It is considered an offence in the Basque Country to drive without an official driving licence.

When they have obtained some kind of Residence Permit, they have a further six months during which they may continue to use the driving licence issued in their country of origin.

They must then obtain a Spanish driving licence, after checks of the requisites have been carried out and they have passed a theoretical test and a practical test.

Holders of driving licences from European Union member states or the European Economic Space (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) do not have to sit a driving test.

Driving licences from non-EU countries can be exhanged. To do this the holder must have a valid Residence Permit, Residence and Work permit or a Student visa. Driving licences from the folowing countries may be exchanged:

• Andorra
• Algeria
• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• South Korea
• Croatia
• Ecuador
• Japan
• Morocco
• Paraguay
• Peru
• The Dominican Republic
• Switzerland
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Documentation required to exchange driving licences

• Official application form available from Provincial Traffic Departments.
• Original and photocopy of original driving licence officially translated.
• Pschological and physical aptitude report, issued by the Driving Centre, with a recent photograph of applicant.
• Two recent photographs, 32 x 25mm.
• A declaration stating that the applicant has not been banned by law from driving motor vehicles and motorcycles, and has not been suspended.
• A declaration stating that the applicant does not hold any other driving licence or permit, issued in Spain or in another EU country, of the same type as that for which he or she is applying.
• A statement by the holder taking responsibility for the authenticity, validity and term of the permit.
• Licence to be exchanged, original and copy of the same.
• A fee stipulated in law.

WHERE?

For further information or for licence applications or licence exchanges please contact the corresponding Provincial Headquarters for Traffic (ask for appointment by telephoning 902300175).