Driving in Spain with a Chinese licence
Conducir en España con permiso chino
What it is
According to the DGT, if you come from a country outside the EU and the EEA you are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit in your country beforehand; it is valid for one year and is always used together with your passport and foreign licence. Licences written in Spanish or with an official translation, or issued according to the models of the Geneva or Vienna Conventions, are also valid, provided they are in force, the holder is the age required in Spain and no more than six months have passed since you became normally resident in Spain. After that period you must exchange the licence for a Spanish one or, if there is no agreement with your country, obtain a new Spanish licence. China does not appear on the list of countries with a licence exchange agreement published by the DGT (checked on 26/10/2026).
Official wording
Transcurrido dicho plazo, los mencionados permisos carecen de validez para conducir en España, y, si quieres seguir conduciendo, deberás canjear tu permiso por uno español equivalente o si no fuera posible por no existir convenio con tu país de origen, obtener un nuevo permiso español.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
Official sources
When
A foreign licence (in Spanish or with an official translation, or following the Geneva or Vienna conventions) is only valid for up to six months after you become normally resident in Spain, provided it is valid and you are old enough for the equivalent Spanish licence. After that you must exchange it or, if there is no agreement with your country, obtain a new Spanish licence. China is not on the DGT's list of countries with an exchange agreement.
Official wording
No haya transcurrido el plazo de seis meses, como máximo, contados desde que hayas adquirido la residencia normal en España.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: First six months: driving with your Chinese licence
During the six months after becoming normally resident, a licence from another country is valid in Spain if it is written in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation, or follows the Geneva or Vienna convention model. The DGT advises people from outside the EU to get an international permit in their country beforehand; it lasts one year and must always be carried with the passport and the foreign licence.
Official wording
Permisos de países que estén redactados en castellano o vayan acompañados de una traducción oficial del mismo.
Official sources
Step 2: Get the medical check
At an authorised Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores you get the psychophysical aptitude report, saying it is for a new licence and which class. It is valid for 90 days: the exam application must be filed 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 3: Register for the exam and pay the fee
The application is filed online or in person, or by the driving school if you train with one. The licence fee (type 2.1) is €94.05 and covers two attempts; if you fail twice you must apply and pay again. Driving school training is not included in the fee. You can also prepare on your own: the DGT offers free online practice tests.
Official wording
Para poder presentarte a los exámenes será necesario abonar una tasa, que te da derecho a dos convocatorias para exámenes.
Official sources
Step 4: Pass the theory and practical tests
A new licence requires passing a theory test and a practical test (and, for some classes, a manoeuvres test on a closed track). A passed test is kept for two years; if you do not get the licence in that time, you must retake all tests.
Official wording
El aprobado de una prueba se guardará durante dos años.
Official sources
Step 5: Receive the licence
On passing the last test you get a provisional licence to drive only within Spain for 3 months. The definitive licence arrives at your home in about a month and a half, with no further steps or fees.
Official wording
Sí, durante 3 meses podrás conducir con el permiso provisional.
Official sources
Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
Official sources
Official sources
Fees
Exam application for a licence (moped, motorbike, car, lorry or bus): €94.05, fee type 2.1. Covers two attempts.
Official wording
Para poder presentarte a los exámenes será necesario abonar una tasa, que te da derecho a dos convocatorias para exámenes.Official sources
FAQ
Can I exchange my Chinese licence for a Spanish one?
No: China is not on the DGT's list of countries with an exchange agreement, so after six months you must obtain a new Spanish licence.
Official wording
Transcurrido dicho plazo, los mencionados permisos carecen de validez para conducir en España, y, si quieres seguir conduciendo, deberás canjear tu permiso por uno español equivalente o si no fuera posible por no existir convenio con tu país de origen, obtener un nuevo permiso español.Official sources
Can I drive abroad with the provisional licence?
No. The provisional licence is only valid within Spain; to drive abroad you need an international permit.
Official wording
Con el carné provisional sólo puedes conducir dentro de nuestras fronteras.Official sources
Related procedures
Terms used on this page
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