HOW TO GET YOUR DRIVER LICENCE
To get a driving license in Barcelona as an Indian citizen, you need to go through the Spanish licensing process, as India does not have a license exchange agreement with Spain. This means you cannot directly convert your Indian license—you’ll need to take the driving test in Spain.
Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Indian residents in Barcelona:
🇪🇸🚗 HOW TO GET A DRIVING LICENSE IN BARCELONA (FOR INDIAN CITIZENS)
✅ 1. Get a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE)
Before starting the process, you need a valid NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and residency status in Spain.
If you’re on a student visa, check if you are allowed to obtain a license under your stay type.
NIE is required to register for the driving test.
📚 2. Pass a Medical Fitness Test (“Psicotécnico”)
You must take a psychophysical test at an authorized medical center:
Tests your vision, coordination, and overall health
Cost: around €30–€50
You’ll receive a certificate valid for 90 days
📍 Search for: Centro psicotécnico carnet de conducir Barcelona
📖 3. Register at a Driving School (Autoescuela)
You’ll need to pass:
Theory exam (examen teórico)
Practical exam (examen práctico)
You can prepare through a local autoescuela (driving school), which will:
Provide materials in English, Spanish, or Catalan
Register you for the tests
Schedule your practice lessons and exams
📌 Some autoescuelas that offer English support:
Autoescuela Corsa International (Carrer de Bori i Fontestà, 2)
Driving BCN (Carrer Via Augusta, 257‑267)
Driving Is Cool (Carrer de Lepant, 325 )
🧠 4. Pass the Theory Test
Details:
30 multiple-choice questions
Maximum of 3 mistakes allowed to pass
Can be taken in English, Spanish, or Catalan
Cost: ~€94 (DGT exam fee) + school fees
💡 Tip: There are free apps and websites to practice theory questions, like:
todotest.com
drivinginspanish.com
🚘 5. Take Practical Driving Lessons
You’ll need to take lessons with a licensed instructor
Most people need 15–25 lessons, depending on experience
Cost: ~€25–€40 per lesson (can vary)
Lessons are mandatory if you don’t already have a valid license
Even if you have driving experience in India, you must pass the practical exam in Spain.
🛞 6. Pass the Practical Driving Test
Conducted on public roads with an examiner
Lasts around 25 minutes
Tests real driving skills, safety, signaling, maneuvering, etc.
🚩 You must bring:
Valid NIE / residence card
Passport
Medical certificate
Application documents (handled by the autoescuela)
🪪 7. Receive Your Spanish Driving License
If you pass both exams, you’ll get a temporary license (valid for 3 months)
Your official Spanish license will be mailed to your address in about a month
💶 Estimated Total Cost
Item Approx. Cost
Medical certificate (psicotécnico) €30–€50
Theory exam (DGT fee) €94
Driving school enrollment €200–€500
Practical lessons (20 x €30 avg) €600
Practical test fee €90–€150 Total €900–€1,400
❗ Important Notes for Indians
Your Indian driving license is not valid for driving in Spain once you have residency (e.g. student card, NIE).
As a tourist, you can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 6 months.
Once you’re a resident, Spanish law requires you to obtain a Spanish license.
