Practical articles on the DGT theory and practical exams, exchanging a foreign licence, and driving in Spain as an expat.
Driver Aids on the DGT Practical Test (2026)
Parking sensors cost you nothing. Automatic emergency braking is an instant fail. The DGT grades each driver aid differently, not as most people assume.
2026-09-15
Eliminatory Faults on the DGT Practical Test (2026)
One eliminatory fault ends the test. Around sixty exist and the DGT publishes the list. Here it is in English, grouped by situation, with 2026 additions.
2026-09-14
DGT Practical Test Faults Explained (2026)
Nine minor faults pass, ten fail, and one deficient cuts your allowance to four. The DGT fault system explained, with a calculator for any combination.
2026-09-13
Documents You Must Carry When Driving in Spain
Driving in Spain you must carry 4 things: licence, permiso de circulacion, tarjeta ITV and your DNI or NIE. Since 2008 the insurance policy stays at home.
2026-09-06
Autoescuela vs Por Libre: How to Prepare for the DGT Test
Autoescuela or por libre? Compare the 2 routes to the DGT theory test: what each costs, who books your exam, how you sit it in English, and which suits you.
2026-09-06
Practical Driving Test in Spain (2026)
The DGT grades the practical test against a published rulebook: three fault levels, four ways to fail, and 25 minutes of driving. Here is what it says.
2026-09-05
How to Renew Your Spanish Driving Licence
Renewing a Permiso B means a medical check, not a new exam. Group 1 licences last 10 years to age 65 and 5 after. When to renew and what the medical covers.
2026-09-05
The Spanish Penalty Points System Explained
Every Spanish driver starts with 12 points and loses 2 to 6 per serious offence. How you win points back over time or on a course, and what hitting zero means.
2026-09-05
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Spain? EU and EEA visitors do not. Non-EU tourists usually should carry one, with a few exceptions. Your case.
2026-09-04
The Six-Month Rule for Residents Driving in Spain
A non-EU licence lets you drive in Spain for 6 months after you become resident. When the clock starts, what happens after, and how EU and EEA licences differ.
2026-09-04
Exchanging a Non-EU Driving Licence in Spain
Exchanging a non-EU licence in Spain hinges on 1 thing: whether your country has a convenio. How to check, what happens either way, and the 6-month rule.
2026-09-04
Exchanging an EU Driving Licence in Spain
With an EU or EEA licence you can usually keep driving in Spain. Exchange is voluntary, but the 2-year rule can force registration. How it works and the cost.
2026-09-03