How to get a driving licence in Spain: a step-by-step guide for 2026

From the medical check to the "L" plate on your rear window, these are all the steps to get a category B licence in Spain, in order.

Updated: 27 September 2026

Requirements for a category B licence

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be normally resident in Spain (DNI, or NIE/TIE for foreigners) or studying here for at least six months.
• Not be banned from driving by a court or administrative decision.
• Pass the medical and psychotechnical check.

The steps, in order

1. Medical and psychotechnical check at an authorised driver medical centre.
2. Choose a driving school or go independent. You can apply on your own, but the practical test requires a dual-control vehicle, which is why almost everyone uses a driving school.
3. Pay the DGT fee and open your file at the Provincial Traffic Office.
4. Pass the theory test: 30 questions, 30 minutes, max 3 mistakes.
5. Take driving lessons. Spain has no mandatory minimum number of lessons.
6. Pass the practical test in real traffic with a DGT examiner.
7. Receive your licence: first a temporary permit, then the card by post.

How the practical test is marked

The examiner records faults by severity: eliminatory, serious (deficiente) and minor (leve). You fail with:

• 1 eliminatory fault, or
• 2 serious faults, or
• 1 serious fault and 5 minor faults, or
• 10 minor faults.

Typical eliminatory faults include running a stop sign or a red light, failing to give way, or the examiner having to intervene with the dual controls.

After you pass: new driver rules

• Display the "L" plate on the back of the car for your first year.
• You start with 8 points. If you lose none in two years, you go up to 12.
• For your first two years the alcohol limit is 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air (0.3 g/l in blood), instead of the general 0.25 mg/l.

What makes up the cost

The final price depends mostly on the driving school and how many lessons you need. The usual items are:

• Medical and psychotechnical check
• DGT exam fee
• Driving school enrolment and materials (if you use a school)
• Driving lessons
• Use of the school's car for the practical test

Passing the theory test first time is the easiest way to save money: every extra attempt costs time and often extra fees.