Learning to drive in Spain from scratch

Key rules

• Minimum age: You must be 18 to get a category B licence.
• Lessons: There is no legal minimum number of practical lessons, and many learners need more than the typical 25 to 40.
• Theory pass: Your theory pass is valid for 2 years, and you must pass the practical test within that time.
• Total price: Compare the full price from several schools, because extras like the exam fee, medical certificate and retakes are often not included.

How old do you have to be?

You must be 18 to get a category B licence in Spain. Spain has no general scheme that lets 17-year-olds drive accompanied, so do not plan around one.

How many lessons will you need?

Spain sets no minimum number of practical lessons. Most learners take about 25 to 40 lessons of 45 minutes to 1 hour, and many need more. Schools usually sell lesson packs of around 10 to 30 lessons. Start with a smaller pack and top up, so you do not pay for lessons you do not use.

What will it cost?

Expect roughly €1,000 to €2,000 or more in total. Big cities cost more, and prices vary a lot between schools. The total is made up of:

• the school's enrolment and theory package
• your practical lessons
• the exam fee
• the medical certificate
• any retakes of the theory or practical test

Ask several local driving schools for the full price in writing, and ask what is not included. Check the current exam fee with the traffic authority (DGT) before you budget.

How long does it take?

Plan for 3 to 6 months from enrolment to having your card.

• Theory preparation takes 1 to 2 months.
• Practical lessons take 2 to 3 months.
• Waiting for exam dates can add weeks, depending on your province. Ask your school how long the wait is where you live.
• After you pass the practical test, you get a provisional permit. The card arrives by post a few weeks later.

Your theory pass is valid for 2 years. You must pass the practical test within that time, so do not book the theory exam until you are ready to start lessons soon after.

What to do next

Follow the timeline below for the order of steps, and use the checklist when you compare schools. The questions at the end cover the most common doubts.

Timeline and deadlines

• Prepare for the theory exam: 1 to 2 months after enrolment

• Take your practical lessons: 2 to 3 months, after the theory

• Wait for an exam date: can add several weeks, depending on your province

• Pass the practical test, using the theory pass: within 2 years of passing the theory

• Drive on your provisional permit while the card is made: issued after you pass the test

• Receive your licence card by post: a few weeks after the test

Checklist

• Compare the total price at several local driving schools, including enrolment, theory package and lesson packs.

• Ask each school what the exam fee, the medical certificate and any retakes cost on top.

• Plan for about 25 to 40 lessons of 45 minutes to 1 hour, and budget for more if you need them.

• Choose a lesson pack of around 10 to 30 lessons that fits your pace.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start learning to drive in Spain before I turn 18?

No, the minimum age for a category B licence in Spain is 18, so you cannot get the licence earlier. Accompanied driving at 17 is not a general Spanish licence rule, so do not plan around it.

How much does a first driving licence cost in Spain in total?

A first category B licence usually costs roughly one to two thousand euros or more in total. The price covers the school's enrolment and theory package, your practical lessons, the exam fee, the medical certificate and any retakes. Big cities cost more.