Tel: +34 93 665 8596 | info@spectrum-ifa.com | LinkedIn Facebook

Driving in Spain as an expat

By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 4th October 2025

What you need to know about licences and rules

If you’re planning to drive in Spain as an expat, there are a few important things to know before hitting the road. From converting your license to understanding local rules, here’s a complete guide to make the process easier.

If you are based in the Costa Blanca region or thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Matthew
If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

Can You Drive on Your Current Licence?

  • EU/EEA Drivers: You can use your existing licence, but you may need to exchange it after two years of residency.
  • Non-EU Drivers: You can usually drive with your foreign license for up to 6 months after becoming a Spanish resident. After that, you must get a Spanish licence.
  • UK Drivers Post-Brexit: UK licences are no longer automatically valid beyond 6 months, but there’s a process to exchange without retaking the test (if done within the allowed timeframe).

How to Exchange Your Licence for a Spanish One

You’ll need:

  • Valid foreign driving licence
  • Proof of residency (padrón certificate)
  • Passport/NIE
  • Medical check at an authorized center (psicotécnico)
  • Passport-size photos
  • Application fee (around €28)

Appointments are booked through the DGT website (Spain’s traffic authority).

Driving Rules

Driving Rules Expats Should Know

  • Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 30 km/h in many urban areas.
  • Always carry: licence, insurance, car papers, high-vis vest, and warning triangle.
  • Using your phone while driving—even on speaker—can result in heavy fines unless hands-free.
  • Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l (lower than in some countries).

Insurance and Car Registration

If you bring your own car from abroad, you’ll need to register it in Spain and pay the relevant taxes. This can be complex—many expats hire a gestor to handle the process.

 

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Transition

Sorting out your driving documents is just one part of settling in Spain. Managing taxes, pensions, and investments under Spanish rules is another big step—and getting it right early can save you stress and money later.

As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial worries.

If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.

Article by Matthew Green

If you are based in the Costa Blanca area you can contact Matthew at: matthew.green@spectrum-ifa.com for more information. If you are based in another area within Europe, please complete the form below and we will put a local adviser in touch with you.

Contact Matthew Green direct about: "Driving in Spain as an expat"

    The Spectrum IFA Group is committed to building long term client relationships. This form collects your name and contact details so we can contact you about this specific enquiry. For further information, please see our Privacy Policy.