How to Get Your Spanish Driving License (Carnet de Conducir) - Complete 2025 Guide

Before starting the process, ensure you meet the basic requirements and collect all necessary documentation. The first step is understanding what documents you'll need and eligibility criteria.

• Eligibility Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for categories B (cars), 16 for motorcycles, have a valid Spanish residence or be a Spanish citizen, Have a valid ID document (DNI for Spanish citizens, NIE for residents, or passport for foreigners)
• Required Documents: Valid National ID (DNI) or NIE or Passport, Proof of residence (within last 3 months) - utility bill, rental contract, or official document
• Medical examination proof - from a DGT-approved medical center (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores)
• Application form (Solicitud de Licencia de Conducción) - available at traffic offices or DGT website
• Proof of payment of processing fees (approximately €200-300 depending on license category and region)
• Two recent passport-sized photos (4x4 cm)
• For citizens of certain countries: Your foreign license (if exchanging) or international driving permit documentation

The medical examination is mandatory for all applicants. It ensures you are physically and mentally fit to drive safely.

• What to Expect: The examination includes vision tests (minimum 0.5 in each eye, 0.8 combined), hearing tests, color blindness tests, and assessment of physical and mental fitness
• Where to Get It Done: Visit a DGT-approved medical center (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores) - these are private clinics authorized by the DGT
• Cost: Usually €80-150 per examination
• Documents to Bring: Valid ID, two passport-sized photos, any medical records if you have health conditions
• Validity: The medical certificate is valid for 5 years for drivers under 65, and must be renewed after that
• Special Cases: If you have medical conditions, declare them - the examiner will assess if you can still drive safely. Most conditions don't prevent you from driving.

Most people choose to enroll in an autoescuela (driving school). While not legally mandatory, it's highly recommended and makes the process much easier.

• Choosing a Driving School: Look for schools accredited by DGT (all legitimate schools must be), check reviews from previous students, compare prices (typically €600-1200 for the full program)
• What the School Does: Provides theory classes and practice tests, arranges your practical driving lessons, handles DGT registration paperwork, books your official tests
• Enrollment Process: Bring all required documents to the school, sign the enrollment contract, pay the fees, The school submits your application to the local DGT office
• Alternative (Self-Study): You can self-study for theory and take the test directly at DGT without a school, but you'll still need to arrange practical lessons privately
• Timeline: Enrollment takes 1-2 weeks, then you have up to 12 months to complete both theory and practice tests

The theory test (examen de teoría) is a computer-based exam that covers Spanish traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to answer 30 questions.

• Test Format: 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at official DGT testing centers, You need at least 27 correct answers (90%) to pass, Each wrong answer costs you 1 point
• Test Content: Traffic laws and regulations (40%), Road signs and their meanings (30%), Safe driving techniques and hazard perception (30%)
• How to Study: Use the official DGT test bank (available online and through driving schools), Practice with mock exams to familiarize with the format, Focus on traffic signs - they make up a significant portion, Study defensive driving principles and priority rules
• Test Day: Arrive 15 minutes early with your ID, You'll be assigned a computer and given instructions, Read each question carefully - there are often trick questions, You can mark questions to review later, Check your answers before submitting
• Results: Available immediately on screen, If you pass, you get a certificate valid for 2 years, If you fail, you can retake after 2 weeks (max 5 attempts within 2 years)

After passing theory, you must complete practical driving lessons and pass the practical test. This typically takes 2-4 months depending on your progress.

• Practical Lessons: Minimum 20-30 hours required by law, lessons are 1 hour long and cost €30-50 each, You'll learn city driving, highway driving, night driving, and parking
• With Your Driving School: The school arranges all lessons and schedules your practical test when you're ready, Instructors know the official test routes and what examiners look for
• Without a School: You must arrange lessons with a private instructor and register yourself with the DGT
• Scheduling Your Test: Your school (or you) books the practical test through the DGT website or by visiting an office, Peak times mean waits of 2-3 months, so book as early as possible
• Test Duration: The practical test lasts approximately 50 minutes, You drive predetermined routes through urban, interurban, and sometimes highway areas, The examiner evaluates your vehicle control, hazard awareness, rule compliance, and driving behavior

The practical driving test is the final hurdle. Once you pass both theory and practical exams, your Spanish driving license will be issued.

• On Test Day: Arrive 15 minutes early with your ID and documents, The examiner will inspect your vehicle for safety equipment, You'll drive a predetermined route (about 50 minutes), The examiner observes but doesn't give instructions
• What Examiners Look For: Proper vehicle control and smooth driving, Safe lane changing and overtaking, Correct use of mirrors and signals, Hazard perception and anticipation, Following traffic laws and priority rules, Proper parking and reverse driving, Calm reaction to complex traffic situations
• Practical Test Pass/Fail: You pass if you drive safely and don't commit major faults, Minor faults are tolerated (rough gear changes, slightly wide turns), Major faults result in immediate failure - these include running red lights, dangerous maneuvers, or ignoring examiner's instructions
• If You Fail: You can retake after 2 weeks, Most people pass within 2-3 attempts
• Getting Your License: If you pass, the examiner issues a temporary driving permit immediately, Your physical license (carnet) arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks, Your license is valid for 10 years (until age 70, then must renew every 5 years)