You should know that the rules of the road in Spain are the same for the whole country. That is, to drive in Andalucia the same requirements are required and the same rules apply as for any other Spanish region.
To drive in Spain you must be at least 18 years old and have a driving license. Driving in Spain as a foreigner requires different requirements that depend on the driver's country of origin and circumstances such as having or not having residence in Spain.
Tourists and resident citizens with less than 6 months of residence can legally drive with an international permit or with national permits from other countries. People with licenses from other countries may also circulate if they are written in Spanish or are accompanied by an official translation, as well as foreigners who have particular international agreements with Spain recognized for their driving licenses.
What if my driver's license is from a European country?
If you are a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) you can drive with your European license during the first two years of your period of residence in Andalusia or in the rest of Spain. After this time, you will have to exchange it for a Spanish permit. A priori, this procedure can be carried out in person at any provincial office of the General Directorate of Traffic by providing the official application form, a recent photo ID, identification (passport or NIE), your valid national driving license and payment of fees corresponding (about € 30).
UK licensed drivers
As of January 1, 2021 (start of Brexit) all traffic agreements within the framework of the European Union are no longer valid for UK driving license holders. Consequently, those who have a British driver's license will only be able to drive in Spain for six months from the person's entry into Spain or from the date of obtaining legal residence.
Those who were already residents in Spain as of December 31, 2020, the six-month period began to run from January 1, 2021.
For holders of a British driving license who have requested the exchange, replacement or renewal before December 31, 2020, the processing will be carried out provided that they have been verified by the authorities of the United Kingdom before January 1, 2021. Applications submitted after December 30, 2020 will not be processed. If you did not request the exchange before December 31, 2020 you will have to obtain a new Spanish driving license
Is my driving license from a non-European country useful?
If your license is not from a European country, you will be able to drive for six months and, subsequently, you must renew or exchange it for a valid Spanish license, a procedure that will vary depending on your country of origin. If there is no agreement between Spain and your country, you will most likely have to take the driving test in Spain. In any case, check with your consulate or visit the website of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
How to homologate my foreign driving license for a Spanish one?
You must go, by appointment, to an office of the DGT or Provincial Traffic Headquarters and there they will inform you of the steps to take depending on the country of origin of your license. It is recommended to request a prior appointment in advance of the expiration of the six-month period during which you can circulate without problem. Normally you will get your appointment in a maximum of 15 days. Keep in mind that everyone, regardless of their nationality, is required to drive with a valid license. Exceptionally, you will not have a problem driving if the license or the six-month period has expired but you have a previous appointment already granted.
Rent a vehicle
Foreigners who are in Spain as tourists may rent a car as long as they have a valid driving license with up to at least two years old and be over 23 years old. You must have previously processed the international driving license in your country of origin.
If I don't have a driving license, how can I get it?
In the event that you do not have a driving license, you must pass a theoretical and a practical exam in Spain. For this you can choose the driving school you want (all are private). Normally, these academies are responsible for all the formal procedures to obtain your permit: theoretical and practical classes, mandatory medical certificate and paperwork with the administration.
Links of interest
Check the country of origin of your driver's license and how to exchange it for a Spanish one
Find your nearest Provincial Traffic Headquarters
Contact us
If you have questions and need personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact our expert team:
