City guide
Driving in Bilbao as an expat
Bilbao is the cultural and economic capital of the Basque Country, transformed since the 1990s from a heavy-industry port into a design-conscious city around the Guggenheim. Driving here is unusual for Spain - narrow Basque streets, frequent rain, and steep hills make it more reminiscent of the British Isles than Mediterranean Spain. Public transport is excellent and most Bilbao residents use it instead of driving.
Where to take the DGT theory exam in English in Bilbao
The Bilbao provincial DGT centre offers the English Class B exam. The Basque Country has its own traffic authority (Trafikoa-Ertzaintza) which co-administers some aspects, but the theory exam follows the standard DGT format.
Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Bizkaia
Plaza Bizkaia, 48014 Bilbao
Located in the Abandoibarra district near the Guggenheim. English exam available. Basque (euskara) exam also offered.
DGT Barakaldo
Barakaldo, Bilbao metropolitan area
Industrial Margen Izquierda alternative - often shorter waits.
DGT Gernika
Gernika-Lumo, Urdaibai region
Practical for residents of the Urdaibai biosphere reserve and the eastern Bizkaia coast.
Low-emission zone & environmental sticker
Bilbao's ZBE Centro covers the Casco Viejo (old town), Abando, Indautxu and Albia districts. Enforced 07:00-22:00 since 2024. Foreign plates must register at bilbao.eus. The neighbouring municipality of Getxo has its own planned ZBE for late 2026.
Parking - what to expect
Central Bilbao uses an OTA blue-zone system, paid Mon-Fri 09:00-14:00 / 16:00-20:00, Sat 09:00-14:00. The OTA app handles payment. Underground car parks at Abandoibarra (under the Guggenheim) and Plaza Moyúa are reliable. Free parking is hard to find within the inner ring; the Margen Izquierda barrios have more.
Common mistakes expats make in Bilbao
- Driving the steep streets of Begoña or Solokoetxe in rain - surfaces are polished granite, near-skid risk.
- Trusting GPS through the Casco Viejo - most streets are pedestrianised or restricted.
- Underestimating the BI-625 along the river to the airport - frequent congestion, especially summer Sundays.
- Stopping in a bidegorri (Basque-language for bike lane) - Bilbao has Spain's strictest enforcement of cycle-lane parking, €200 immediate fine.
Finding an English-speaking driving school
Bilingual driving schools are scarce in Bilbao - the dominant second language locally is Basque (euskara), not English. English-language instruction exists but you may need to call several schools. Areas to try: Indautxu, Deusto (university barrio), and the western Getxo expat suburbs.
Local driving questions - Bilbao
Are road signs in Bilbao in Basque or Spanish?
Bilingual - Basque first, Spanish second, on all municipal signage. State-managed motorway signage (the AP-8, A-8) is also bilingual but Spanish takes equal prominence. The DGT exam can be taken in Basque, Spanish or English.
Is the AP-8 toll road still tolled?
Yes - the AP-8 between Bilbao and Behobia (French border) is operated by Bidegi and remains tolled. Approximate Bilbao-San Sebastián toll: €11. The N-634 runs parallel for free but adds 30 minutes.
How serious is the Bilbao rain for driving?
It rains ~140 days/year - frequent but rarely heavy. The main hazard is the constantly wet road surface, which in combination with the steep hills and polished granite kerbs creates skid risk. Winter tyres are not mandatory but recommended for hill drivers.
Can I drive directly into the Guggenheim area?
Yes - Abandoibarra has surface parking and an underground car park beneath the museum (~€3/hour). The pedestrian-only riverside promenade is for foot traffic only; do not attempt to drive on it.
Is the Ertzaintza different from the Guardia Civil for traffic?
Yes - the Basque Country has its own police force (Ertzaintza) which handles traffic in Euskadi. They follow the same DGT laws but operate independently. You'll see them rather than Guardia Civil on Basque roads. They are strict on alcohol and speed.
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Last updated: 2026-05-17.