 Foreign Driving Licences in Spain
Some foreigners in driving in Spain are obligated to exchange their licence (canjes de permisos) for a Spanish one, some may make the exchange if they wish, while yet others may not exchange their licence and need to undergo a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Spanish driving licence (Permiso de Conduccíon) which will allow them to legally drive in Spain.
Holders of an EU Driving Licence
All valid EEC (European Economic Community) driving licences are valid in Spain provided that the licence holder is 18 years or older (18 being the minimum driving age in Spain). There is no obligation for the licence to be exchanged for a Spanish one. The EEC includes all European Union countries, Norway, Island and Lichtenstein.
Though a Spanish licence is not required, Spanish licence regulations will apply regarding:
- The period of validity of the licence
- Medical checks
- Taxes
- Penalties and restrictions, including suspension, withdrawal and cancellation of the licence
If a driving infraction occurs, Spanish authorities can require the holder of a licence from an EU country to obtain a new licence.
Foreign drivers from within the EU will still need to register with the traffic authorities within six months of moving to Spain. Details must be registered with the Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders (Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores) of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) of their place of residence.
Once registered, they will need to undergo a medical examination to show mental and physical fitness and the standards that apply to Spanish drivers will apply to them.
Exchanging an EEC licence for a Spanish licence
The holder of an EEC driving licence may exchange it for an equivalent Spanish licence. Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of the applicant's province of residence.
Necessary documentation:
- Completed application form issued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters
- Photocopy (and original) of the passport along with the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) as proof of address in Spain
- Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
- Declaration in writing stating that the applicant has not been banned or suspended from driving
- Declaration in writing stating that the applicant does not hold another driving licence of the same class in another country
- The licence being exchanged and a photocopy of it
New credit card-sized licences are being introduced across the country, so in addition to the documents currently required an applicant will need to submit a "photo card". This will be issued free by the traffic department and must be filled in with identity details, signed and have a recent photograph attached to it.
The driving licence will be sent by ordinary post.
The licence will need regular renewal; a standard Spanish driving licence for a private car or bike is valid for ten years when the holder is under 45 years of age, five years between 45 and 70, and two years from 70 on.
Holders of a Non-EU Driving Licence
People of 18 years and over, with valid licences from anywhere other than the EEC countries may legally drive in Spain for up to six months from first acquiring Spanish residency.
During that period it is essential that an official translation or an International Drivers Permit (IDP) accompany any foreign licence that is not in Spanish.
After six months the foreign licence is no longer valid. Exchange agreements exist between Spain and some countries which allow for the licence holder to exchange theirs for an equivalent Spanish one. The countries with which Spain has a licence exchange agreement are: Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Morocco and Chile.
Any person with a licence from a country other than those will need to take the full Spanish drivers' text.
Note: the list of countries sharing exchange agreements does change. It is recommended to confirm with the relevant nation's Consulate in Spain if an exchange agreement exists.
Exchanging a non-EU licence for a Spanish licence
Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico)
Necessary documentation:
- Completed application form issued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters
- Photocopy (and original) of a Spanish Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia) and a copy of the passport along with the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) as proof of address in Spain
- Certificate of psychological aptitude issued by the Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado) of the province of residence of the applicant
- Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
- Declaration in writing that there is no legal process pending nor licence suspension that forbids the right to drive
- Declaration in writing that no other equivalent licence from any other country is held
- Declaration in writing (in Spanish) that the licence is authentic and valid. RACE (Real Automóvil Club de España) is able to assist
- The licence being exchanged and a photocopy. (It may be necessary to have an official Spanish translation of the licence)
The Provincial Traffic Headquarters may request verification from the country that issued the permit that it is real and valid.
Further information (in Spanish) is available from the Provincial Traffic Headquarters by telephone:
- Tel: 902 300 175 Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00
Or see the traffic department website: Click here (in Spanish)
Not permitted to exchange a licence
In the case of countries where no agreement exists (including Australia, the USA, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada), once the citizen has legal residence in Spain they may drive for up to six months on their licence before taking a Spanish driving text.
Spanish Driving Licences: Getting, Renewing & Points
A Spanish driving licence (licencia de conducción) is the standard EU model, of laminated pink card, with a photograph of the holder. However a process has begun to replace that with a plastic, credit card-sized permit with photograph.
Legal Driving Ages and Permit Types
- Mopeds and vehicles for people with reduced mobility: 14 years
- Permit A1 (motorbikes maximum power 11 KW and 125cc): 16 years
- Permit A (motorbikes, with at least two years experience driving motorbikes of category A1): 18 years
- Permit B (vehicles with a maximum weight of 3.500 Kg and with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver's): 18 years
- Permit C (vehicles with weight over 3.500 Kg): 21 years
- D (vehicles for the transport of passengers): 21 years
Validity and Licence Renewal
A standard Spanish driving licence for a private car or bike is valid for ten years when the holder is aged 18 to 45 years of age, from 45 up to 70 it is valid five years, and two years from 70 on. A person over the age of 70 will be asked to present a medical certificate whenever the driving licence needs renewal.
The periods of validity may be altered for drivers with certain progressive illnesses or disabilities.
Note: Different conditions apply for passenger bus and heavy duty licences.
Renewal
A licence must be renewed at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) of the holder's province of residence before its validity lapses.
Documentation required:
- Completed application form issued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters
- The licence to be renewed
- Photocopy (and original) of a Spanish identity, Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia) or a copy of the passport along with the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) as proof of address in Spain
- Certificate of psychological aptitude issued by the Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado) of the province of residence of the applicant with a recent photograph
- Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm) taken at the same time as the one on the aptitude certificate
The Spanish Driving Examination
Applicants for a Spanish driving permit or licence must be resident in Spain. Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura de Tráfico) of the province of residence.
Note: Driving schools play a significant part in the process and are able to take care of making the application and submitting the documents for driver's exams. It is important to seek their advice before setting out to take a Spanish driving exam.
Making the application
Documents needed:
- A certificate of psychophysical aptitude issued by the Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado) with one photo. This certificate is valid for a period of 90 days.
- Application and application fee
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Photocopy (and original) of a Spanish Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia) or a copy of the passport along with the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) as proof of address in Spain
- Declaration in writing that there is no legal process pending nor licence suspension that forbids the right to drive
- Declaration in writing that no other licence of the same category is held
Driving Licence Test
There are two parts to the test, one theoretical and one practical. Both must be passed to be considered competent. All tests are in Spanish although a translator can attend the practical exam.
Traffic Offences and Penalties
Spain monitors a driver's traffic offences with a points system. A diving licence starts with a credit of 12 points in the case of experienced drivers, and 8 during a new driver's first three years of driving.
A person caught speeding (for example) looses three points from their licence. If a driver loses all 12 points, the driving licence will be withdrawn for a year, and once the year is up, the driver will have to take a special test and a course, as well as the usual theoretical and practical driving tests in order to be given a new licence.
- A licences points status can be check online on the Traffic Department website
Licence Lost, Stolen or Changing Address
If a licence is lost, damaged or stolen, or an address changes, the Provincial Road Traffic authority will issue a replacement licence. The replacement licence is issued free of charge in the event of change of address.
Any change in the information which appears in the driving licence has to be communicated to the official Regional or Local Spanish Traffic offices within 15 days of the change.
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