Transport & Driving

Everything Americans need to know about getting around Spain legally and practically. This section covers driving on a U.S. license after arrival and the six-month limit that applies once you are a resident, why there is no automatic exchange of a U.S. license and what the Spanish driving test actually involves for someone who already drives, and the state-by-state details that change the answer. We cover the DGT appointment system, medical certificates, the theory and practical exams, and what it costs.

We also cover buying and registering a car, importing a vehicle from the U.S. and why it is rarely worth it, insurance for new arrivals, tolls, the ITV inspection, and the alternatives: high-speed rail between the big cities, regional trains, buses, and the public transport passes in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville that make living without a car realistic for most Americans. We also list the documents the DGT asks for at each step and the timelines to expect in the larger provinces.