Emergency Action

No scrolling needed — right now
I had an accident
Step-by-step guide
I got a fine
50% discount — 20 days
My car was towed
Where to retrieve it

Driving License in Spain

Complete guide for immigrants — from scratch to getting your Spanish license

Where do I start?
First get your NIE — then register at an Autoescuela. See the "Complete Roadmap" card.
Your license steps
NIE
2
Register
Autoescuela
۳
Theory
Exam
۴
Practical
Exam
۵
Get
License
Your foreign licence may be valid for up to 6 months after residency
Non-EU driving licence rules depend on the country where the licence was issued. This period starts from the day you receive official residency. For more details, see the «Foreign Licence» card.
Choosing an Autoescuela
What questions to ask? How to compare?
Theory Exam
Format, number of questions, online resources and how to pass
Practical Exam
What to expect? Common mistakes
Costs 2025
Real breakdown: DGT + Autoescuela + additional costs
Approximate cost to get a license
DGT fee (official) ۹۴ – ۱۲۰ €
Autoescuela course (theory + practical) ۸۰۰ – ۱٫۸۰۰ €
Additional costs (book, app, tests) ۵۰ – ۱۵۰ €
Approximate total ۱٫۰۰۰ – ۲٫۵۰۰ €

Emergency Action

I had an accident
I got a fine
My car was towed

Key Traffic Laws

What every immigrant must know — key differences from your country of origin

Spanish traffic laws may differ significantly from your home country
Some rules can be the opposite of what you're used to — such as right of way in roundabouts. Read this page fully before driving.
Maximum Speed Limits in Spain
Road type Regular driver New driver (first year)
Urban area ۵۰ km/h ۵۰ km/h
Residential zone ۲۰ km/h ۲۰ km/h
Two-way road ۹۰ km/h ۸۰ km/h
One-way road ۱۰۰ km/h ۹۰ km/h
Motorway / Highway ۱۲۰ km/h ۱۱۰ km/h
Exceeding speed limit by more than 80 km/h — criminal offence
Immediate license seizure + court summons + heavy fine
Blood alcohol limits
Regular driver 0.5 g/L blood
New driver (first 2 years) 0.1 g/L blood
Professional driver 0.3 g/L blood
Breathalyser test (Alcotest)
Standard limit ۰.۲۵ mg/L
New driver limit ۰.۰۵ mg/L
Refusing the test Criminal offence
Mobile phone rules
Phone in hand €200 fine + 3 points deducted
Full hands-free (Manos Libres) Permitted
Single-ear headset €200 fine
GPS on dashboard Permitted if not handheld
Elsewhere vs Spain
Topic Common Elsewhere Spain
Roundabout right of way Inside roundabout Entering roundabout
Amber light Sometimes proceed Must stop
Pedestrian priority Relative Absolute
Default urban speed 60 km/h 50 km/h
Phone in hand Often ignored Instant €200 fine
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants
Children under 135cm or under 12 years must have an appropriate child seat — €200 fine
Overtaking on a solid line — heavy fine
6 points deducted + €500 fine. Overtaking on the right is prohibited.
I got a fine
Right now
My car was towed
Get my car back
50% discount
Early payment conditions

Fines & Points System

Complete fine table, 12-point system and how to recover

Voluntary payment within 20 days = 50% discount
Early payment closes the case and limits the right to appeal. For heavy fines, consult a specialist before paying.
Driving Points System
۱۲
Experienced driver — full points
Status: Good
Last violation: none
Available points Warning Danger
Common fines table
Using mobile phone ۲۰۰ € −۳
No seatbelt ۲۰۰ € −۳
Speed +20 km/h ۱۰۰ € −۲
Speed +40 km/h ۳۰۰ € −۴
Alcohol (at limit) ۵۰۰ € −۴
Alcohol (over 2x limit) ۱٫۰۰۰ € −۶
Overtaking on solid line ۵۰۰ € −۶
Illegal parking ۸۰ – ۲۰۰ €
Running red light ۲۰۰ € −۴
Points recovery
No offences (2 years) +2 points
Voluntary training course +2 points
Maximum points recoverable 15 points
License suspension
Zero points Immediate suspension
Waiting period 6 months
After 6 months Retest required

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions from immigrants

License

Non-EU driving licence rules depend on the country where the licence was issued. Some countries have exchange agreements with Spain, while others require following the standard DGT process. In general, a foreign licence with an official or international translation is valid for up to 6 months after obtaining official residency. After this period you must obtain a Spanish license.

Full article

Depending on the city and number of exams, it ranges from €1,000 to €2,500. The DGT (official) fee is approximately €94-120 and Autoescuela costs are usually €800-1,800.

Full cost table

No, the official DGT exam is only in Spanish. However, most Autoescuelas use online apps with questions in various languages for preparation.

Preparation resources
Fines

In the first 20 days, voluntary payment = 50% discount. The total deadline is 30 days. After that the fine becomes enforceable.

Your license is immediately suspended. You must wait 6 months, then retake the exam to get it back.

Recovery details

Yes, in the first 20 days you can file a Recurso de Alzada. If you have already voluntarily paid, you can no longer appeal. For fines above €200 consult a lawyer.

Parking

Zona Azul is for everyone but with limited time and payment. Zona Verde is cheaper but only for local residents with a special card.

Check via the local council website. You must pay the parking fine + tow fee (usually €150-250). You usually have up to 48 hours.

Full guide
Insurance & ITV

ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the mandatory vehicle inspection. New cars are exempt for the first 4 years, then every 2 years, and annually from 10 years old.

My question is not here

Our team is ready to answer your questions

Parking in Spain

Complete guide to zones, payment, apps and parking rules for immigrants

Parking in Spain may be completely different from what you're used to
The colour of road markings determines where and how you can park. Always check the line colours and local signs before parking.
Blue Zone
Paid — time limit — for everyone
Green Zone
Cheaper — priority for local residents
White Zone
Free — no time limit
Yellow Line
No parking — brief stopping may be allowed
Blue Zone — Zona Azul
WhoAll drivers
Time limit30 min to 2 hours
Cost€0.5 – €2 per hour
Active hoursUsually 9am – 9pm
PaymentParking meter / app
Green Zone — Zona Verde
Local residentsUp to 4 hours free
Non-residents1–2 hours limited
Non-resident cost€2–€3 per hour
Document requiredTarjeta de Residente
How to get the cardFrom the local council
ElParking
Most popular parking app in Spain — digital payment for blue and green zones
MiMuniAparca
Official app for major councils — for residents and non-residents
Parkimovil
National coverage — over 400 cities — expiry time reminders
Tow truck (Grúa) — the most expensive parking mistake
Parking in prohibited areas, garage entrances or double yellow lines leads to towing. Cost: parking fine + tow fee €150–€250 + daily storage.
Mistakes that result in fines
MistakeFineTow risk
Forgetting to pay the meter۳۰ – ۶۰€Low
Parking time expired۶۰ – ۱۰۰€Sometimes
Parking on double yellow line۱۵۰ – ۲۰۰€Certain
Blocking a garage entrance۲۰۰€Certain
Parking in disabled space without permit۲۰۰€Yes
Parking Questions

If you have not been fined yet, quickly open the parking app and register the payment from your actual start time. If you were fined, you have 20 days to pay with a 50% discount.

You must go to the town hall of your district. Documents: Empadronamiento certificate + driving license + ownership or vehicle rental contract.

Buying a Car in Spain

Complete guide to buying new and used cars, ownership transfer and costs

Safer
New car from dealer
Factory warranty, no history of issues, higher price. Suitable if you have enough budget.
Budget-friendly
Used car
Lower price, but requires careful checking of history and technical condition. More risk.
۱
Step 1
Research and choose
Search on Milanuncios, Wallapop, Coches.net or official dealerships. Compare prices and history.
1–4 weeks
۲
Step 2
Check vehicle history (Informe DGT)
Get the official report from DGT.es. Check debts, previous owners, ITV and incidents.
Informe DGT ~€15
۳
Step 3
Pre-purchase technical inspection
Have the car checked by a trusted mechanic or Dekra/Applus centre. Low cost, high value.
€50 – €100 Essential for used cars
۴
Step 4
Contract and payment
Draw up the purchase contract (Contrato de Compraventa) with complete details of both parties and vehicle. Payment preferably by bank transfer.
Contrato Compraventa DNI / NIE of both parties
۵
Step 5
Title transfer (Transferencia)
At the Jefatura de Tráfico office or online through DGT. The new owner must be registered.
€50 – €100 15-day legal deadline
۶
Step 6
Insurance and ITV
Before driving, mandatory insurance (Seguro Obligatorio) must be active. If ITV has expired, it must be renewed.
Mandatory before handover
Transfer tax (ITP)
۴ – ۱۳٪
Depends on province — for used cars
DGT title transfer
۵۰ – ۱۰۰€
Tasas de Transferencia
History report
~۱۵€
Informe DGT online
Documents required
NIE / DNIBuyer and seller
Permiso de CirculaciónVehicle registration
Ficha TécnicaTechnical specs card
ITV vigenteValid technical inspection
Contrato CompraventaPurchase contract
Justificante ITPTax payment receipt
Without NIE you cannot register a car
NIE (foreign identification number) is mandatory for transferring the title and registering the car in your name. If you do not have an NIE yet, get one first.
Car purchase questions

You can buy a car but cannot transfer the title to your name. Without an NIE the car is officially still in the seller's name and causes legal problems in case of an accident or fine.

You have 30 days from the contract date to transfer the title. After this deadline a late penalty is added.

Car Insurance & ITV

Complete guide to insurance types, comparison and periodic technical inspection

Basic mandatory
Damage to others
Bodily injury to others
Damage to your own vehicle
Theft
Fire
Lowest cost — mandatory for all
Extended third-party
Damage to others
Bodily injury to others
Vehicle — depends on insurer
Partial theft
Fire
Balance of price and coverage
Comprehensive (A Todo Riesgo)
Damage to others
Bodily injury to others
Vehicle — even your own fault
Full theft
Fire and natural disaster
Highest coverage — more expensive
Driving without insurance — criminal offence
€601 fine + vehicle seizure + court summons. Mandatory insurance (Seguro Obligatorio) must be active before first drive.
Approximate annual insurance cost
Basic mandatory insurance€150 – €300
Extended third-party€300 – €500
Comprehensive (A Todo Riesgo)€500 – €1,200
New driver (under 25)+50–150% more expensive
Online comparisonRastreator.com

ITV — Periodic Technical Inspection

Inspección Técnica de Vehículos — mandatory for all vehicles

۰ – ۴
Year 1 to 4
Exempt from ITV
۴ – ۱۰
Year 4 to 10
Every 2 years
+۱۰
Over 10 years
Annually
Documents required for ITV
Permiso de CirculaciónVehicle registration
DNI / NIEID card
Ficha TécnicaTechnical specs card
Seguro obligatorioValid insurance
ITV cost
Light vehicle€25 – €45
Motorcycle€15 – €30
Heavy vehicle€50 – €100+
ITV failed — repairVariable
Common ITV failure reasons
ProblemSeverityEasy to fix
Faulty lightsModerateYes
Worn tyresSeriousCostly
Weak brakesDangerousWorkshop
Excessive emissionsModerateEngine tune
Suspension systemSeriousWorkshop
Insurance and ITV questions

You have 2 months to fix the problem and come back. If you fail the second inspection too, you must take the full ITV again and pay the full cost.

Rastreator.com and Acierto.com are the most popular insurance comparison sites in Spain. They compare prices from all major companies in one place.

No. Car insurance in Spain must be from authorised European or Spanish companies. The same day you buy a car you must get new insurance.

Driving Forms & Letters

Guide to official Spanish forms — from appealing a fine to accident reports

Right to appeal (Recurso de Alzada) — it is your legal right
Any fine that has been issued can be appealed. Note: after voluntary payment with 50% discount you lose the right to appeal.
۲۰
days to pay with 50% discount
From the fine notification date — after payment, appeal is not possible
۲۰
days to file an appeal
Recurso de Reposición — first administrative appeal — without payment
Appeal is justified
Car was not thereYou have sufficient evidence
Sign was unclearYou have a photo
Another driver was drivingProvable
Data errorWrong plate
Appeal is not justified
Violation was realPointless
No evidenceWill be rejected
Small fineBetter to pay
Deadline passedNo longer possible
۱
Read the fine notice fully
Note the expediente number, violation date, type and amount. This information is essential for writing your appeal.
Boletín de Denuncia
۲
Gather documents and evidence
Photos of the location, witness statements, documents showing the car's absence, or any other relevant evidence.
Without evidence, it will be rejected
۳
Write the appeal letter
The letter must be in Spanish, including: your full details, fine number, grounds for appeal and signature. Use the template form in the Templates section.
In SpanishWithin 20 days
۴
Submit the appeal
Via: DGT.es (online with digital certificate), Jefatura de Tráfico office (in person), or registered post (Correos Certificado).
Keep the receipt
۵
Await the response
DGT must respond within 6 months. If they do not respond, the appeal is considered accepted (Silencio Administrativo Positivo). If rejected, you can file a Recurso de Alzada.
Up to 6 months
Documents required
DNI / NIEValid ID card
Boletín de DenunciaOriginal fine notice
Permiso de CirculaciónVehicle registration
Evidence documentsPhotos, statements, docs
Appeal letterIn Spanish — signed
Know the Declaración Amistosa form before any accident
You should always keep this form in your car. After an accident, there is no time to learn it.
What is the form?
Official nameDeclaración Amistosa
PurposeRecording an accident between parties
Is it mandatory?If no injuries: yes
Where to find it?From your insurer
Digital versionCESVIMAP app
When to use it?
Damage-only accidentAlways fill it in
Injuries involvedCall 112 only — form later
Other party agreesBoth must sign
Other party fledPolice only — 091
Deadline to send to insurer7 days
FieldSpanish titleDescription
۱ Fecha del accidente Exact date and time of the accident
۲ Lugar del accidente Exact address or road name and kilometre
۳ Heridos / Daños materiales Are there injuries? + material damages
۴ Vehículo A / Vehículo B Details of both vehicles: plate, model, colour
۵ Asegurado / Conductor Insured owner and driver (if different)
۶ Compañía de seguros Insurance company name + policy number
۷ Circunstancias Tick boxes: mark the cause of the accident
۸ Croquis / Esquema Hand-drawn map of vehicle positions — most important part
۹ Firma Signature of both drivers — without signatures it is invalid
Most important mistake: signing without reading
Never sign anything you have not read. If the other party is in a hurry and insistent, this is a warning sign. Take your time and read everything.
Informe del Vehículo
Full vehicle history: owners, accidents, ITV, debts and seizures
Informe de Conductor
License status, remaining points, registered violations
Informe de Sanciones
Full list of paid and pending fines
Informe del Vehículo — Vehicle report
Always get this report before buying any used car. It shows whether the vehicle was stolen, has a seizure, or has been in accidents.
~€15 From DGT.es Instant online
Informe de Puntos — Driving points
At any time you can check your points on DGT.es or the miDGT app. You need Cl@ve or a digital certificate.
Free miDGT app
Informe de Sanciones — Registered fines
List of all fines related to you. Useful to check before renewing your license or for administrative procedures.
Free DGT.es — with Cl@ve
How to access DGT.es
Cl@ve PINFastest method — SMS
Certificado DigitalMost complete access
DNIeWith card reader
miDGT appEasiest for mobile
Claim notification deadline: 7 days from the accident
Late notification can be used as grounds to reduce or reject your claim. Contact your insurer immediately.
Accident claim
Accident with another vehicle — Declaración Amistosa + police report if needed
Material damage claim
Damage without an accident (scratch, broken glass, flood, hail) — take photos
Theft claim
Full or partial theft — first call police (091), then insurer — police report mandatory
۱
Contact insurer immediately
Find the insurer's emergency number on your policy. Available 24 hours. Describe the incident and get the Siniestro (claim) number.
In the first 24 hours
۲
Document the damage
Take photos and video of all damage. Get witness details. Police report if needed (accident with injuries or theft).
Photos + video
۳
Send documents to insurer
Send the Declaración Amistosa (if an accident), photos, police report, DNI/NIE, insurance policy and claim form.
Within 7 days
۴
Insurance assessor visit (Perito)
The insurer sends an assessor to evaluate the damage. Do not repair the car before the visit.
Before repairs
۵
Approval and payment
The insurer announces the claim amount. If you agree, the car is repaired. If the amount is too low, you can hire a Perito contrario.
1–3 months
Claim documents
DocumentAccidentMaterial damageTheft
DNI / NIE
Insurance policy
Declaración Amistosa
Police reportIf injuries✓ Mandatory
Damage photosIf possible
Permiso Circulación
Sample forms are being prepared
Downloadable content will be added soon. The structure and guides are ready.
Fine appeal letter
Word / PDF English + Spanish Editable
Coming soon
Declaración Amistosa — English guide
PDF English field-by-field guide
Coming soon
Vehicle sale contract (Contrato Compraventa)
Word / PDF Bilingual Editable
Coming soon
Driving authorisation for others (Autorización de Conducción)
Word / PDF Spanish + English guide
Coming soon
Insurance claim notification letter
Word Spanish Editable
Coming soon
Fine appeal

That is correct. Voluntary payment means accepting the violation and you lose the legal right to appeal afterwards. If you intend to appeal, act before paying.

It must be in Spanish. If you do not know Spanish, get help from a translator or lawyer. DGT does not accept other languages.

Accident form

Call the police (091). Without the other party's signature, the police report (Denuncia) is the only valid document. Take photos of the scene, the other vehicle and its plate.

DGT Reports

Yes, with Cl@ve PIN which works via SMS you can log in to DGT.es. Some reports such as the Informe del Vehículo can be purchased without authentication.

DGT Practice Quiz

Prepare yourself for the Spanish driving theory exam — 20 multiple-choice questions

Spain Highway Code Practice Quiz

This quiz contains 20 questions from real DGT exam topics: road signs, speed, alcohol, priority and more. At the end you receive your score, pass percentage and study recommendations.

20 questions No time limit English Pass mark: 15 out of 20
Question 1 of 20 Signs
Question 1
Loading...
0/20
0
Correct
0
Wrong
۰٪
Result

Driving Knowledge Base in Spain

Complete driving guides for immigrants — read everything here, no download needed

Driving License

5 guides
Complete Guide to Getting a Spanish License
When needed: From your first day in Spain
Complete roadmap from NIE to license — all steps, costs and 2025 timeline
Cost table, Autoescuela comparison, tips for immigrants
5 key topics
DGT Application Form — English Guide
When needed: When registering at Jefatura de Tráfico
Guide to filling the official DGT form — every field explained
Main form + bilingual English-Spanish guide
Without a valid NIE you cannot register the form
Field-by-field explanation
Guide to the Driving Medical Certificate (CRC)
When needed: Before visiting a CRC centre
Medical tests, documents and cost of the driving medical certificate
CRC centre addresses in main cities + costs + validity period
Practical tips
Guide to Choosing an Autoescuela
When needed: Before enrolling at a driving school
Key questions, how to compare price and quality of driving schools
15 essential questions + comparison table + tips for non-Spanish speakers
Selection guide
Guide to the DGT Theory Exam
When needed: 3 to 4 weeks before the exam
Key topics, common mistakes and passing strategy
40 golden tips + comparison table of laws
Passing strategy

Buy a Car

5 guides
Guide to Buying a Used Car
When needed: Before viewing any car
25 technical, legal and administrative tips — from bodywork to title check
Full checklist + Informe DGT query + tips for immigrant buyers
Never buy a car without an Informe DGT
25 key tips
Guide to Ownership Transfer (Transferencia)
When needed: Immediately after agreeing a purchase
All Transferencia steps — online and in person
Steps table + ITP costs by province + 30-day legal deadline
Step by step
Documents Required to Buy a Car
When needed: On the day of signing the contract
Documents that buyer and seller must prepare
Two-sided list + guide to where to get each document + costs
Document list
Guide to Private Purchase Contract
When needed: When agreeing with a private seller
Contrato de Compraventa — complete guide to contract clauses
Explanation of each clause + legal tips + safe payment method
Always buy by bank transfer — not cash
Legal tips
Guide to Buying from a Dealership
When needed: Before visiting a dealership
Key questions, contract review and new car delivery
20 essential questions + hidden costs + warranty conditions
Hidden costs

Sell a Car

3 guides
Guide to the Vehicle Sale Contract
When needed: On the day of agreeing with the buyer
Official sale contract — protects the seller's rights
Contrato de Compraventa explained clause by clause + notes
Until Transferencia is complete, you are responsible for fines
Seller's rights
Guide to Preparing Your Car for Sale
When needed: Before placing an advert
Documents, legal preparation and safe sale tips — from checking debts to cancelling insurance
18 preparation steps + pricing tips + safe payment methods
18 steps
Ownership Transfer Guide — Seller's Perspective
When needed: After receiving payment
Confirm title transfer, cancel insurance — so you are no longer responsible for the car
Post-sale steps + tracking Transferencia on DGT.es
Post-sale steps

Car Insurance

4 guides
Declaración Amistosa Guide
When needed: At the accident scene — immediately
Complete English field-by-field explanation of the European accident form
Visual map of the form + explanation of 9 main sections + common mistakes
Read before an accident — after one you have no time
Field by field
Insurance Claim Guide
When needed: In the first 24 hours after an accident
Complete timeline from contacting the insurer to receiving compensation
5 steps with each step's deadline + emergency numbers + required documents
5 key steps
Car Insurance Comparison Guide
When needed: Before buying or renewing insurance
Compare coverage, price and conditions of common insurers
Mandatory, extended third-party and comprehensive — key questions
Insurance types comparison
Documents Required After an Accident
When needed: At the accident scene and the days after
Complete document list for insurer, police and potential court
3 scenarios: damage-only, with injuries, other party fled — separately
3 scenarios

ITV — Technical Inspection

3 guides
Comprehensive ITV Guide — Full Preparation
When needed: 2 weeks before your ITV date
ITV schedule, documents, costs and online booking
Vehicle age and ITV period table + ITV centre addresses in 10 main cities
Complete guide
Documents Required for ITV
When needed: On the day of your ITV appointment
All documents you must bring with you
Pocket checklist + tips for foreign drivers + how to pay the fee
Document list
Common ITV Failure Reasons
When needed: 1 month before your ITV
15 common failure reasons — how to fix each one before going
Tyres, lights, brakes, emissions — with approximate repair costs
Driving with an expired ITV carries a heavy fine
15 common reasons

DGT Forms & Procedures

5 guides
Fine Appeal Guide
When needed: In the first 20 days after receiving a fine
Recurso de Reposición — complete guide to every clause of the letter
Explanation of each clause + how to submit online, by post, in person + common mistakes
Voluntary payment = losing your right to appeal
Right to appeal
Guide to Checking Your Points (Puntos DGT)
When needed: Any time — preventatively
Check points on DGT.es and the miDGT app without a digital certificate
Cl@ve PIN guide + miDGT app + interpreting results + points recovery
Online check
Vehicle History Report Guide
When needed: Before any car purchase
Requesting Informe del Vehículo from DGT — reading and interpreting results
Real example + explanation of each section + what problems it reveals
Interpreting results
Guide to Changing Your Address at DGT
When needed: After moving home
Notifying DGT of your address change — important for receiving fines
Address change process + Empadronamiento tips + update timeframe
Full process
Guide to Requesting a Duplicate License
When needed: When your license is lost or damaged
Duplicado del Permiso de Conducir — online and in person
Required documents + costs + issuance time + driving during the waiting period
Step by step

Emergency Guides

4 guides
Read these guides before you need them
In an emergency you have no time to study. Read them now so you are prepared when the moment comes.
At the Accident Scene — Step by Step
When needed: Immediately after an accident
Exactly what to do, what to say, what photos to take
10 essential steps + emergency numbers + legal mistakes to avoid
Do not move anything until the insurer checks
10 immediate steps
Emergency Driving Numbers
When needed: Always — in any emergency
Numbers for 112, DGT, insurer, tow truck + key Spanish phrases
Emergency numbers + English-Spanish phrases to explain an incident
Key numbers
Guide to Retrieving Your Towed Car
When needed: When your car is not where you left it
Finding where your car is, required documents, costs in different cities
Depósito Municipal in 10 main cities + daily storage cost
10 main cities
Post-Accident Actions — Full 30 Days
When needed: In the days after an accident
Complete 30-day timeline — insurer, DGT, police, workshop
Timeline table + legal deadlines + follow-up + your legal rights
30-day timeline