Getting licence B in Spain: the complete process 🗺️
Quick answer: Licence B in Spain always follows the same path: requirements (age 18, legal residence) → medical certificate (€30–50) → €94.05 DGT fee (2 attempts at theory and practical) → theory exam (30 questions / 30 min / max 3 mistakes — theory can be prepared independently and taken in English) → driving-school lessons → practical exam (~25 min) → provisional permit and definitive licence. Average total cost: €1,000–1,400; average duration: 3–6 months.
Updated: 17/08/2026 · Sources: DGT, BOE and current regulations
The 7 steps, with costs and times (table)
| Step | What it is | Cost / time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Requirements | Age 18 (theory preparable from 17), legal residence in Spain | — |
| 2. Medical certificate | Authorised recognition centre | €30–50 · 1 day |
| 3. DGT fee | €94.05 — includes 2 attempts at each exam | €94.05 |
| 4. Theory | 30 questions / 30 min / max 3 mistakes; results from 17:00 same day | 3–6 weeks of study |
| 5. Lessons | 20–30 lessons on average at a driving school | €600–1,000, 1–3 months |
| 6. Practical | ~25 min of real-traffic driving with an examiner | included in the fee |
| 7. Afterwards | 3-month provisional permit; green L plate and 0.0 g/l alcohol in year one as a novice | — |
The 3 decisions that shape your process
- Theory independently or via a school? Independent saves €150–300 and you study at your pace; the exam is identical. Full comparison.
- In which language? The B theory runs in Spanish, co-official languages, English, French or German — key for foreigners.
- When to book the theory? Only at a stable 90% in mocks — the 90% rule is the difference between 3 months and 6.
How to start today (including 17-year-olds)
If your birthday (or your teen's — parents' guide) is near, the smart move is reaching 18 with theory mastered: get the medical certificate, start theory by topic and measure progress. On TraficoTest you set a target date, get a daily plan and see your pass probability in real time — and you can start free with a demo exam right now.
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to start licence B?
Age 18, legal residence, a medical certificate and the €94.05 DGT fee.
In what order are the exams taken?
Theory first, then the practical — the theory is valid 2 years.
How much does the full licence B cost?
On average €1,000–1,400; independent + first-time passes can drop below €900.
What restrictions apply in the first year?
The green L plate and, since 2026, a 0.0 g/l alcohol limit in year one.
