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Date Published: 29/01/2025

Spain considers adopting the American system for getting a driver's licence

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At the moment, learner drivers in Spain can only take lessons with registered instructors

Spain considers adopting the American system for getting a driver's licence

A few days ago, Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced that the traffic authorities are considering a new approach to getting a driver’s licence, one inspired by the American system. The goal is to make the process faster and more affordable for those wishing to drive in Spain.

These days, fewer young people in Spain rush to get their licences the moment they turn 18, but for those eager to hit the road, the wait can be frustrating. In some regions, the backlog for taking the driving test stretches up to three months. That’s why the DGT is exploring the idea of allowing learner drivers to practice with non-professional tutors, such as their own parents, rather than relying solely on driving schools.

While this change could definitely save new motorists both time and money, it’s still just a proposal, and there are already detractors.

The idea comes from the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC), which believes that adopting a model similar to the US would ease the strain on both driving schools and students.

However, there’s pushback. The National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE) has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the plan overlooks Spain’s unique road safety laws and cultural differences. They also warn that it could lead to higher failure rates, since trained instructors offer a structured, pedagogical approach that parents simply can’t replicate.

Spain wouldn’t be the first European country to introduce this kind of system. In fact, several others including France, the UK and Sweden, already allow learner drivers to be trained by non-professional tutors, but with strict conditions. The United States has by far the most lax regulations. In most other cases, the accompanying adult must be a parent, have a clean driving record or even pass a course before being allowed to teach.

How to become a driving school teacher in Spain

For those who still want to take the professional route and become a driving instructor in Spain, the process is fairly rigorous. Applicants need to have at least a secondary education qualification or vocational training and must have held a valid B-class driver’s license for at least two years.

Then comes the tough part: earning the official DGT Road Safety Instructor certificate. This involves passing a series of theoretical and practical exams, followed by an intensive 270-hour training course.

At the moment, there’s no confirmed date for when, or indeed if, Spain will officially adopt this American-style system.

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

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