Driving in Spain for British Expats (2026): Licences, Exchange & Rules

If you're a Brit living in (or moving to) Spain, your driving situation depends on whether you're a visitor or a resident.

Visiting

A valid UK licence is fine for short visits. It's the moment you become a resident that the clock starts.

Resident: exchange your UK licence

Thanks to the UK–Spain agreement, British residents can exchange a UK licence for a Spanish one without any test — but only within 6 months of becoming resident. Miss the window and you lose the easy route.

If you missed the deadline

You'll get your Spanish licence the standard way: the DGT theory test (available in English, 27/30 to pass) and the practical. Thousands of Brits do it every year — preparing the theory in English makes it quick. See the full step-by-step.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Spain on my UK licence?
As a visitor, yes. As a resident you have 6 months to exchange it for a Spanish licence.

Do British residents have to take a test?
Not if you exchange within the 6-month window — that's test-free. Miss it and you take the theory and practical.

Is the theory test available in English?
Yes — the DGT Class B theory test can be sat in English.

Study in English, pass first time

Coche Test gives you real DGT-style questions in English and Spanish, every road sign and timed mock exams. Start free with the 50 most-failed questions.

Start practising free →

Continue: exchange a UK licence · foreign licence rules · DGT test in English.