How to change your driving license in Spain

Maybe you've been in Spain for years and have finally decided to buy a car, or you've just arrived and need one for your job, or you're just one of those who prefer to move around freely. Whatever the case, you've probably asked yourself: ‘How do I change my driving licence in Spain? Here we tell you everything you need to know

Who needs a driver’s license in Spain?

Everybody. But not everyone needs to start from scratch. First, check which group you belong to:

• If you hold a valid driving licence from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can drive freely in Spain. As long as the licence holder is over 18 years old.
• If you are a tourist from a non-EU country, you need your own valid licence plus an international driving licence.
• If you are a resident in Spain and hold a driving licence from Andorra, Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Ecuador, Japan, Morocco, Peru, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, El Salvador, Philippines, Guatemala, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia or Ukraine, you must exchange your licence for a Spanish one by making an appointment and presenting these documents at your local Traffic Headquarters:
  • Application for exchangwe of license
  • A valid passport or NIE
  • Driver’s license to be exchanged
  • Proof of payment of tax 2.3 for a total of 28.87 euros
  • Psychophysical aptitude test issued by a Driver Recognition Center
  • A current color picture with plain white background 32x26mm

Some countries have slightly different requirements, so it's best to look for your country in the drop-down on this page and check if you need anything else.

Finally, if you are not a citizen of the EU or any of the countries mentioned above that have agreements, you will need to start from the beginning and prepare for the theory and practical tests.

Do citizens from the UK need to change driving license in Spain?

Yes, UK citizens residing in Spain must exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one. Residents in Spain with a UK driving licence have a grace period of six months from the date they settled in Spain to exchange their licence. During this period, they can legally drive with their UK licence. After that period, they cannot drive legally unless they have a Spanish driving licence.

Choosing a driving school in Spain

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your driving school or autoescuela, but the most important ones are:

• IIs it easy to get to? Make sure it's not too far away, as you will probably be picked up there for classes.
• What kind of supplementary material is available? Check if they offer book, online platform or app to practice and decide which ones are most important to you.
• How much does it cost? Obtaining the license in Spain costs between 650 and 1500 euros.
• Can the test be taken in English? It is possible, but translations can be confusing. Check if your driving school offers it.
• Do they give the option of preparing for the automatic transmission license? If you prefer not to learn with a manual car, check if they allow exams with automatic.
  

Costs of getting your driver’s license in Spain

Here is the run down on the costs included in your license:

• Registration fee: about 200 euros, valid for 3 attempts in total (theoretical and practical), if you fail the 3 attempts you will have to pay again.
• Theoretical classes: about 203 euros
• Practical classes: about 25 euros per class. It usually recommends between 15 and 25 classes to pass, so the packs are usually cheaper.
• Administrative fee: 45 euros. Some schools include it in the price and others do not.
• Psychophysical aptitude test: 30-35 euros.
• Traffic fees: 94,05 euros
  
  

In my case, here in Seville I paid:

• 299 euros initial fee which included the registration fee, the manual, unlimited in person theory classes, an online platform for doing as many practice tests as I wanted, the medical exam, 5 driving classes, one practical exam, admin fees, and one traffic tax payment.
• One pack of 10 classes (80 minutes each) = 360 euros
• An additional practical exam admin fee= 45 euros
• 4 more driving classes = 80 euros
  
  

Bringing my total to about 784 euros–falling on the lower end of the national average.

Manual versus Automatic Transmission

If you're an American expat, the idea of driving a manual gearbox can seem daunting. I almost gave up on it myself, but let me tell you, it's normal. At first, it can be frustrating (I even shed a few tears in my first class), but over time it becomes second nature, and is no more difficult than an automatic.

If you choose to take your licence with an automatic, be aware that not all driving schools offer them and you will only be able to drive automatic cars, which are less common in Spain. Learning with a manual may be a better option.

How does the process work?

First, you will study, attend classes and take practice exams until you pass them systematically (with a maximum of 3 errors out of 30 questions). It is useful to take the exams at home, record your mistakes and discuss them with your teacher.

When you are ready, the driving school will assign you a place for the theory test. Before you take the theory test, you will have to take a psychophysical test and submit the certificate to the driving school.

After passing the theory test, you will start driving lessons and, after about 15-25 lessons, you will be assigned a date for the practical test. Once you pass, the information will be automatically uploaded to the DGT database and you will be able to download a temporary license until your physical license arrives in the mail about two months later.

How long does it take to get your driver’s license in Spain?

The process usually takes between 6 and 7 months, although it depends on the time you can dedicate to it and your ability to learn complicated vocabulary and memorize laws and numbers. Despite having an almost native level of Spanish, I had a hard time remembering all the new words and traffic laws, including the documents that must always be carried in the car.

What if I don’t pass on the first try?

Most people don't pass on the first try; 73% fail the practical exam and 55% fail the theory exam. You have three attempts in total, so it's best to be well prepared. Talk to your instructor to make sure you're ready, as you could end up spending more if you don't take some extra classes.

My experience changing my driver’s license in Spain

As a foreigner from the United States, I always knew I would need my driver's license in Spain for my independence. I didn't feel urgency until I became pregnant in 2019, which gave me the impetus to enroll at Autoescuelas Ciudad Jardin in Seville.

After much effort, I was ready for the theory test in March 2020, but COVID-19 delayed it. Fortunately, I passed the exam when they let us out of quarantine and just before my son was born. After passing, I had two years to take the practical exam, which I took in the summer of 2021, passing the second time in September and receiving my license a couple of months later.

All in all, changing driving license in Spain can seem like a daunting task at first, but as with most things we tackle as expats, it is completely attainable by taking it one step at a time!