Driving In Spain 2025: Licenses, Rules, and How to Get One (2025 Guide)

Yes, but the rules depend on your country of origin and your residency status:

Tourists (non-residents)

You can drive in Spain with your valid foreign license for up to 6 months. US and Canadian tourists usually need an IDP. EU/EEA tourists can drive until their licence expires.

New residents (first 6 months)

If you move to Spain and register as a resident, you can drive with your existing license for up to 6 months from the date of obtaining residency.

After 6 months of residency

You must either exchange your license (if your country has an agreement) or obtain a Spanish license by taking exams.

Insurance tip: If you plan to borrow a car, check the policy as many insurers require you to be a named driver, and some require at least one year of residence.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a travel document that allows your home country’s driving license to be recognized abroad. It is valid for 12 months and must always be carried with both your passport and your original license.

Visitors

Tourists from the USA, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries usually need an IDP. Some rental agencies require it even if Spanish law doesn’t.

Residents

The IDP is only a temporary solution. After settling in Spain, you can use your foreign license (with or without the IDP) for the first six months, then must exchange it (if your country has an agreement) or obtain a Spanish license by passing exams.

Rental agencies

Some won’t hand over the keys without an IDP, especially for non-EU licenses or cross-border rentals. Always apply for the IDP in your home country before traveling.

• EU/EEA licenses: Fully valid until expiry. If the licence has no expiry date, you must exchange it after 2 years of residency.
• Non-EU licenses (temporary use): Valid for 6 months from becoming a resident.
• Licenses not in Roman alphabet: Must be accompanied by an official translation or IDP (e.g., China, Russia, Middle Eastern countries).

Spain allows the exchange of foreign driving licenses in certain cases. The rules depend on whether your license is from the EU/EEA, from a country with a bilateral exchange agreement, or from a country without an agreement.

EU/EEA Licenses

Valid in Spain until their expiry date. After that, they must be renewed in Spain. Holders can also voluntarily exchange them earlier.

Countries with Exchange Agreements

Spain has bilateral agreements allowing direct exchange (without exams) for licenses from:

Countries without Agreements

If your license is from one of these countries, it cannot be exchanged. You must apply for a Spanish license from scratch (theory + practical + medical exams):

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• China
• India
• Most other non-EU countries

Official DGT fees: €28.87 if no practical test is needed (code 2.3). If a practical is required, €94.05 (code 2.1).

If your license cannot be exchanged or you are learning to drive for the first time, here are the main steps:

Step 1. Meet the minimum requirements

• Be at least 18 years old for a category B (car) licence
• Register as a resident and hold a valid NIE↗.

Step 2. Pass the medical exam

Take the test at an authorized Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores

Step 3. Pass the theory exam

• 30 multiple-choice questions (maximum 3 errors allowed)
• Available in Spanish, English, French, German, and co-official languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician)
• You have two attempts included in the fee

Step 4. Take driving school lessons

Practical lessons must be booked via a certified driving school (autoescuela)

Step 5. Pass the practical driving test

• Always conducted in Spanish
• Examiners may speak slowly if requested as they were kind enough to do that in my case as well)

Note: Private candidates cannot register directly; you must book both exams through a driving school.

Save up to 80% on Spanish driving schools fees:

• Autoescuela Gala↗
• Autoescuela Lara↗

Typical costs (2025):

• Medical exam: €25–€60
• Theory course + materials: €150–€300
• Driving lessons: €25–€40/hour (average 20-30 hours needed)
• DGT fee (permit): €94.05 - code 2.1 which you can pay online↗ (two attempts included)

Total estimate: €800–€1,200.

Extra costs:

• Exam re-sit fee: ~€94 (for an additional two attempts).
• Insurance for new drivers can cost double standard rates.

Save up to 80% on Spanish driving schools fees:

• Autoescuela Gala↗
• Autoescuela Lara↗

• Application form (Modelo 03)↗
• Valid passport and NIE/TIE
• Proof of residence (padrón↗ may be required)
• Current license (if exchanging)
• Two recent photos
• Medical certificate
• Proof of fee payment↗

Note:

• Foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized (apostille).

Duplicate license (lost/stolen/damaged): DGT fee €20.81 (code 4.4).

Category B licence validity:

• Up to age 65: 10 years
• 65–70 years: 5 years
• Over 70: every 2 years

Renewals require a new medical exam at an authorized center.

Renewal fees (DGT): Standard €24.58 (code 4.3). Reduced fees for shorter validity.

Notes:

• Renewal of the driving license is possible online via DGT sede↗ with Cl@ve or digital certificate.
• Driving without a valid licence would result in a €200 fine.
• Spanish residents abroad may renew at consulates (with restrictions).

New drivers in Spain must display a reflective green-and-white ‘L’ plate for the first year. During this period:

• Alcohol limit: 0.3 g/l blood (0.15 mg/l breath).
• Points system: New drivers start with 8 points (instead of 12). After 3 years without serious infractions, they increase to 12.
• Serious infractions bring doubled penalties and licence suspension.
• Insurance costs are higher, sometimes twice the standard rates.

Failure to display the L-plate can result in fines.

Spain follows EU standards but has some specific rules all drivers should know:

General traffic rules

• You drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Alcohol limits: 0.5 g/l blood (0.25 mg/l breath). For novice/professional drivers: 0.3 g/l blood (0.15 mg/l breath).
• Mobile phones can only be used hands-free. Even holding the phone while stopped can be fined.
• Headlights required at night and in tunnels.
• Children under 135 cm must use an approved child seat in the back seat.

Speed limits

• Highways (Autopistas/Autovías): 120 km/h.
• Conventional roads: 90 km/h.
• Urban areas: 30 km/h on single-lane streets, 50 km/h on wider roads.

Parking rules

• Blue zone (Zona Azul / ORA): Paid parking, usually 2–4h max.
• Green zone (Zona Verde): Resident priority with higher fees for others.
• Yellow curb lines: No stopping or parking.
• White lines: Free parking.
• Illegally parked cars can be fined and towed (grúa).

City-specific notes:

• In Madrid and Barcelona, parking inspectors are strict, fines are often issued by camera surveillance.
• Payment apps like Telpark↗ or EasyPark↗ can be used to extend parking remotely.

Low-emission zones (ZBE)

• Since 2023, all cities with >50,000 residents must have ZBEs.
• Access depends on the DGT environmental sticker (distintivo ambiental and usually 0 and ECO are allowed, others for example in Madrid are only allowed with special permit or to public parking):
  • 0 (blue): Electric / plug-in hybrids.
  • ECO (green+blue): Hybrids, gas vehicles.
  • C (green): Petrol after 2006, Diesel after 2014.
  • B (yellow): Petrol 2000–2005, Diesel 2006–2013.
• Cars without stickers may be banned in ZBEs. Foreign cars must apply for a sticker via the DGT or post offices.
• Foreign plates often need city pre-registration (e.g., For Barcelona AMB, register your vehicle here↗) before entering ZBE/LEZ areas—apply in advance and carry proof. Foreign eco stickers may not be recognized automatically; check the specific city’s rules for equivalence/registration.

Other tips

• In roundabouts, cars inside have priority.
• Speed cameras are common and fines are even sent abroad if you are not a resident.
• Always carry ID, license, insurance and vehicle papers.
• Some highways (AP roads) require toll payment by card or Via-T device↗.

• Always carry your license and the IDP (if applicable)
• Keep reflective vest + warning triangle in the car for emergencies (mandatory)
• Driving exams only in Spanish (theory in English/French/German in some provinces)
• Zona de Baja Emisiones fines can be avoided with navigation apps showing alerts
• Some highways and AP toll roads are now free, others still charge
• Fuel stations on highways often require PIN/prepayment
• Rural petrol stations may close at midday (siesta)