendered and the holder receives a Spanish licence containing the categories recognised under the applicable agreement.

Which countries have an exchange agreement with Spain?

Spain has exchange arrangements with the EU and EEA and bilateral agreements with a number of other countries.

These agreements include countries from:

• Europe.
• Latin America.
• North Africa.
• Asia.

Examples include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and several other countries.

However, the official list and the tests required for each category can change when agreements enter into force or are modified. Therefore, a static list should not be treated as definitive.

Before applying, confirm:

• That your country currently has an agreement with Spain.
• That your licence category is included.
• Whether the exchange requires tests.
• Which country-specific documents are required.
• Whether your licence was obtained before Spanish residence began.

When can a non-EU licence be exchanged?

A non-EU licence can generally be exchanged when:

• Spain has an agreement with the issuing country.
• The applicant is legally resident in Spain.
• The original licence is valid and authentic.
• The licence was obtained before the applicant became legally resident in Spain, unless an exception applies.
• The vehicle category is included in the agreement.
• The foreign authority verifies the licence when required.
• The applicant passes any additional tests required for the category.

Obtaining a foreign licence after already becoming legally resident in Spain does not normally create a right to exchange it.

When is a foreign licence not exchangeable?

An exchange may be refused when:

• The issuing country has no agreement with Spain.
• The licence has expired.
• The licence cannot be authenticated.
• The licence was obtained after the holder became resident in Spain.
• The licence was itself obtained by exchanging a permit from a country without an agreement with Spain.
• The licence is suspended, restricted or withdrawn.
• The document does not comply with the applicable format requirements.
• The requested category is not covered by the agreement.
• The applicant does not meet the residence or medical requirements.

The existence of an agreement does not guarantee that every licence presented will be accepted.

Do you need to take a test for an exchange?

The tests depend on the country and licence category.

As a general rule:

• EU and EEA licences are exchanged without theory or practical tests.
• Many non-EU motorcycle and car licences are exchanged without tests.
• Lorry and bus categories normally require a practical driving test.
• Some professional categories also require a specific theory test.
• Country-specific agreements may establish different conditions.

A licence containing categories B, C and D may therefore be exchanged differently for each category.

The Spanish licence will include only the categories that can be recognised and for which the applicant completes the required procedure.

Special documentation for some countries

In addition to the standard documents, some countries require specific certificates or verification codes.

Examples can include:

• A certificate of licence validity.
• A certificate showing the original issue date.
• An apostille.
• An official translation.
• A verification code from the issuing authority.
• A consular certificate.
• Evidence that the licence was obtained before Spanish residence.

These documents are not interchangeable. Applicants must follow the procedure corresponding to the country that issued their licence.

What documents are normally required for an exchange?

The precise requirements vary, but the applicant will generally need:

• The official application form.
• A valid identity document.
• Proof of legal or normal residence in Spain.
• The original valid foreign driving licence.
• A psychophysical fitness report.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
• A recent photograph when required.
• An official translation when required.
• Any country-specific verification document.

The applicant must also declare that they:

• Have not been deprived by a court of the right to drive.
• Are not subject to a relevant administrative suspension.
• Do not hold another equivalent EU or EEA licence.
• Have not had the licence restricted or cancelled in another country.

Do you need wage slips or Social Security records?

No. Wage slips and proof that Spanish Social Security contributions are up to date are not general requirements for an ordinary driving licence exchange.

What must be proved is:

• Your identity.
• Your legal or normal residence.
• The validity and authenticity of your licence.
• The date and circumstances in which it was obtained.
• Your psychophysical fitness.

The DGT may request additional evidence if it cannot verify your identity, residence or licence history electronically.

What is the psychophysical fitness report?

The applicant must normally attend an authorised Driver Recognition Centre before completing an exchange or applying for a new licence.

The examination can include checks of:

• Eyesight.
• Hearing.
• Coordination.
• Reaction ability.
• General medical condition.
• Medication or treatment relevant to driving.

You must tell the centre which licence categories you want to exchange because professional categories have different medical requirements.

The report must normally be used to submit the application within 90 days.

How does the exchange process work?

The usual process consists of:

1. Confirm that the country and licence category are exchangeable.
2. Collect the country-specific documentation.
3. Obtain the psychophysical fitness report.
4. Pay the appropriate DGT fee.
5. Submit the exchange application.
6. Wait for verification by the issuing authority.
7. Take any required theory or practical test.
8. Submit the original foreign licence.
9. Receive the provisional Spanish authorisation.
10. Wait for the definitive Spanish licence.

Submitting the application does not guarantee that the exchange will be approved. Verification by the issuing country may be necessary before the procedure can be completed.

What happens to the original foreign licence?

The original licence is surrendered when the exchange is completed.

You cannot keep it to continue driving with two different licences. The document may be returned to the issuing authority or processed according to the corresponding agreement.

The Spanish licence replaces the foreign licence for the recognised categories.

Can you drive while the exchange is pending?

You may continue driving only when:

• Your original licence remains valid and legally recognised in Spain; or
• The DGT has issued a valid provisional authorisation.

An appointment confirmation, application receipt or verification request is not necessarily a driving authorisation.

If the six-month period has expired, do not drive unless you have received a document that expressly allows you to do so.

How long does the Spanish licence take to arrive?

After the procedure has been completed, the applicant normally receives a provisional authorisation.

The definitive card is usually sent to the registered address approximately one and a half months later, although the time may vary.

The provisional document:

• Allows driving within Spain during its validity period.
• Must be accompanied by identification.
• Does not automatically allow driving abroad.
• Does not replace the definitive licence for international travel.

What if your country has no exchange agreement?

If no exchange agreement exists, you will normally have to obtain a new Spanish driving licence after your foreign permit ceases to be valid.

The ordinary process includes:

1. Meeting the residence and minimum-age requirements.
2. Obtaining a psychophysical fitness report.
3. Submitting the examination application.
4. Paying the DGT fee.
5. Passing the theory test.
6. Passing the practical driving test.
7. Passing any specific or manoeuvring test required by the category.

Previous experience obtained abroad does not remove the requirement to pass the Spanish examinations.

Our step-by-step guide explains how to obtain a new Spanish driving licence.

What if you have never held a driving licence?

If you do not have a licence in your country of origin, you must apply for a Spanish licence as a new driver.

You must:

• Reside in Spain or qualify under the foreign-student provision.
• Meet the minimum age for the category.
• Meet the medical requirements.
• Pass the corresponding theory test.
• Pass the practical examination.
• Complete any additional test required by the category.

You cannot obtain a Spanish licence merely by proving that you previously drove without a formal licence in another country.

Can foreign students obtain a Spanish licence?

A foreign student may be able to apply for a Spanish licence when they meet the applicable residence or student-status requirements.

A non-EU foreign student must normally prove a continuous period of study in Spain of at least six months and meet the minimum-age and other general requirements.

This six-month student requirement is different from the six-month period during which an eligible foreign licence may remain valid after normal residence begins.

Can you take the Spanish theory test in English?

The common category B theory test can generally be requested in English.

The applicant should select English when submitting the examination application. The language cannot safely be assumed merely because the candidate is a foreign citizen.

English availability may differ for:

• Motorcycle-specific tests.
• Lorry and bus tests.
• Trailer tests.
• Professional qualifications.
• Special vehicle licences.

The practical examination is not a written language test, but the candidate must understand and follow the examiner’s instructions.

How is the category B theory test structured?

The ordinary category B theory test generally contains:

• 30 multiple-choice questions.
• Three possible answers per question.
• Only one correct answer.
• A maximum of three errors to pass.

The questions cover traffic rules, signs, speed, priority, road safety, vehicle maintenance, vulnerable users, alcohol, drugs, fatigue and behaviour in emergencies.

Do you have to attend a driving school?

You may prepare the theory test and submit the administrative application independently.

However, most applicants use a driving school because it can:

• Manage the examination application.
• Provide updated theory material.
• Arrange examination dates.
• Provide practical lessons.
• Supply a suitable dual-control vehicle.
• Manage the examination file.
• Deliver the provisional licence after approval.

There is no universal statutory minimum number of category B practical lessons. The candidate must nevertheless demonstrate the ability to drive safely and independently.

How many examination attempts are included?

The ordinary DGT examination fee gives the applicant two attempts shared between the required tests.

For example:

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

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

Can a foreign driver use an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit may be required or useful when the national licence does not use a recognised format or language.

However, it:

• Is not a separate driving licence.
• Must accompany the original valid licence.
• Does not extend an expired licence.
• Does not extend the six-month residence period.
• Does not create a right to exchange the licence.
• Does not replace an official translation when the procedure specifically requires one.

Can an EU-format licence originally exchanged from a third country be recognised?

Special rules may apply when an EU licence was originally issued in exchange for a licence from a non-EU country.

The document may contain harmonised code 70 identifying the original licence.

Recognition in Spain can depend on whether Spain has an agreement with the country that issued the original non-EU licence. An EU-format card does not always guarantee automatic recognition when it originated from a third-country exchange.

What driving licence categories can be obtained?

The main categories include:

• AM: mopeds and certain light quadricycles.
• A1: motorcycles of up to 125 cc and 11 kW, subject to the other limits.
• A2: motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW.
• A: motorcycles without the power limitation of A2.
• B: cars and other vehicles of up to 3,500 kilograms and no more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver.
• B+E: category B vehicles towing certain heavier trailers.
• C1, C and C+E: lorries and goods vehicles.
• D1, D and D+E: minibuses, buses and passenger vehicles.

The administrative rules governing these permits are explained in the section on administrative requirements for driving a motor vehicle.

What documents must foreign drivers carry?

A driver must be able to prove that they hold the appropriate valid licence.

Depending on the situation, it may also be necessary to carry:

• A passport or identity document.
• The original foreign licence.
• An International Driving Permit.
• An official translation.
• A valid provisional Spanish authorisation.
• Vehicle registration documentation.
• The technical inspection card.

The vehicle must also have valid compulsory insurance.

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

Can Spanish digital documentation be used abroad?

Official digital documentation may be accepted within Spain under the conditions established by the Spanish authorities.

However, another country may not recognise a Spanish mobile application or a photograph of the licence stored on a phone.

When driving internationally, carry the original physical licence and other required documents.

Do foreign drivers have to follow the Spanish points system?

Foreign drivers must comply with Spanish traffic law and can be fined or restricted for offences committed in Spain.

After receiving a Spanish licence by exchange or examination, the holder becomes subject to the Spanish system governing points, restrictions, validity periods and renewals.

A foreign licence cannot be used to avoid a Spanish suspension, disqualification or declaration of loss of validity.

Common mistakes made by foreign applicants

• Using an outdated list of exchange countries.
• Assuming that every foreign licence is valid for six months.
• Calculating the six-month period from the wrong date.
• Believing that an International Driving Permit replaces the original licence.
• Applying for a new licence without checking whether an exchange is available.
• Obtaining a foreign licence after becoming resident in Spain and expecting to exchange it.
• Assuming that all professional categories are exchanged without tests.
• Driving after the recognised period has expired.
• Believing that a pending application authorises driving.
• Failing to obtain a country-specific certificate or verification code.
• Trying to keep both licences after an exchange.
• Using a provisional Spanish licence outside Spain.

Quick decision guide

I have a valid EU or EEA licence

You can normally continue using it while it remains valid. Exchange is generally voluntary, but renewal in Spain may become compulsory.

I have a UK licence

Use the specific exchange procedure established under the agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom.

I have a non-EU licence from a country with an agreement

You may normally use it temporarily and then exchange it, provided that the licence and your residence history meet the agreement.

I have a licence from a country without an agreement

After the recognised period ends, you must obtain a new Spanish licence by passing the required tests.

I do not have a driving licence

You must apply as a new driver and complete the Spanish medical, theory and practical requirements.

For a broader overview of the administrative options, consult our guide to foreign driving licences and related procedures in Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign citizen obtain a Spanish driving licence?

Yes. Nationality does not prevent an applicant from obtaining a Spanish licence when the residence, age, medical and examination requirements are met.

Can I drive in Spain with an EU licence?

Yes. A valid EU or EEA licence is normally recognised while it remains in force.

Do EU residents have to exchange their licence?

Not normally. Exchange is generally voluntary, although renewal becomes compulsory in certain circumstances.

How long is a non-EU licence valid after becoming resident?

An eligible non-EU licence is generally valid for a maximum of six months from the acquisition of normal residence.

Can every non-EU licence be used for six months?

No. The licence must first be valid, recognised and compliant with the relevant format, translation and age requirements.

Can every foreign licence be exchanged?

No. Spain must have an applicable agreement with the issuing country, and both the licence and the applicant must meet its conditions.

Are car licences exchanged without tests?

Many category B licences from countries with agreements are exchanged without tests. The country-specific rules must still be checked.

Are lorry and bus licences exchanged without tests?

They normally require an additional practical test and, in some cases, a specific theory test.

Can I exchange a licence obtained after moving to Spain?

Normally no. Most agreements require the licence to have been obtained before the holder became legally resident in Spain.

Does the International Driving Permit replace my licence?

No. It is a complementary document and must be used with the original valid licence.

Can I take the category B theory test in English?

Yes, it can generally be requested in English when submitting the application.

Do I need a driving school?

You may prepare the theory test and submit the application independently, but most candidates use a driving school for practical training and examination management.

Can I drive while waiting for the exchange?

Only if the original licence remains valid and recognised or the DGT has issued a valid provisional authorisation.

Can I use the provisional licence outside Spain?

No. The provisional authorisation is intended for driving within Spain while the definitive card is being issued.

How long does the definitive licence take to arrive?

It normally arrives at the registered address approximately one and a half months after the completed procedure, although the time may vary.

Conclusion

Foreign drivers should not begin with the assumption that they must always obtain a completely new Spanish licence.

A valid EU or EEA licence is normally recognised in Spain. A licence from a country with an exchange agreement may be replaced with a Spanish equivalent when the holder meets the residence, medical and administrative requirements.

An eligible non-EU licence is generally valid for no more than six months after normal residence begins. If no exchange agreement exists, the holder must obtain a new Spanish licence to continue driving after that period.

Always verify the current country-specific procedure, the vehicle categories included and any additional certificates or tests required before submitting the application.