Driving in Spain as a tourist
Under Spanish law, Australians on a 90 day Schengen Visa may drive a vehicle in Spain if they hold a:
-
valid Australian State or Territory Driver Licence (please note digital driver licences are not/not accepted outside of Australia) and
-
valid International Driving Permit
To obtain an International Driver’s license contact your relevant State or Territory Automobile Club, such as the NRMA, RACV, RACQ etc.
Driving in Spain without a licence is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment. Furthermore, driving without a licence could render your vehicle insurance, including compulsory third party insurance, null and void.
Driving in Spain as a resident
There is no agreement between Australia and Spain on the exchange of Australian State or Territory Driving Licences for Spanish Driving Licences.
It is possible for Australians residing in Spain to drive for a period of six months from the date of entry if they hold a:
-
valid Australian State or Territory Driver Licence (please note digital driver licences are not/not accepted outside of Australia) and
-
valid International Driving Permit
On expiry of this period, the Australian driver’s licence is no longer valid and the person must obtain a Spanish driver’s licence.
To obtain an International Driver’s license contact your relevant State or Territory Automobile Club.
To obtain a Spanish driver’s licence please contact the nearest Spanish Directorate-General of Traffic Office (Dirección General de Tráfico – Spanish only) or a local driving school. You will be required to sit theoretical and practical tests.
Renewal of expired or lost/stolen driving licences
To renew your Australian State or Territory Driving Licence, or replace a lost or stolen licence, please visit your relevant State or Territory Roads and Traffic Authority website. Replacing a licence from overseas can take four to six weeks.
-
Australian Capital Territory
-
New South Wales
-
Northern Territory
-
Queensland
-
South Australia
-
Tasmania
-
Victoria
-
Western Australia
Driving in Spain without a licence is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment. Furthermore, driving without a licence could render your vehicle insurance, including compulsory third party insurance, null and void.