Driving in Spain is a fantastic way to explore the country, whether you’re visiting as a tourist or moving there long-term. Understanding the legal requirements for UK licence holders post-Brexit is essential to ensure you’re driving within the law. Here’s what you need to know about driving in Spain as a tourist or resident from the UK.
If you’re visiting Spain for a holiday or a short stay, the rules for UK drivers are straightforward.
For most UK tourists, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Spain. After Brexit, UK driving licences are still accepted in Spain for short-term visits of up to six months. As long as you have a valid UK photocard driving licence, you’re allowed to rent a car and drive freely throughout the country.
However, if you hold an older, paper-based driving licence (without a photocard), you may need to obtain an IDP before your trip. This permit translates your driving licence details into Spanish, ensuring local authorities can verify your credentials if necessary.
Alongside your driving licence, UK tourists driving in Spain must also:
You are permitted to drive in Spain for up to six months using your UK licence. If your stay exceeds six months, different rules apply.
Once you move to Spain and obtain residency, the rules around your UK driving licence change. The following explains what you need to do to continue driving legally in Spain.
UK residents in Spain can continue using their UK licence for the first six months after obtaining residency. However, after this six-month period, you must exchange your UK licence for a Spanish driving licence to legally continue driving.
The process for exchanging your UK driving licence is relatively simple. Spain and the UK have agreements that allow UK licence holders to swap their licences without the need for a driving test. Here’s what you’ll need to exchange your licence:
You can apply for a driving licence exchange at your local DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office. Once processed, your UK licence will be replaced with a Spanish one, allowing you to drive in Spain long-term.
Whether you are a tourist or a resident, it’s important to familiarise yourself with Spanish driving laws to ensure you drive safely and legally.
Always pay attention to speed limit signs, as limits can vary depending on the road and region.
Spain has strict drink-driving laws. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 mg/ml, and for drivers with less than two years of experience, the limit is 0.3 mg/ml.
Driving in Spain as a UK tourist or resident is straightforward if you follow the legal requirements. For short-term visitors, your UK photocard driving licence is sufficient, and there’s no need for an IDP. For residents, remember to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one within six months of obtaining residency. By staying informed of the rules and carrying the correct documents, you can enjoy driving through Spain’s beautiful landscapes worry-free.