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Guide: Transport & Logistics

Driving in Spain with a Foreign License: Time Limits by Nationality

Expats moving to Spain: This practical guide covers driving time limits by nationality. Learn steps, documents, and timeline planning to navigate Spanish roads legally.

Updated February 12, 2026
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Spain can significantly improve your quality of life, but bureaucracy and planning mistakes can make your move expensive. This guide covers Driving in Spain with a Foreign License: Time Limits by Nationality, helping you stay legal while deciding whether to exchange your license or prepare for local testing.

Last reviewed on February 12, 2026. Rules, office criteria, and processing times can change. Confirm current requirements with official sources before filing or paying fees.

Clear promise

By the end of this guide, you will be able to make informed decisions and confidently plan your next steps for driving in Spain.

Quick reality check

This path is usually a good fit if:

  • You plan to drive regularly and want to stay legal from day one.
  • You can gather documents and complete medical/admin steps in sequence.

This path is harder if:

  • You depend on a car immediately but your license status is unresolved.
  • You move between cities without checking local driving restrictions first.

Decision questions to answer first

  • How long can you legally drive in Spain based on nationality/residency status?
  • Do you qualify for exchange (canje) or must you take local exams?
  • What transport backup is needed if processing takes longer than expected?

Step-by-step main guidance

1. Determine your legal driving window from your own timeline.

2. Confirm whether direct exchange (canje) applies to your country's agreement with Spain.

3. Gather documents and schedule appointments with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) and medical centers early.

4. Avoid driving beyond legal limit while paperwork is unresolved.

5. Set fallback mobility plan during processing delays.

Costs, timing, and required documents

Use these ranges for planning, not as guarantees:

  • Eligibility and document check: 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Appointments and tests/exchange processing: 2 to 12 weeks by province.
  • Vehicle compliance updates: variable by city and vehicle type.

Core documents to prepare:

  • Current foreign license and certified translations if needed.
  • Residency entry/registration records establishing timeline.
  • Passport and identity documentation for DGT procedures.
  • Medical exam and appointment records where required.
  • Proof of application progress for compliance and insurance contexts.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Assuming home-country validity period applies unchanged in Spain.
  • Waiting until deadline week to start exchange/testing process.
  • Driving under assumptions from another country instead of Spanish limits.

Final action plan: what to do this week

  1. Calculate your exact legal driving deadline in writing.
  2. Check canje eligibility for your issuing country.
  3. Book medical and DGT appointments immediately if needed.
  4. Plan public transport alternatives for potential gap periods.

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