Spanish driver licenses are issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the national traffic authority, and require passing both written and practical exams unless you hold a valid license from another EU country

Spain issues driver licenses in different categories based on the type of vehicle you want to drive. The most common is the AM category for mopeds (50cc or less) and the B category for cars up to 3,500 kg. If you already hold a valid driving license from another EU, EEA, or Swiss country, you can exchange it for a Spanish one without retaking exams — the DGT will recognize your existing qualification. If you're learning to drive in Spain from scratch, you'll need to pass a theoretical exam, a practical driving test, and a medical examination.

The process takes between four and eight weeks from the time you submit your documents, though this varies by region and how quickly you schedule your tests. You cannot legally drive in Spain on a foreign license for more than six months, so planning ahead matters if you're relocating or staying long-term.

Key Takeaways

  • Spanish driver licenses come in categories (AM for mopeds, B for cars, C for trucks) and are issued only after passing a medical exam, written test, and practical driving test, unless you exchange a valid EU license.
  • You must be at least 18 years old for a car license (B category) and pass a medical examination that checks vision, hearing, and general fitness to drive.
  • The written exam covers traffic rules and road signs and is offered in multiple languages at most DGT offices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The practical driving test lasts about 25 minutes and is conducted by a DGT examiner in a real vehicle on public roads; you can take it again if you fail, but must wait at least two weeks.
  • EU license holders can exchange their license at a DGT office without retaking exams, though the Spanish license will have a shorter validity period if your original license was issued more than 10 years ago.

Who Issues Spanish Driver Licenses and Where to explore

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is the only body that issues driver licenses in Spain. You explore at a local DGT office (jefatura de tráfico), which exists in every province. You can find the address and opening hours of your nearest office on the DGT website by entering your province. Some regions also allow you to submit certain documents through traffic schools (autoescuelas), which are private driving instruction centers authorized by the DGT, but the final license is always issued by the DGT itself.

If you are a resident of Spain, you explore at the DGT office in your province. If you are a temporary visitor or tourist, you can drive on a valid foreign license for up to six months. Non-residents cannot obtain a Spanish license; you must have a Spanish address and be registered in the municipal census (padrón) or hold a residence permit (NIE) to explore.

Documents You Need to Bring

The exact documents required depend on whether you are obtaining a new license or exchanging a foreign one. For a new Spanish license, you need a completed process form (available at the DGT office or online), your national ID card or passport, proof of residence (a utility bill or rental contract dated within the last three months), a medical certificate from an approved doctor, and four passport-sized photographs (4x4 cm). Some DGT offices now accept digital photos, so check your local office's requirements before you go.

If you are exchanging a license from another EU country, bring your valid foreign license, your Spanish ID or passport, proof of residence, and the same medical certificate. You do not need to retake the written or practical exam. If your foreign license was issued more than 10 years ago, the DGT will issue your Spanish license with a shorter validity period (usually five years instead of ten), and you may be asked to take a medical exam to confirm you still meet fitness standards.

The medical certificate must be issued by a doctor approved by the DGT (médico reconocedor). You can find a list of approved doctors on the DGT website or ask at your local DGT office. The exam costs between 50 and 100 euros and covers vision (you must have at least 0.5 vision in each eye, corrected if necessary), hearing, color blindness, and general fitness to drive. The certificate is valid for one month, so schedule your DGT appointment after you have the medical clearance.

The Written Exam: Format, Content, and Passing Score

The theoretical exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions about Spanish traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 25 minutes to complete it. To pass, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent). The exam is offered in Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, and several other languages at most DGT offices; check with your local office about language availability.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, what to do at traffic lights and roundabouts, how to interpret road signs, vehicle maintenance, and how to behave in emergencies. You can study using the official DGT manual (available free online) or through traffic schools, which often provide practice tests. Many traffic schools offer online courses that include sample exams so you can practice before the real test.

If you fail the written exam, you can retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts at most DGT offices, though some regions may require you to wait a few days. Each attempt costs around 10 to 15 euros. You must pass the written exam before you are allowed to schedule the practical driving test.

The Practical Driving Test: What to Expect and How It's Scored

The practical test lasts approximately 25 minutes and takes place on public roads in a vehicle provided by a DGT-approved driving school or the DGT itself. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes your driving. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers such as parking (parallel parking and reverse parking into a space), starting and stopping smoothly, turning, and merging into traffic. The examiner also assesses your general road awareness, your ability to follow traffic rules, and your reaction to unexpected situations.

You pass or fail based on whether you commit any serious faults (faltas graves) or very serious faults (faltas muy graves). Serious faults include things like failing to use your turn signal, not checking your mirrors, or minor speed violations. Very serious faults include running a red light, driving on the wrong side of the road, or failing to yield when required. One very serious fault results in automatic failure; three serious faults also result in failure. If you pass, you are issued your license on the spot or within a few days.

If you fail the practical test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it. You can attempt it as many times as needed, though each attempt costs money (usually 50 to 100 euros depending on the region). Many people fail on their first attempt, so this is normal. Traffic schools often offer additional lessons to help you prepare for a second attempt.

Timeline and Costs for Obtaining a Spanish License

The entire process from submitting your documents to receiving your license typically takes four to eight weeks. The timeline breaks down roughly as follows: scheduling your medical exam (one to two weeks), taking the medical exam (same day), scheduling your written test (one to three weeks depending on availability), taking and passing the written test (same day), scheduling your practical test (one to three weeks), and taking and passing the practical test (same day). Once you pass the practical test, the DGT issues your license within a few days to two weeks.

The total cost varies by region but typically ranges from 150 to 300 euros. This includes the medical exam (50 to 100 euros), the written test fee (10 to 15 euros), the practical test fee (50 to 100 euros), and the license issuance fee (20 to 50 euros). If you use a traffic school for lessons or study materials, that is an additional cost (usually 300 to 800 euros for a full course, though you can study independently using free DGT materials). If you fail either exam and need to retake it, you pay the exam fee again.

Renewing a Spanish Driver License

Spanish driver licenses expire after ten years (or five years if you are over 65 or if your license was issued as an exchange from a very old foreign license). To renew, you submit a renewal process at your local DGT office with your current license, your ID or passport, proof of residence, a new medical certificate, and four new passport-sized photos. You do not retake the written or practical exam — renewal is purely administrative and medical.

The renewal process takes two to four weeks. The cost is similar to the initial license fee (around 50 to 100 euros for the medical exam plus 20 to 50 euros for the license itself). You can renew your license up to two months before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. Some regions allow you to renew online or by mail if you are over a certain age or if your medical status has not changed, so check with your local DGT office.

Exchanging a Foreign License for a Spanish One

If you hold a valid driver license from another EU, EEA, or Swiss country, you can exchange it for a Spanish license without retaking the written or practical exam. This is the fastest route to a Spanish license if you already have a valid foreign license. You straightforward bring your foreign license, your Spanish ID or residence permit, proof of residence, a medical certificate, and four photos to your local DGT office and submit an exchange process.

The exchange process takes two to four weeks. The cost is lower than obtaining a new license (usually 20 to 50 euros for the license itself plus the medical exam). Your Spanish license will be valid for ten years unless your original foreign license was issued more than ten years ago, in which case the DGT will issue a Spanish license valid for five years. You may also be required to take a medical exam even if your foreign license is still valid, depending on your age and the DGT's assessment of your fitness to drive.

If you hold a license from a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you cannot exchange it directly. You must obtain a new Spanish license by passing the written and practical exams. However, some countries have reciprocal agreements with Spain that may allow you to convert your license without retaking exams — check with the DGT or your country's embassy in Spain to confirm whether your country has such an agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Spain on my foreign license while I wait for my Spanish license?

Yes, if your foreign license is valid. You can drive in Spain on a valid license from any country for up to six months. After six months, you must have a Spanish license or an International Driving Permit. If you are a resident of Spain, you should begin the process of obtaining a Spanish license as soon as you arrive.

What happens if I fail the practical driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each attempt costs money (usually 50 to 100 euros). Many people fail on their first attempt, so you can schedule additional lessons with a traffic school to prepare for your next try.

Do I need to attend a traffic school to get a Spanish license?

No. You can study the DGT manual independently and take the exams on your own. However, most people find that traffic schools provide useful instruction, practice tests, and guidance on what to expect. Traffic schools are not required, but they can increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Can I renew my Spanish license online?

Some regions allow online renewal for certain groups (such as people over 65 or those whose medical status has not changed), but most renewals require you to visit a DGT office in person to submit your medical certificate and new photos. Check with your local DGT office about whether online renewal is available in your region.

What if my Spanish address changes after I get my license?

You do not need to update your license if your address changes. Your license remains valid regardless of where you live in Spain. However, if you move to a different province, you may want to update your address with the DGT for administrative purposes, though this is not legally required.