Spanish Driving Licence for Foreigners (2026): Exchange vs Full Test
How to get a Spanish driving licence as a foreigner — which countries can exchange directly, which must take the full DGT test, costs, documents, and step-by-step process.
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Driving in Spain as a foreigner depends entirely on where your current licence is from. EU citizens have an easy path — no exchange needed. Non-EU residents face a clear deadline after which they must either exchange (if their country has an agreement) or pass the full Spanish driving test.
This guide tells you exactly what applies to your situation.
Step 0: Is your licence still valid in Spain?
EU/EEA licences (and Switzerland)
Your EU driving licence is valid in Spain indefinitely. No exchange, no test, no action needed. If your licence expires, renew it in the country that issued it.
When Spain replaces your EU licence (if damaged or lost), Spain issues a Spanish equivalent — this is administrative, not an exchange.
Non-EU licences
Your non-EU licence is valid in Spain for 6 months from the date you obtained your TIE (legal residence card). After that:
- If your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain → exchange (canje)
- If your country does not have a bilateral agreement → full Spanish driving test
The 6-month clock starts when your TIE is issued, not when you arrived.
Countries with exchange agreements (canje)
Spain has bilateral agreements allowing direct licence exchange with the following countries (as of 2026):
Latin America: Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Panama, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico
Asia/Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Philippines
North Africa / Middle East: Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria
Europe (non-EU): UK (licences obtained before 1 January 2021; post-2021 UK licences require full test), Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia, North Macedonia
Other: Andorra
Full official list: check the DGT website (dgt.es) under Trámites → Canje de permisos extranjeros — the list is updated as new agreements are signed.
Path A: Licence exchange (canje)
If your country is on the agreement list, the exchange process is:
Documents needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Your original foreign licence | Original — it will be retained by Spain |
| NIE/TIE | Current and valid |
| Passport | Valid |
| Empadronamiento certificate | Recent (within 3 months) |
| Medical certificate | From a DGT-approved CRC — see below |
| Modelo 790 (code 062) | Fee payment (~€34–38) at any bank or online via AEAT |
| 2 passport photos | 32×26 mm, white background |
| EX form | Depending on the country, may need a sworn Spanish translation of your licence |
Medical examination (reconocimiento médico)
All applicants — for both exchange and new licences — must pass a medical examination at a CRC (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores), approved by the DGT. These are private clinics specifically licensed for this purpose.
The exam checks:
- Vision (acuity, field of vision)
- Reaction time and basic psychomotor skills
- General health review
Cost: €30–60 | Duration: 20–45 minutes | No appointment necessary at most CRCs
Find a CRC near you at: dgt.es → Trámites → Centros de reconocimiento
Where to submit the application
Submit to the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (DGT office) in your province. In Barcelona: Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico at Carrer de Sancho de Ávila, 16.
Book a cita previa (appointment) at: sede.dgt.gob.es
Online option: Some exchange applications can now be submitted online through the DGT electronic office.
Processing time and result
- Time: 4–8 weeks typically
- Spain retains your original foreign licence and issues a Spanish licence
- Your Spanish licence will reflect the categories from your foreign licence (car, motorbike, etc.)
Path B: Full Spanish driving test
If your country is not on the agreement list (e.g., USA, Canada, India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Australia*), you must complete the full Spanish process through an autoescuela (driving school).
*Australia: as of 2026, there is no bilateral agreement — Australians must take the full test.
The process
1. Choose an autoescuela
You need an accredited driving school. They will guide you through all steps. Many schools in large cities have English-speaking instructors. Ask specifically if they work with foreigners and international students.
2. Theory course and exam (examen teórico)
The theory exam covers Spanish traffic law, road signs, and safe driving principles. It is available in Spanish and several other languages (English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Romanian) at most DGT centres.
- Format: 30 multiple-choice questions; maximum 3 errors allowed to pass
- Fee: ~€94 (Modelo 790, code 060)
- Study materials: Free apps and test banks are available (DGT Practice Tests, Autoescuela App)
- Most people pass in 2–4 attempts
3. Practical course and exam (examen práctico)
Once you pass theory, you proceed to practical lessons:
- Minimum legal requirement: none (you can book the practical exam without lessons)
- Realistic for most people: 15–30 hours of lessons before passing
- Practical exam fee: ~€94
The practical test is approximately 30 minutes with a DGT examiner in the school’s vehicle.
Costs overview
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Theory class package (optional but recommended) | €100–300 |
| Theory exam (Modelo 790 code 060) | ~€94 |
| Practical lessons (15–30 hours × €25–45/hr) | €375–1,350 |
| Practical exam | ~€94 |
| Medical certificate (CRC) | €30–60 |
| Total (realistic) | €700–2,000 |
Driving with an International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit is valid in Spain when accompanying a valid foreign licence. It does not replace the need to exchange after 6 months of residence. IDPs are useful for tourists, not for residents.
Practical advice
Start the process early. The 6-month window sounds generous but gathering documents, booking medical appointments, and getting DGT appointments can take 4–6 weeks. If you’re on Path B (full test), start immediately after getting your TIE.
Your autoescuela handles most paperwork. If you go through an autoescuela for the full test, they submit the forms on your behalf and book DGT exams. You focus on studying and driving.
Sworn translation of your licence: Some countries’ licences (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic scripts) require a sworn Spanish translation. Budget €30–80 for this. Your autoescuela or gestoria can arrange it.
Retaining your original licence: In the canje, Spain keeps your original licence. If you move back to your home country later, you’ll need to re-obtain a licence there — check your country’s rules for returning residents.
Priority appointment at DGT: Appointments at Jefaturas can book out 4–8 weeks in advance. Book as soon as you have your documents ready.
Key DGT links
| Resource | Where |
|---|---|
| Appointment (cita previa) | sede.dgt.gob.es |
| Exchange countries list | dgt.es → Canje de permisos extranjeros |
| Find a CRC (medical centre) | dgt.es → Centros de reconocimiento |
| Pay Modelo 790 | sede.dgt.gob.es → Pago de tasas |
| Theory test practice | practicavial.com or DGT app |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my foreign driving licence in Spain?
EU/EEA licences are valid in Spain indefinitely — no exchange needed. Non-EU licences are valid for 6 months from the date of obtaining legal residence (TIE). After that period, you must either exchange your licence (if your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain) or pass the full Spanish driving test.
Which countries can exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one without a test?
Countries with bilateral agreements allowing direct exchange (canje) include: all EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK (for licences obtained before 1 January 2021), Japan, South Korea, Colombia, Cuba, Morocco, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, Panama, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Tunisia, and others. The list is updated periodically — check the DGT website for the current official list.
How much does it cost to exchange a driving licence in Spain?
The administrative fee for the exchange (canje) is approximately €34–38 (Modelo 790 code 062). You also need a medical examination (reconocimiento médico) at a CRC (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores), which costs €30–60. Total: approximately €65–100. Processing time is 4–8 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a driving licence from scratch in Spain?
Taking the full test through a Spanish autoescuela (driving school) typically costs €1,000–2,500 depending on how many classes you need. This includes: theory classes, practical driving lessons, and exam fees. The theory test costs €94, the practical test €94. Most people need 15–30 hours of practical lessons (€25–45/hour).
Do I need a Spanish driving licence to buy a car in Spain?
No — you can buy and register a car in Spain with a valid foreign licence. However, if you are a legal resident and your licence is from a non-agreement country, you should obtain a Spanish licence within 6 months of getting your TIE. Driving with an expired foreign permit as a resident is an infraction.
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