Driving license and cars

1. Car Registration

The first administrative step to import a car is the customs check and clearance. Then the car needs to be registered at the local traffic department. Several documents are needed: application form, road tax receipt, ITV test certificate (MOT), receipt for the registration fee, your NIE, and your residence card (or the new green paper).

2. Driver's license 

EU residents only need to hold a driving license from their country of origin to legally drive in Spain.

Non-EU residents must obtain a Spanish driving license after one year of residency to entitle them to drive in Spain. In order to do this, you will have to take the Spanish driving test, practical and theoretical.

3. New drivers license in Spain

The theory exam is offered in Spanish or English. Once you have passed the theory exam, you can begin practical lessons. In Spain you can only legally learn to drive with a qualified driving instructor. Before you are allowed to take practical lessons, you have to pass your theory test. The minimum age to get a Spanish car license is 18.

4. Gestoría

We recommend you to use the service of a “Gestoría” to do the paperwork for you. A “gestor” is neither a lawyer, nor a solicitor, nor an accountant. He knows all about the Spanish bureaucracy. The “gestor” will sort out all the paperwork for you.

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