PassDGT

Do I need to sit the DGT test? License exchange in Spain, by country

Checked on October 22, 2026 against the DGT list of exchange agreements (last updated by the DGT on 26/06/2026).

Countries with an exchange agreement (33)

If you are a resident of Spain and your license comes from one of these countries, you can exchange it. A license you obtained after you were already a legal resident of Spain cannot be exchanged (South Korea is the one exception). Source: DGT, países con convenio de canjes.

No agreement: you sit the test

Spain signs these agreements country by country, and the DGT list above is the complete list. If your country is not on it (and is not in the EU or EEA), you cannot exchange your license: you get a Spanish one by passing the theory and practical tests, like a new driver. That includes United States, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, Russia, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Venezuela. For the United States there is no agreement at federal or state level.

How long can I drive on my foreign license?

A non EU/EEA licence that is valid in Spain can be used for at most 6 months counted from the date you acquire normal residence in Spain (Reglamento General de Conductores, RD 818/2009, art. 21.2.c), provided it is in force and you meet the Spanish minimum age. If you do not prove normal residence, it is valid only while no more than 6 months have passed since you entered Spain legally. After 6 months it is no longer valid; you must exchange it (agreement countries only) or pass the Spanish tests (art. 21.3). You may exchange as soon as you become resident, without waiting for the 6 months (art. 22.2). DGT defines normal residence as the place you usually live for at least 185 days per calendar year. [1] [2] [3]

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

DGT advises anyone coming from outside the EU/EEA to get an International Driving Permit in their home country before arriving. The IDP is valid for one year and must always be carried with your passport and your foreign licence. Spain also accepts licences written in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation, and licences following the Geneva Convention Annex 9 or Vienna Convention Annex 6 model. All of these are subject to the same 6 month limit after you become resident. The US, Canadian and Australian governments all tell their citizens to carry an IDP in Spain (the US and Australian pages warn of fines or impoundment without one). [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Can I take the theory test in English?

Yes. The official DGT exam application form (Mod. 04, version 04/2026-11-ES) lists the theory exam languages as: Spanish, the co-official languages, English, French and German for classes A1, A2, B and points recovery (RPV); Spanish, co-official languages, English and French for C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E and DE; Spanish and co-official languages only for LCM, LVA, AM, BE, C197 and C1E97. The form limits only the co-official languages by region (Catalan in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Basque in the Basque Country and Navarre, Galician in Galicia, Valencian in the Valencian Community) and puts no regional limit on English. You choose the language on the exam application, which your driving school files for you, or you file yourself if you apply independently. [1] [2]

How much does the test cost?

The DGT exam fee (tasa 2.1) is 94.05 EUR per licence class, per the DGT exam page updated 09/07/2026. It covers two exam attempts; if you fail twice (same or different tests) you must apply again and pay a new fee. A passed test stays valid for two years. The fee does not include driving school costs or the medical report. For comparison, exchanging an agreement country car licence costs 28.87 EUR (tasa 2.3). [1] [2] [3]

UK license holders

Since 16/03/2023 the Spain and UK agreement has applied provisionally, so UK licences (DVLA, DVA Northern Ireland, Gibraltar DVDL) can be exchanged without tests for all classes, fee 28.87 EUR. UK licence holders already living in Spain on 16/03/2023 could drive for six months from that date. Anyone who enters or becomes resident later can drive on a UK licence for six months from the date of entry or of obtaining residence; after that you must have exchanged to keep driving. gov.uk says to apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. A UK licence obtained while already a legal resident in Spain cannot be exchanged (you would need to pass the Spanish tests). A UK licence that expired after you entered Spain can still be exchanged. You need a DVLA check code; Gibraltar licences do not. [1] [2] [3]

EU and EEA licenses

Licences issued in any EU member state or EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) are valid for driving in Spain while in force, with Spanish minimum ages applying. Exchanging for a Spanish licence is voluntary and needs no test (fee 28.87 EUR, tasa 2.3). Once you are a normal resident you fall under Spanish rules on validity periods, medical checks and points. If your licence has no expiry date, or is valid for more than 15 years (AM, A1, A2, A, B, B+E) or more than 5 years (C and D classes), you must renew it in Spain once 2 years have passed since you became a normal resident. When an EU licence expires, renewing it in Spain means exchanging it for a Spanish one (fee 24.58 EUR, tasa 4.3; free for people over 70). [1] [2] [3]

This page summarizes official DGT and BOE sources as of the date above. Rules and agreements change; check the DGT before you act. It is not legal advice.