For foreign citizens residing in Spain, the procedure for replacing a driving license depends on the country where it was originally issued. During the first six months, incoming motorists can use their national licenses, after which they need to be replaced. If a person does not have a driving license, they need to pass a test.
Content:
- Procedure for replacing a driving license in Spain
- How to get a driving license in Spain for the first time?
- The cost of learning in a driving school
Procedure for replacing a driving license in Spain
- Before changing the driving license, a foreign citizen must become a resident of Spain. Usually, this means obtaining a residence permit. According to the law, a person who has bought real estate in Spain for more than $540,000 is entitled to a "Golden Visa". There are other ways as well.
- Preparation of necessary documents. To replace a license, you need to provide:
- original driving license and its official translation into Spanish;
- application for replacement;
- copies of a passport or other identification document.
- Submission of documents to the local traffic department Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico.
- Payment of a fee. The amount of money that needs to be paid for the service can vary depending on the region.
- Undergoing a medical examination. In some cases, a foreign citizen must undergo a medical examination to confirm the ability to drive a car.
How to get a driving license in Spain for the first time?
Obtaining a driving license in Spain requires training and subsequent passing of theoretical and practical exams. To understand the procedure, we have compiled a step-by-step guide.
Registration in a driving school
Choose a driving school that offers lessons in your language or provides an interpreter if you find it difficult to understand Spanish. Register and sign up for driver training in the category that meets your needs
Theoretical training
After registering at the driving school, you will start your theoretical training. You will be provided with teaching materials, including the official Código de Circulación manual on traffic rules. You need to study these materials to pass the theoretical exam. This check can be done without prior preparation in school, by registering independently on the website of the General Directorate of Traffic. The total number of exam questions is 15,500; your ticket will contain 30 of them. When answering, you can make no more than three mistakes.
Practical training
After passing the theoretical exam, you will start practical lessons. You will be assigned an instructor who will teach you the basics of driving. In practical lessons, you will learn and consolidate skills in car control, parking, performing maneuvers, etc. At the end of the course, you have to pass an exam. For category B rights, it lasts 30 minutes. During this time, the examiner from the Department of Transport will ask several questions about the technical design of the car and assess your driving skills. A ride of about 10 minutes is carried out according to the instructions of the examiner.
Issuance of a driving license
After successfully passing the theoretical and practical exams, you will receive a temporary electronic driving permit. The plastic original will be sent by mail. Usually, waiting for a driver's card takes about a month.
The cost of learning in a driving school
The cost of driving lessons in Spain can vary depending on the driving school and the chosen category. Before starting lessons, it is worth calculating possible costs. A practical hour will cost between $38-43. To pass the exams, you need to pay state duties in the amount of $425. This gives the right to two attempts. If the exam was not successful, you need to pay the duty again. Additional costs for teaching materials will be about $32-60. In addition to the above costs, consider other possible expenses, such as medical examination and translation of documents into Spanish. The final price largely depends on the specific driving school and the training area. In Granada and Coruña, you can save well, paying just over $500, while classes in Murcia and Barcelona will cost $990.
To successfully obtain or replace a license, keep in mind that the requirements for drivers may vary slightly depending on the region of the country. The issuance of a driving license in Spain is a standardized, well-formalized process. With a serious approach, attention to details, and precise compliance with the required algorithm of actions, there will be no problems with the paperwork.