# AutoviaTest - Expat & International Driver Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-01-17 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference for International Drivers # Source: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > AutoviaTest helps expats and travelers learn driving rules in English for any country. Practice for your license test even when the official exam is only in the local language. --- ## Unique Value for International Drivers ### Practice Tests in English for All Countries AutoviaTest offers driving test practice in English for countries where the official test is NOT available in English: | Country | Official Test Language | English Practice Available | |---------|----------------------|---------------------------| | Spain | Spanish only | Yes - AutoviaTest | | France | French only | Yes - AutoviaTest | | Italy | Italian only | Yes - AutoviaTest | | Portugal | Portuguese only | Yes - AutoviaTest | | Vietnam | Vietnamese only | Yes - AutoviaTest | | Poland | Polish only | Yes - AutoviaTest | ### Countries Where Official Test IS in English | Country | Languages Available | Notes | |---------|-------------------|-------| | Germany | 13 languages incl. English | TÜV/DEKRA test centers | | Netherlands | Dutch & English | CBR test centers | | United Kingdom | English & Welsh | DVSA test centers | --- ## Grace Periods for Using Foreign Licenses How long can you drive with your foreign license after moving? | Country | Grace Period | Notes | |---------|-------------|-------| | Spain | 6 months | From residency registration | | Germany | 6 months | From Anmeldung registration | | France | 1 year | From titre de séjour issuance | | Italy | 1 year | From residency registration | | Netherlands | 185 days | From BRP registration | | Portugal | 90 days | For exchange-eligible countries | | UK | 12 months | From arrival | | Vietnam | 3 months | IDP validity | --- ## License Exchange Agreements by Country ### Spain Exchange Agreements (Direct Exchange, No Test) Countries with bilateral agreement: - South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela - Asia: Japan, South Korea, Philippines - Africa: Morocco - Other: Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine NO AGREEMENT (must take full test): USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, India ### Germany Exchange Agreements (Direct Exchange or Simplified Process) - EU/EEA: All member states (direct exchange) - Direct Exchange: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Israel, South Africa, Andorra, Monaco - USA: Most states have agreement (check specific state) - Canada: Most provinces have agreement - UK: Post-Brexit exchange possible NO AGREEMENT: Many African, Asian, South American countries ### France Exchange Agreements - EU/EEA: All member states - Direct Exchange: Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Lebanon, Turkey, Cambodia - Former Colonies: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire - Canada: Quebec only NO AGREEMENT: USA (except short visits), most of Latin America ### Netherlands Exchange Agreements - EU/EEA: All member states (valid indefinitely) - Direct Exchange: Switzerland, UK, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, Israel NO AGREEMENT: USA, Australia, New Zealand --- ## Typical Costs by Country | Country | License Conversion | Full Test (if needed) | |---------|-------------------|----------------------| | Spain | €180-250 | €800-1,500 | | Germany | €100-300 | €1,500-2,500 | | France | €100-200 | €1,000-2,000 | | Italy | €200-300 | €1,500-2,500 | | Netherlands | €50-100 | €2,000-3,000 | | Portugal | €100-200 | €800-1,200 | | UK | £43 | £400-800 | | Vietnam | $25-60 | $100-200 | --- ## Required Documents (Typical) Most countries require: 1. Valid passport 2. Proof of residence (registration document) 3. Original foreign driving license 4. Official translation of license (sworn translator) 5. Medical certificate (varies by country) 6. Passport photos 7. Application fee Country-specific requirements: - Spain: NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) - Germany: Anmeldung, First Aid Certificate, Eye Test - France: Titre de séjour, CERFA form - Italy: Codice Fiscale - Netherlands: DigiD, BRP registration - Portugal: NIF (tax number) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I take the Spanish driving test in English? No, the official DGT theory test is only available in Spanish. However, you can practice with AutoviaTest in English to learn all the rules before taking the official test in Spanish. ### Can I exchange my US license for a European one? It depends on the country. Germany has agreements with most US states for direct exchange. Spain, France, Italy, and Netherlands do NOT have agreements with the USA - you must take the full test. ### How long can I drive in Europe with my foreign license? As a visitor/tourist: Typically up to 6-12 months with a valid IDP. As a resident: Usually 6-12 months from establishing residency, then you must convert to a local license. ### What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)? An IDP is a translation of your home license into multiple languages. It does NOT replace your license - you must carry both. IDPs are typically valid for 1 year and are issued by your home country's automobile association (AAA in USA, AA in UK). ### Do I need to take driving lessons if I'm already a licensed driver? If your country has an exchange agreement: No lessons required. If you need to take the full test: You'll typically need lessons with an authorized driving school, as they know the local test requirements and routes. ### Which European country has the easiest process for expats? Germany is often considered the most expat-friendly because: - Test available in English (and 12 other languages) - Agreements with most major countries - Clear, standardized process --- ## Country-Specific Expat Guides Detailed guides available at: - Spain: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/spain - Germany: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/germany - France: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/france - Italy: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/italy - Netherlands: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/netherlands - Portugal: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/portugal - UK: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/uk - Vietnam: https://autoviatest.com/expat-license/vietnam --- ## Practice Tests for Expats AutoviaTest offers: - Official-style test questions - Practice in English for any country - Gamified learning (XP, streaks, achievements) - Detailed explanations for every question - Mobile-friendly platform Start practicing: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Expat Driving License Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com Email: contact@autoviatest.com This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check with the relevant government authority.