TIE HoyDriving license — exchange or start from scratch
Whether you can exchange your foreign license depends on your country. No agreement = full Spanish exam.
Can I exchange my foreign license?
Only if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain (DGT).
Countries with agreements: check the DGT exchange list.
No agreement (e.g. China) = full Spanish exam: theory + practical.
What do I need for the full exam?
TIE or NIE + passport, medical fitness report from an authorized center, DGT exam fee, theory exam, driving lessons, practical exam.
Even with years of experience abroad, DGT tests Spanish rules, signs, and road behavior.
What to do
Check the DGT exchange list first. If no agreement, plan the full exam early — it takes months.
Steps
- Check DGT exchange list for your country
- No agreement → choose an autoescuela
- Get medical fitness report
- Pass theory exam
- Take practical lessons and pass driving test
Basis
DGT publishes the bilateral exchange agreement list. Countries without agreement require full Spanish exam (theory + practical). Foreign licenses have limited validity for residents — consult DGT for current rules.