City guide
Driving in Málaga as an expat
Málaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol and one of the fastest-growing expat hubs in Spain. The city centre has been heavily pedestrianised over the last decade, but the surrounding A-7 coast road is one of the busiest in the country and creates predictable summer chaos. Most expats live in the outer barrios or in nearby municipalities like Torremolinos and Benalmádena.
Where to take the DGT theory exam in English in Málaga
The Málaga provincial DGT centre offers the English Class B exam and serves the entire Costa del Sol. Demand is among the highest in Spain due to the international community - waits of 4+ weeks for cita previa are normal in summer.
Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Málaga
Plaza Manuel Azaña s/n, 29010 Málaga
Main provincial centre. English exam available year-round.
DGT Marbella
Marbella, western Costa del Sol
Serves the western coast - Estepona, Marbella, San Pedro. Significant international demand.
DGT Vélez-Málaga
Vélez-Málaga, Axarquía
Eastern coast option for Torre del Mar, Nerja, Algarrobo residents.
Low-emission zone & environmental sticker
Málaga activated its ZBE in late 2024, covering the historic centre (Centro Histórico) and Soho. The zone runs 07:00-22:00. Vehicles without environmental stickers face €200 fines. Foreign plates and rental cars must be pre-registered with the municipal portal.
Parking - what to expect
Central Málaga is heavily pedestrianised - most of Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución and the Cathedral district are car-free. Paid blue-zone (SARE) parking on the periphery costs ~€1.20/hour. Underground car parks at Alcazaba, Plaza de la Marina and El Corte Inglés are €2-€3/hour. Free parking near the Atarazanas market is increasingly rare.
Common mistakes expats make in Málaga
- Following GPS into the Centro Histórico - most streets are restricted, with cameras at every entry.
- Trying to drive the A-7 coast road on a Friday August evening - the 60 km Málaga-Marbella stretch can take 3 hours.
- Parking on Paseo de Reding red lines - this is a 24/7 no-stopping zone with €200 fines and immediate tow.
- Underestimating wet-road braking on the A-7 - the surface is polished, and rain after long dry periods is especially dangerous.
Finding an English-speaking driving school
Bilingual driving schools are abundant on the Costa del Sol - Marbella, Estepona and Fuengirola have schools that operate primarily in English for the British and Scandinavian expat communities. In Málaga city, search around Teatinos (university barrio) and El Limonar.
Local driving questions - Málaga
Is the AP-7 toll road on the Costa del Sol still tolled?
Yes - the AP-7 between Málaga and Estepona remains tolled by Ausol concession. Approximate Málaga-Marbella toll: €5-€8 depending on the day. The free A-7 runs parallel but is slower and more accident-prone.
Can I park free anywhere near the cathedral?
Effectively no - the cathedral district is inside the pedestrian zone. Closest paid parking is Plaza de la Marina underground (5 min walk). Free street parking starts ~1.5 km east in El Limonar.
How does the Málaga ZBE handle rental cars?
Rental companies must register your trip if you indicate you will enter the ZBE - most charge an admin fee (~€25). If you forget, the fine goes to the rental company, who then charge you plus their handling fee.
Is it safe to drive to Gibraltar from Málaga?
Yes - but the AP-7 toll past Estepona is recommended (the A-7 there becomes a winding coastal road with heavy lorry traffic). Allow 1h 30 to La Línea, plus border-queue time (30 min - 2 hours depending on day).
What is the speed limit on the A-7 inside Málaga city?
The A-7 has different limits along its length: 100 km/h on the open coast stretches, 80 km/h through the urban Málaga section (Pedregalejo to Plaza de la Marina), 60 km/h at the airport junction. Speed cameras every 4-5 km.
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Last updated: 2026-05-17.