Questions about Spanish driving exams and changing driving license?

[Groupy]

Hi there,

Is it possible to take a driving test in Spain with an automatic car? Any limitations? Special rules applied?

[Anderson]

Hey, the rules are easy - if you pass exam on automatic transmission (which is possible here in Spain), you get a license for driving cars with automatic transmission only. If you pass the exam with manual transmission, there is no limit, you can drive both, automatic and manual.

[Spanier]

We are considering applying for our NLVs, and we were wondering if we can only drive using our UK (any other non-EU country) license for six months after becoming residents, after which we would have to pass a Spanish driving test.

[Anderson]

@Spanier This is correct, legally you can use your driving license within 6 months after entering to the country with resident visa. The date of entry will be on your residency card (in Spanish, TIE - tarjeta de identidad extranjero).

 

However, there is an agreement in place for the exchange of non-EU (including UK) licenses. To keep your original license you would need to go through the Spanish driving tests, and some people are glad because they are able to keep my UK license. If you choose to exchange your license, you will lose your original license. It's up to you to decide what option works best for you.

 

The official list of the countries which licenses can be exchanged. In Spanish the process of exchange is called: "Canje de permiso de conducir".