Getting a Spanish driving licence (test)
Obtener el permiso de conducir (examen)
What it is
To obtain a new licence you must pass a theory test and a practical test; for some licences also a manoeuvres test on a closed track. General requirements include living in Spain (foreign students from outside the EU must prove at least six continuous months), being the required age and being physically and mentally fit. First you get a fitness report at a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores (valid for 90 days) and then you apply for the tests, directly or through a driving school. The fee covers two sittings and a passed test is kept for two years. When you pass the last test you receive a provisional licence valid only in Spain, and the licence arrives at your home in about a month and a half.
Official wording
Para la obtención de un nuevo permiso es necesario superar un examen específico teórico y otro práctico.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
Official sources
When
If you live in Spain and want a new licence. If you hold a licence from the EU, the EEA or a country with a bilateral agreement with Spain, you do not need a new one: you can exchange it.
Official wording
y posees un permiso de conducir, no necesitas la obtención de uno nuevo, puedes canjear el que ya tienes.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Get the medical check
Go to an authorised Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores, say it is to obtain a licence and which type. The report is valid for 90 days: apply for the test before it expires.
Official wording
Este certificado tiene un período de validez de 90 días, deberás presentar tu solicitud para realizar el examen antes de que caduque.
Official sources
Step 2: Apply for the tests
If you go through a driving school, the school files your application; you can also prepare on your own.
Official wording
Si te presentas a través de una autoescuela, será la propia escuela la que se encargue de presentar tu solicitud
Official sources
Step 3: Theory test
You can practise for free on the DGT website with sample tests using real questions, without registering, choosing the test type and language.
Official wording
Simplemente selecciona el tipo de examen teórico a realizar, el idioma en el que quieres realizarlo y dale al botón ‘Entrar’
Official sources
Step 4: Practical test (and track test, if required)
Then the practical road test; for some licences, also a manoeuvres test on a closed track. Each passed test is kept for two years.
Official wording
El aprobado de una prueba se guardará durante dos años.
Official sources
Step 5: Receive the licence
When you pass the last test you get a provisional licence to drive in Spain for 3 months; the definitive one arrives home in about a month and a half, with no further steps or fees.
Official wording
En aproximadamente mes y medio recibirás tu permiso en tu domicilio sin que tengas que realizar ningún otro trámite ni abonar ninguna tasa.
Official sources
Documents
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
Official sources
Fees
You must pay a fee, which covers two sittings; if you fail twice, a new application and a new fee. Driving-school training is not included.
Official wording
Si suspendes dos veces, ya sea en una misma prueba o en pruebas diferentes, deberás presentar una nueva solicitud y abonar una nueva tasa.Official sources
FAQ
I cannot attend the test
If you have a justified reason, you can postpone it by cancelling your sitting.
Official wording
Sí, es posible anulando tu convocatoria a examen.Official sources
I move city after passing the theory test
The passed test (two years) and the report remain valid, but you must request a file transfer at the Jefatura de Tráfico of the province where you will take the test.
Official wording
pero debe presentar una solicitud de traslado de expediente en la Jefatura de Tráfico de la provincia en la que se vaya a examinar.Official sources
Can I drive abroad with the provisional licence?
No, only within Spain. To drive abroad you need the International Permit.
Official wording
Con el carné provisional sólo puedes conducir dentro de nuestras fronteras.Official sources
My licence has not arrived
After a reasonable time, go to the driving school where you got it so they report the problem to the DGT.
Official wording
Pasado un tiempo prudencial del trámite aconsejamos que vayas a la autoescuela dónde te sacaste el permisoOfficial sources
Related procedures
Terms used on this page
Spotted something outdated or wrong? Tell us