How to apply for driving license in Spain

The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is the authority responsible for issuing driving licences in Spain. Our aim is to ensure that drivers have the necessary skills and aptitude to handle vehicles with the least possible risk.

We administer tests to satisfy ourselves that you have the necessary ability, knowledge and skill to drive the vehicle in question.

There are different licence categories according to the type and class of vehicle you need to drive: mopeds, motorcycles, cars, goods vehicles, agricultural vehicles, etc. Each requires specific tests to be taken.

What do you need to get your licence?

Official application. form for the fitness tests, to apply to take the tests….
A report of mental and physical fitness issued by an. authorised driving test centre.
Proof of payment, obtained in advance, is required, showing the applicable fee.

Requirements to get the Driving License in Spain

Obtain a Spanish driving licence you must meet the following:

If you are a foreign student from outside the European Union, you must demonstrate that you have been residing in Spain for a minimum period of six consecutive months.

If you belong to a European Union or European Economic Area country, or your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain and you hold a driving licence, you do not need to obtain a new one.
You must not be disqualified by a court order from driving motor vehicles and mopeds, or suspended or under an administrative ban from doing so.
You must meet the mental and physical fitness requirements for the category of licence you are applying for.
You must be of the age required for each licence.

How to pass Spain driving test

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, will have to take the full Spanish driving test to get a Spanish license.

You must apply at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico). You need the following:

a certificate of mental and physical fitness from the Authorised Drivers Check Center (centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado);
an application form;
two passport-sized photographs;
your residence permit;
proof of address in Spain;
a declaration that there are no suspensions or legal cases preventing you from driving;
a declaration that you don’t already hold a similar license.

You must take lessons through a recognized driving school (i.e., a family member does not qualify). Look online or in the Paginas Amarillas (Spain’s Yellow Pages) under ‘autoescuela‘.

The test has two parts: a written theory test (see some test questions) as well as a practical test. Both are usually taken in Spanish although you can take a translator with you and in some areas of Spain there are English-speaking examiners.

Categories for driving License in Spain

There are several types of driver’s licenses in Spain.

A1: Motorcycles with engine power of up to 11kW and 125cc. This kind of motorcycle is more suited to urban riding or short trips outside of the city, and while it is legal to travel on the highway with a 125cc motorcycle, it is not recommended for long-distance travel on major roadways. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for this kind of license.
A2: Motorcycles with engine power of up to 35kW a power-to-weight ratio of less than 0.2kW/kg. They are suitable for urban riding, long-distance trips and highway travel. You must be 18 years or older for this license.
B: This is the license you’ll need to drive a car. It allows you to drive vehicles that weigh 3,500 kg or less with a maximum of nine seats. This will also allow you to drive the kinds of motorcycles covered by an A1 license, providing you’ve had your B permit for at least three years. You must be at least 18 years old.
C: Vehicles that weigh more than 3,500 kg, such as commercial vehicles. You must be 21 years or older to apply for this kind of license.
D: Vehicles that transport passengers, such as buses. You must be 24 years or older.

All practice classes and tests are performed in cars with a manual transmission unless you specifically request an automatic car. Most Spanish cars are standard transmission, also known as a stick shift.

Driving in Spain Rules and Safety Measures

Talking on a cell phone is prohibited, but you can use hands-free.
Bloodstream alcohol levels must not exceed 0.25 mg/l.
Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers, in front and back seats. If not, you´ll be fined. Children under 12 years old cannot be seated in the front seat.
In case of an accident or if your car breaks down on the road, a reflective jacket must be worn when getting out of the car.
When the car is stopped on the road or shoulder, you must place a warning triangle a few meters behind the vehicle.
Programming a GPS while driving is considered an offense.
Do not park in the space reserved for handicapped or disabled drivers, or where the curb is painted yellow or red.
Make sure your license plate is readable. If you manipulate it, you can get a fine of up to 6,000€.
Whenever you approach a roundabout (glorietas orrotondas, in Spanish), the car already circulating in the roundabout has the right of way. Make sure you give drivers in the right-hand lane the right of way.
Pedestrian crossings are marked with black and white striped lines. If there´s no traffic light at the crossing, pedestrians have the right of way.
Use the left lane on highways to overtake another car. Otherwise, use the right or middle lane.
No radar detectors or headphones can be used when driving.
Feel free to use your horn when needed.
Peaje means toll road.You can pay with cash or credit card.

You need to take this matter seriously, since a great percentage of fines are issued for speeding and can be up to 6,000€:

Up to 50km/h in town, residential and built-up areas.
Up to 90km/h out of town.
Up to 100km/h on dual roads, carriageways, and roads with overtaking lanes.
Up to 120km/h on motorways.