Driving in Spain on a Foreign Licence: Tourists & New Residents (2026)

Two very different sets of rules apply, and mixing them up causes real problems. The key question is your residency status.

If you're a tourist / visitor

EU/EEA licences are fully valid — drive as normal.
Non-EU licences (UK, US, Canada, Australia, etc.) can be used on a valid national licence for short stays. Some nationalities should also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it.

If you become a resident

Once you're a legal resident, you can generally keep driving on your existing licence for 6 months. After that, you must either exchange it (if your country has an agreement with Spain) or get a Spanish licence the full way.

Exchange or full test?

EU/EEA: recognised and exchangeable easily.
Agreement countries (including the UK, Switzerland, Japan and most of Latin America): straight exchange, no test.
No agreement (for example the United States): no direct exchange — you must pass the Spanish theory (available in English) and practical tests.

Agreement lists and details change, so confirm your country's current status with the DGT before you rely on an exchange.

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists drive in Spain on a foreign licence?
Yes — EU licences are fully valid, and non-EU visitors can drive on a valid national licence (some should also carry an IDP).

How long can a resident use a foreign licence?
Generally 6 months after becoming a resident, then you must exchange it or get a Spanish licence.

Does the US have an exchange agreement?
No — US licence holders must take the Spanish theory (available in English) and practical tests.

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Continue: exchange a UK licence · DGT test in English · licence for foreigners.