Getting a Driving Licence in Spain
Swap or earn a Spanish driving licence: the DGT, the driving school, the theory test and the practical exam.
In Spain driving licences are handled by the DGT at the Jefatura de Tráfico, always with cita previa. If your licence can't be exchanged, you sign up at an autoescuela, get a medical check (the 'psicotécnico'), pass the theory test and then the practical exam with an examiner in the car. New drivers carry an 'L' sign for a year and start with fewer points; the cards follow one learner through that whole path.
- 1
Quería canjear mi carné extranjero por uno español.
I'd like to exchange my foreign licence for a Spanish one.
- 2
¿Hace falta cita previa o puedo ir directamente?
Do I need an appointment, or can I just turn up?
- 3
Su país no tiene convenio con España.
Your country doesn't have an agreement with Spain.
- 4
O sea, que tengo que sacarme el carné desde cero.
So I have to get my licence from scratch.
- 5
Me gustaría apuntarme al curso teórico.
I'd like to sign up for the theory course.
- 6
¿Cuánto cuestan las clases prácticas?
How much are the practical lessons?
- 7
Los test del teórico los puedes hacer online desde casa.
You can do the theory practice tests online from home.
- 8
¿Ya tienes el psicotécnico?
Have you got your medical certificate yet?
- 9
He aprobado el teórico a la primera.
I passed the theory test first time.
- 10
Estoy de los nervios con el práctico.
I'm a bundle of nerves about the practical.
- 11
Ajuste el asiento y los retrovisores antes de arrancar.
Adjust the seat and the mirrors before you set off.
- 12
En la rotonda, coja la segunda salida.
At the roundabout, take the second exit.
- 13
Ceda el paso a los peatones.
Give way to the pedestrians.
- 14
Aparque marcha atrás en ese hueco.
Reverse into that space.
- 15
No pase de cincuenta, que estamos en zona urbana.
Don't go over fifty, we're in a built-up area.
- 16
Pare aquí a la derecha y apague el motor.
Pull in here on the right and turn off the engine.
- 17
¿He aprobado o he suspendido?
Did I pass or fail?
- 18
Mañana tendrá la nota en la app de la DGT.
You'll have your result on the DGT app tomorrow.
- 19
Tendrás que llevar la L durante un año.
You'll have to drive with the L sign for a year.
- 20
Y ojo, que empiezas con solo ocho puntos.
And watch out, you start with only eight points.