I read that a new resident has two months to get a driver’s license in Spain. My husband and I have licenses in the USA. Will we need to take a written or behind the wheel test in addition to all the documents required?

Thanks,
Jennifer

Jennifer, I would be interested in where you read this.  In the meantime, my understanding is that American residents have to take all the tests, after first having studied in a driving school. I have my Spanish license by reciprocity from back in the days when Spain and the US where still friendly about this.  My bride, however, you just arrived is anticipating driving school after language school.  Big bucks, but that’s the way it is.

Dave

I think I read somewhere that it all depends on which USA state issued your license

look here:

http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/driving_licenses_in_spain/

and here:

http://educacionvial.dgt.es/la_dgt/bienvenida/bienvenida.htm

I’m not finding the information about which U.S. states have acceptable driving licenses for twelve months at either of the sites Rob cited.  Does anybody know where I can find this information?

Dave

DRIVING IN SPAIN

U.S. citizens visiting Spain who want to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit prior to their arrival in Spain. An international driving permit (IDP) translates your state-issued driver?s license into 10 languages so you can show it to officials in foreign countries to help them interpret your driver?s license. The IDP is not valid by itself and must be carried with your driver?s license. Click the following link for more information on driving overseas.

U.S. citizens who are residents of Spain must obtain a valid Spanish driver?s license. At this time, there is no agreement between the United States and Spain for the validation of a U.S. driver?s license; therefore, holders of a U.S. license must attend a Spanish driving school and take the Spanish exam. You can find more information on the Spanish Minister of the Interior?s website.

http://madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/acstraveling.htm

U.S. citizens would come under Information for “Non-EU Citizens”
jurdy