Driving & Cars in Spain

Driving Licences

UK Licence After Brexit

Since Brexit, UK licences are treated as non-EU licences. The rules:

• **Visitors:** Can drive on UK licence for up to 6 months

• **Residents:** Must exchange or take Spanish test within 6 months of becoming resident

Exchanging Your UK Licence

There's no automatic exchange agreement with the UK since Brexit. The process has been slow and complicated. Currently, you may need to:

1. Apply for licence exchange (canje) at DGT

2. If exchange isn't processed, take Spanish driving test

The exchange situation changes—check current DGT guidance or ask a gestoria for the latest.

Taking the Spanish Test

If you need to take the test:

• **Theory test:** Multiple choice, available in English

• **Practical test:** With examiner, stricter than UK

Many expats use driving schools that specialise in helping foreigners. Budget €500-1,500 for lessons and test fees.

Other EU Licences

EU licence holders can drive indefinitely on their home licence, but should register it with DGT after 2 years of residency.

Buying a Car

New vs Used

• Warranty and support

• Finance options available

• VAT (IVA) at 21% included in price

• Registration tax based on emissions

• Better value

• Check for debts attached to vehicle (important!)

• Transfer tax of 4-8% on purchase price

• ITV (MOT) status critical

The Purchase Process

For used cars:

1. Check the vehicle history - Ask seller for DGT traffic report

2. Check for debts - Use a gestoria to verify no cargas (debts/fines) on the vehicle

3. Check ITV status - Valid ITV is essential

4. Sign the contract - Private sale or dealer contract

5. Pay transfer tax - At regional tax office

6. Transfer ownership - At DGT (traffic office) or via gestoria

Where to Buy

• **Dealers:** Safer, often include warranty

• **Private sales:** Cheaper, more risk

• **Wallapop, Milanuncios:** Spanish classifieds, popular for used cars

• **Coches.net, Autocasion:** Car-specific portals

Car Insurance

Insurance (seguro) is mandatory. Types:

• **Terceros básico:** Third-party only (cheapest)

• **Terceros ampliado:** Third-party with extras (theft, fire, windows)

• **Todo riesgo con franquicia:** Comprehensive with excess

• **Todo riesgo:** Fully comprehensive

ITV (The Spanish MOT)

The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is an annual inspection for vehicles over 4 years old.

• Emissions

• Brakes

• Lights

• Tyres

• Bodywork

• General safety

Rules of the Road

Key Differences from UK

• **Drive on the right**

• **Priority to the right** at unmarked junctions

• **Roundabouts:** Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (same as UK, but from the right)

• **Speed limits:** 120 km/h motorways, 90 km/h other roads, 50 km/h urban

• **Drink-drive limit:** 0.5mg/ml blood (lower than UK)

• **Mobile phones:** Completely prohibited while driving, even hands-free in some situations

• **Wearing flip-flops:** Technically illegal while driving

Required Equipment

You must carry:

• Two warning triangles (not just one)

• Reflective vest (in car, not boot)

• Spare wheel or repair kit

• Driving licence

• Vehicle documents and insurance

Fines and Points

Spain has a points system (permiso por puntos). You start with 12 points and lose them for offences. Heavy fines for speeding, drink-driving, and mobile phone use.

Bringing a UK Car to Spain

You can bring your UK car, but must re-register it in Spain within 6 months of becoming resident.

1. Get a certificate from UK saying no objections to export

2. Customs clearance in Spain

3. Technical inspection

4. Pay import duties if applicable

5. Spanish registration