Driving in Spain

Did you know that if you're an expat staying in Spain and have a UK registered car, you don't need to switch your license plates to Spanish ones?

You can simply keep driving as you would in the UK. This is great news for anyone who's not looking forward to the process of getting used to new license plates, especially since it can be a bit confusing knowing which plate goes where and what the different colours and designs mean.

So, if you're an expat staying in Spain and have a UK registered car, read on for some tips on how to drive it in Spain!

Can I Drive in Spain With A UK License?

Yes, you can drive in Spain on a valid UK driving licence. You must be at least 17 years old and have a minimum 3rd party insurance.

After Brexit, Will I Need An International Driving Permit To Drive In Spain In 2022?

British drivers will be able to travel in Spain without having an international driving license beginning January 2021. According to Spanish authorities, British motorists may now drive without an international driving licence. For UK Spanish residents or Expats different rules apply with regards to a valid driving license.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when driving in Spain with a UK registered car is that you must always have a valid driving license with you.

This is because Spanish law requires all drivers to be able to produce your UK driving licence on demand, so if you're stopped by the police or get into an accident, you'll need to be able to show them your driving licence.

Valid Third-Party Insurance

Another important thing to remember is that you must have insurance for your car that covers you for driving in Spain. This is because the UK's motor insurance laws don't apply in Spain, so if you're involved in an accident and don't have Spanish insurance, you could be liable for any damages.

Regulations For Driving Abroad Such As Spain

When in Spain or more than one country, you should be aware of the different speed limits that are in place. These vary depending on the type of road you're on, so it's important to know what the limit is before you start driving.

For example, the speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, while on urban roads it's 50 km/h. If you're caught driving over the speed limit, you could be fined or even have your license taken away, so it's important to stick to the limit.

Remember that travelling in a EU country is different to driving in the UK, so you'll need to get used to things like driving on the right hand side of the road and using a different side of roundabouts. However, once you get used to it, driving in a foreign country can be a great experience!

Before embarking on a trip to Spain with your own vehicle, it's important to have everything in order. Check with your insurance provider to verify that your coverage will continue or if you need to upgrade it. Let's look at how to build a checklist for driving in Spain.

What Do I Need To Drive In Spain? 

• Driving licences - UK licence issued or Spanish driver's license
• Insurance documents
• Registration documents such as a V5
• A current MOT Certificate
• The UK sticker (GB) valid Great Britain
• Two warning triangles and several Dayglo High Vis Vests for you and your passengers just in case your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident
• Headlight beam deflectors which can be purchased from most petrol stations
• A few sets of light bulbs for your headlights and indicators
• Mobile phones with GPS

Driving Licence In Spain - Getting A Spanish License! 

Unfortunately, due to Brexit you are no longer allowed in Europe or the Schengen area countries for more than 90 days at a time. However, if you are driving abroad as a tourist, you may drive in Spain with a UK driving license up to 3 months without the need for an international driving permit idp, or the older paper version licence or a Green Card.

However, the rules change slightly if you are thinking of staying in Spain longer with a UK registered car or becoming a Spanish resident. You are allowed to drive your UK registered vehicle in Spain for up to six months. After that, you will need to begin the lengthy process of registering in Spain.

Registering Your UK Car In Spain

If you're driving a UK registered car in Spain, and you planning to stay for longer than 90 days or you are thinking of making Spain your home country you can re-register your vehicle with the Spanish authorities. This process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

You'll need to fill out a form known as the 'Vehicle Registration Certificate', which you can get from your local Spanish motoring organisation or driving school. Once you have the form, you'll need to take it to your local Spanish town hall, along with your car's registration document, proof of ID and proof of address.

You'll also need to pay a fee for the re-registration, as well as any outstanding taxes or duties on the vehicle. Once the process is complete, you'll be issued with a new registration certificate and Spanish number plates.

Paying Car Import Tax In Spain

If you're driving UK registered vehicles in Spain, you'll need to pay import tax. This tax is based on the value of your vehicle, and you'll need to pay it when you register your car with the Spanish authorities.

The amount of tax you'll need to pay will depend on the value of your car, but it's important to note that you'll only need to pay this tax once. After that, you won't need to pay any additional taxes on your car, regardless of how long you keep it.

Exchanging Your British Driving License For A Spanish License

Another downside when you drive abroad with a UK registered car is that you can only use your UK driving licence for six months from the date of your registration. After that, you'll need to exchange your driving licence for the national driving license of Spain.

This process involves taking a driving test, so it's important to allow plenty of time such as 8 months minimum to prepare for it.

Once you have your Spanish driving license you'll be able to continue driving in Spain without any problems.

The Spanish Driving Test

The Spanish driving test consists of practical and theory sections. You must get 27 or more out of 30 questions correct in the theory test. Then you will have to show your driving skills to a Spanish driving examiner in order to get your full valid license.

What Documents Do I Need To Take A Spanish Driving Test?

In Spain as it is anywhere else, you'll have to fill out some paperwork, just like you would if you were applying for a UK Driving Test. Here's what you need!

• You will need 2 passport-sized photos
• Health documents with photocopies.
• A residency permit known as a NIE or TIE
• A receipt shows that you have paid the correct fee of €92,20. The form known as the Expedición de Permisos de Circulación is also needed.

Note: You won't be able to get your health certificate until you've completed a 'fitness to drive' exam. This is a physical and mental health examination that checks your eyesight, hearing, and reaction time. You must pass this test within 90 days of your driving test date to keep it valid for 90 days.

Attending A Spanish Driving School

The most common way to prepare for your Spanish driving test is to register in a Spanish driving school. However, please check that the driving school you choose offers lessons and practice tests in English.

Many major towns and cities will have driving schools that can teach people to drive without you knowing how to speak Spanish.

The driving school you choose will not only be able to provide driving lessons, but also help you book your theoretical and practical exams. They can also help you book your health document test, which can save you time and hassle.

Passing the Driving Theory Test

The official name for the driving test in Spain is Prueba de Conducción, which translates to " Driving Test." It consists of 30 questions, which are all multiple-choice.

If you're an experienced UK driver, many of the questions should be straightforward. However, the style of the questions may be confusing due to the conversion from English to Spanish.

Passing the Drivers Practical Test

The day of your driving test will be arranged by your driving school through the local Government Department. The government department in charge of driving tests is known as the Spanish Traffic Department (DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico). The practical test for each school is set for a specific day.

On the day of your test, you will go to the vehicle provided by the school with your driving instructor. You will wait for an examiner to come out and meet you. The examiner will then assess how well you drive.

When it comes to passing the test, you'll need to remain as relaxed as possible and have a good knowledge of the national and local driving regulations. Keep a close look out for road signs, speed limits and check your mirror frequently.

The Cost of Taking Your Driving Test in Spain

Unfortunately, to obtain your Spanish driving license isn’t cheap. The average cost to pass your test can be 600€ to 1200€ or more.

If you don’t need to take many lessons, then you may find that the cost is much lower. To help you better understand the costs involved, here is a breakdown of the costs:

• Health document - pre-test physical examination 35€
• Driving school registration fee 200€
• Theory exam-92€
• Driving lessons-25€ to 45€ each depending on the area you live
• Practical exam-123€
• Issue of a Spanish driving licence €99.77

These are the costs to obtain your Spanish driving licence! Spain is the eighth most expensive country in the world for licences and it shows. And to make things worse you can take the Spanish theory test in English, but you must complete the practical exam in Spanish.

Many of the regulations for driving in Spain have changed since Brexit in 2016, and there still some uncertainty about driving in Spain. We recommend contacting your local Spanish consulate or embassy for more information if at all unsure.

In the meantime, if you are planning on driving in Spain, make sure you have all the necessary documents and equipment required by law. And don't forget, our team of experts are here to help guide you through the process - from getting your car insured in Spain as well as any advice on obtaining a Spanish driving license or just renting a car while in Spain.

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