Step 1: figure out if you need to exchange or start from scratch
EU/EEA-issued licences generally stay valid to drive in Spain and don't require an exchange while you're a resident, though you may eventually need to register it with Spanish authorities and renew it locally once it expires.
Licences from countries that have a reciprocal exchange agreement (canje de permisos) with Spain can usually be swapped for a Spanish licence without retaking the theory or practical exam — but there's normally a deadline to request the exchange after you become a resident, and it varies by country. Check the exact deadline and country list on the DGT's own site before it runs out, since missing it can mean losing the fast-track option.
If your country has no exchange agreement with Spain, you'll generally need to go through the same process as a first-time Spanish applicant: medical/psychotechnical certificate, theory exam, and in most cases the practical exam too.
Documents you'll typically need for an exchange
- NIE (EU citizens) or TIE (non-EU residents).
- Valid passport.
- Empadronamiento certificate (proof of registration at your local town hall), usually required to be recent.
- Your original foreign driving licence.
- Passport-style photos.
- A sworn (official) translation of your licence if it isn't already in Spanish.
Exact requirements and fees depend on your nationality and change over time — always confirm the current list and cost directly on the DGT's official site (sede.dgt.gob.es) or with your local Jefatura de Tráfico before your appointment.
What the theory exam itself looks like
Whether you're exchanging without a test or starting fresh, the theory exam format (when required) is the same for everyone: 30 questions, 30 minutes, maximum 3 mistakes to pass. Questions come from a broad set of topics defined by the Reglamento General de Circulación: road signs, priority rules, speed limits, alcohol and drug limits, basic mechanics, first aid, and more.
The exam itself is administered by the DGT, in Spanish or in another language depending on the test centre and availability — confirm this when you book. Studying the material in English first, even if you'll eventually sit the exam in Spanish, makes it much easier to actually understand the reasoning instead of memorising Spanish vocabulary you don't fully grasp yet.
CarnetB Pro lets you practise the real exam format and topic areas in English, with every answer explained. It's an independent study tool, not a replacement for confirming your specific situation with the DGT.