Yes, as long as your driving licence is issued by an EU country or by a country that has a license exchange agreement with Spain, it is valid in Spain.
Further information is provided below
“Yes, as long as your driving licence is issued by an EU country or by a country that has a license exchange agreement with Spain, it is valid in Spain.” This means that citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can drive in Spain using their own driving license without the need for additional documentation. It is important to note, however, that if the license is not in a Roman alphabet, an official translation or International Driving Permit may be required.
Here are some interesting facts about driving in Spain:
Spain follows right-hand traffic rules, meaning vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Spain is 0.05%, lower than some other European countries such as the UK and Germany.
It is mandatory to keep a reflective vest and a warning triangle in the car in case of emergency.
Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited and can result in hefty fines.
Spain has a well-developed network of highways called autopistas, but some of them require toll payment.
Here is a table of countries with license exchange agreements with Spain:
Country
License Exchange Agreement
Andorra
Yes
Argentina
Yes
Brazil
Yes
Chile
Yes
Colombia
Yes
Dominican Republic
Yes
Ecuador
Yes
Filipines
Yes
Japan
Yes
Mexico
Yes
Morocco
Yes
Panama
Yes
Paraguay
Yes
Peru
Yes
South Korea
Yes
Tunisia
Yes
Turkey
Yes
Ukraine
Yes
Uruguay
Yes
Overall, as long as your driving license is issued by an eligible country, you can drive in Spain without issues. It is always recommended to review the specific rules and regulations of the country you are visiting before driving in it.
This YouTube video explains the process of obtaining a valid Spanish driving license. Different situations require different processes, whether it is for exchanging or renewing a foreign license or taking the test for the first time. Depending on the country of origin, there may be options for exchanging a license for a Spanish one or taking the tests in English or with an automatic car. However, failure of the test incurs additional fees, and only one failure is allowed. The video provides tips on studying and recommends using a specific driving school for practice classes. Once the practical test is passed, a temporary license is issued, and a green sign plate must be displayed. The video also suggests celebrating with a road trip and offers legal advice resources.
Many additional responses to your query
Can I drive with my U.S. driver’s license in Spain? U.S. citizens who plan to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to their arrival. An international driving permit translates your state-issued driver’s license into ten languages so that officials in foreign countries can interpret it.
In other words, their licenses are valid in Spain; although with a nuance: they must be over the minimum age required to drive a vehicle in Spain (which is 18 years old).
Your European driving licence will be valid in Spain as long as it is current. Any exchange of your valid EU licence is therefore entirely voluntary.
These topics will undoubtedly pique your attention
Which driving license is valid in Spain?
Response: Under Spanish law, visitors on a 90-day limit stay or having a Schengen Tourist Visa may drive a vehicle in Spain if they hold a valid home country driving license and a valid International Driving Permit. In other words, you need BOTH licenses.
How long can I drive in Spain on a US license?
As an answer to this: 6 months Americans are legally allowed to drive in Spain using their US license for a period of up to 6 months, in conjunction with an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a document that bears your pertinent information in 10 different languages and is recognized in over 174 countries worldwide.
Do I need an international driver's license for Spain?
In order to drive a car around Spain, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be carried around in addition to your valid US license. You can obtain this permit at your local AAA branch for a cost of $20 and it has a validity of 12 months.
Does my US driver license work in Europe?
As a response to this: If you have a valid license from your home state, you can drive in European countries for up to 90 days without further documentation. However, once you have spent more than 90 days in Europe and wish to continue driving there, it is recommended that you get an International Driver’s License (IDL).
How long is a driving license valid in Spain?
Your license issued from a country other than Spain is valid for a short while, after which you might be able to exchange it… Licence holders 18 years of age and older, with a valid licence from anywhere other than the EEA countries may legally drive in Spain for up to six months after first acquiring Spanish residency.
Can I drive a Spanish car if I live in Spain?
The answer is: The driving licence requirement. If you are from a non-EU country, living in Spain, you may drive a Spanish car on the licence issued in your home country for up to 6 months from the date your TIE (Foreigners Identity Card) states your residency starts.
What happens if a foreign license expires in Spain?
After six months the foreign licence is no longer valid. Exchange agreements exist between Spain and some countries which allow the licence holder to exchange their licence for an equivalent Spanish one. Spain has a special licence exchange agreement with Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and Andorra.
Can I get an international driver's license in Spain?
The response is: You’ll only be able to apply for an International Driver’s License in your own country and at you place of residence. There is no point in asking for one in Spain, as this procedure is available only to Spaniards.
Can I Drive in Spain if my permit expires?
The reply will be: Once said period has expired, the aforementioned permits are not valid for driving in Spain, and should you want to continue driving, you must apply for a Spanish driving licence, meeting the requirements and passing the corresponding tests, unless an agreement is in place between Spain and the country that has issued your driving licence.
Do I need to take a driving licence test in Spain?
You do not need to take a test. If the driving licence has an indefinite period of validity (no expiry date), or is valid more than 15 years for group 1 (AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE), or more than five years for group 2 (C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE), you must renew it two years after being granted residence in Spain.
What is an international driver's license in Spain?
An international driver’s license in Spain, officially known as the International Driving Permit (IDP), is a document that translates the information from your U.S. driver’s license into Spanish. When driving in Spain, you must have the IDP to assist foreign agents in validating your license.
Can I exchange my driving licence in Spain?
If you acquired it after becoming a legal resident in Spain, it cannot be exchanged for a Spanish licence. However, even if your licence has expired since your arrival in Spain, you can still exchange it. Licences issued by the UK and Northern Ireland will remain valid for driving in Spain for six months from March 16th 2023.
