Obtaining Drivers License in Spain

Burriana Babs · #1 (**permalink**) 10th December 2007, 05:40 PM

I understand you have to have a current valid drivers license to change over in Spain. Is this correct? Do they allow any extension as my drivers license expires 17th of January and I will apply for my residencia cert. 20th Dec. So do not think I will have my residencia before my license expires.

Any one know of anyway around this?

If not getting around it, then will I have to take a written test and a driving test to get a license in Spain? Is it hard or pretty simple?

Any help would be appreciated.

Stravinsky · #2 (**permalink**) 10th December 2007, 11:32 PM

Depends if you speak Spanish .... the Driving test here is all in Spanish.

As an EU citizen my licence can be used here under the EU system, although it has to be changed to a Spanish one when it expires.

I have read on several occasions and on other forums that a US licence will not be acceptable if you are a resident here, and you would need to take a test.

However I also read that an International licence would be acceptable, but I have my doubts on that if you are resident in Spain

Bevdeforges · #3 (**permalink**) 11th December 2007, 06:31 AM

Any way you can renew your driver's license now? (I'm assuming you're from the US, where you have to renew every 4 years or so.) That way you'll have a valid license when it's time to apply for your Spanish one.

Normally, it's only licenses from certain states that can be exchanged for a local license. Check with the Consulate (US consulate in Spain) to see which states have reciprocity. If your license is from one of the "lucky states" it will be worthwhile to renew a bit early if you possibly can. Otherwise, you may need to start looking for driving schools.

Stravinsky · #4 (**permalink**) 11th December 2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burriana Babs

I understand you have to have a current valid drivers license to change over in Spain. Is this correct? Do they allow any extension as my drivers license expires 17th of January and I will apply for my residencia cert. 20th Dec. So do not think I will have my residencia before my license expires.

Any one know of anyway around this?

If not getting around it, then will I have to take a written test and a driving test to get a license in Spain? Is it hard or pretty simple?

Any help would be appreciated.

Oh, btw, normally the issue of residencia certificates is immediate. You go down to the local police station, fill in a form, and then go to the bank to pay. The cert is issued when you return to the station. Is it different where you are, or are you under the old system (res card)

Burriana Babs · #5 (**permalink**) 12th December 2007, 12:48 PM

Well it is not really different here, but ecause I am married to a British citizen and I am American things are handled a little different. Hopefully I will get my certificate before my license expires. I have found out that the cost of getting a Spanish license is really steep. Hopefully I will just be able to exchange mine.

Bevdeforges · #6 (**permalink**) 12th December 2007, 04:50 PM

Not to burst your bubble, but I just found this on the website of the US Embassy in Madrid (the typo is authentic):

"There is no reciprocal agreement between Spain and the US for facilitating the obtaining of a Spanish Driver’s License. Therefore, American citizens in Spain who which to obtain Spanish driver’s license must comply with Spanish driving regulations."

I think you'll find that getting a driver's license anywhere in Europe is expensive (certainly compared to the US, where it's often said you can get your driving license for "50 cents and a Wheaties boxtop" <g>).

On the bright side, I wound up having to take driving lessons in Germany to get my license there. It actually isn't a half bad idea - you actually will know the driving rules (which are just a little different from those in the US). Besides, most European licenses are good forever (or until you hit the age of 65 or 70). Think of it as an investment.

Stravinsky · #7 (**permalink**) 12th December 2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

"There is no reciprocal agreement between Spain and the US for facilitating the obtaining of a Spanish Driver’s License. Therefore, American citizens in Spain who which to obtain Spanish driver’s license must comply with Spanish driving regulations."

Yes, thats what I mentioned above ..... theres a reciprocal agreement with EU countries, but from outside the EU its a test, and I'm afraid its in Spanish which adds to the problems.

Burriana Babs · #8 (**permalink**) 13th December 2007, 04:24 PM

My understanding is because I am married to a EU citizen I have to be treated the same as he is. Therefore my license would be exchangable. But my problem is that I may not get my resl. cert before my license expires. Yes my current license is an american license.

Burriana Babs · #9 (**permalink**) 15th December 2007, 04:18 PM

Well guess I will not have to worry about it for a while longer. Got word from my Gestor that he had submitted the documents to the Malaga police and the specialist there said my marriage licence was not valid

as it is over 3 months old. Well I would think so I have been married for 5 1/2 years

. But what I think they really ment was that the certified copy date was over the time period. But that will not be a real problem as I can get another copy in January when my hubby takes a trip over to the UK.

I will see my Gestor on Wednesday

and get additional information from him regarding all of this. Will let you know how that turns out

.