Pakistani driving licence in Spain: can you change it, or must you pass the DGT test?

Short answer. A Pakistani driving licence cannot be changed (exchanged) for a Spanish one through an exchange agreement. Pakistan is not on the DGT list of countries with a licence exchange agreement, last updated on 26 June 2026. You can drive in Spain on your Pakistani licence for six months at most, counted from your entry if you are visiting or from the day you become a legal resident. After that, residents must get a Spanish licence by passing the DGT theory test and the practical driving test. The theory test is not available in Urdu: you can take it in Spanish or in English.

Legal basis: Reglamento General de Conductores, article 21 and the DGT list of exchange agreements. Pakistan is one of the largest "must sit" communities: 135,696 people born in Pakistan lived in Spain on 1 January 2025 (INE).

Is a Pakistani licence valid in Spain?

For a limited time. Spanish law accepts a licence from a country without an agreement only while four things are true:

1. the licence is in force;
2. you have the age needed for the same Spanish licence (18 for a car);
3. fewer than six months have passed since you became resident, or since you entered Spain if you are not resident;
4. the licence is in Spanish, follows the international model of the Geneva or Vienna conventions, or comes with an official translation or an International Driving Permit.

When the six months are over, the licence "has no validity to drive in Spain" (article 21.3) and you need a Spanish licence.

Is a Pakistani International Driving Permit valid in Spain?

Yes, as a companion to your Pakistani licence, not on its own. The DGT describes the International Driving Permit as a complementary document valid for one year, which you must always carry with your national licence and passport. It does not extend the six-month limit for residents, and it does not turn into a Spanish licence. If you have been resident for more than six months, an International Driving Permit does not make your Pakistani licence valid again.

The route to a Spanish licence

1. TIE and NIE. You must be resident in Spain (or a student here for at least six months) to apply. At the traffic office (Jefatura de Tráfico) non-EU applicants show their residence authorisation in force.
2. Medical report from a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores, for permiso B. Valid for 90 days.
3. Driving school or por libre. A school (autoescuela) handles the paperwork and the practical. Studying theory on your own and applying yourself is allowed and cheaper.
4. Fee 2.1: 94.05 EUR, paid to the DGT. It includes two exam attempts; after two fails you start a new application.
5. Theory test. 30 questions on a computer, at most 3 errors, one minute per question (RGCond annex VI.B). Choose English or Spanish when you apply.
6. Practical test in traffic, in a dual-control car with an instructor next to you.
7. Provisional licence for three months in Spain only; the card arrives by post in about six weeks.

A passed theory test stays valid for two years, so you do not have to rush the practical.

Urdu, English or Spanish?

The DGT form Mod. 04 lists the languages for the car theory test: Spanish, the co-official languages, English, French and German. Urdu and Punjabi are not on it. Many Pakistani candidates learn the rules from Urdu or Punjabi videos and then sit in Spanish or English, and the switch is where marks are lost: the exam uses formal wording that a video translation does not prepare you for.

How to choose:

• English if you read English more easily than Spanish. You will still see Spanish on every road sign, so learn the key Spanish terms.
• Spanish if you already read it well, or plan to. It is the language of the road, of the practical test, and of every DGT letter you will receive.

Read more in our guide the DGT exam for Urdu speakers.

Five mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for an exchange that will not come. Pakistan has no agreement, so there is no agreement-based canje appointment to book. Start preparing the theory instead. (The only exception is the route for professional drivers resident in Spain: six months employed as a professional driver plus a road test, RGCond art. 22.1.b.)
• Using an International Driving Permit after six months of residence. It does not extend the period.
• Learning only in translation. Understand the rule in Urdu if that helps, but practise the questions in the exam language.
• Spending both attempts in a hurry. The 94.05 EUR fee covers two attempts. Take mock exams first.
• Paying anyone who "guarantees" a licence or a pass. A Spanish licence is only issued after you pass the DGT tests yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my Pakistani driving licence in Spain?

No. Pakistan is not on the DGT list of exchange agreements (updated 26 June 2026), so a Pakistani licence cannot be exchanged under an agreement. Residents must pass the DGT theory and practical tests, unless they use the professional-driver route (RGCond art. 22.1.b).

Is a Pakistani driving licence valid in Spain?

Yes, for six months at most: from your entry into Spain as a visitor, or from the day you become resident. It must be in force, and unless it follows the international convention model you should carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation.

Is a Pakistani International Driving Permit valid in Spain?

It is valid as a companion to your Pakistani licence and passport, for up to one year as a document. It does not extend the six-month limit for residents.

Can I take the DGT test in Urdu?

No. The car theory test is offered in Spanish, the co-official languages, English, French and German. Urdu and Punjabi speakers usually sit in English or Spanish.

How many questions are there and how many mistakes can I make?

The theory test has 30 questions and you pass with 3 errors or fewer. You have one minute per question.

How much does it cost to get a Spanish licence?

The DGT fee is 94.05 EUR for two attempts. The medical report and any driving school lessons are paid separately.

Sources

• BOE, Reglamento General de Conductores: art. 7, 21, 53, 55 and annex VI.B, consolidated text read 11/10/2026.
• DGT, Países con convenio de canjes (updated 26/06/2026) and Conducir con un permiso extranjero.
• DGT, Requisitos, preparación y presentación a examen (updated 09/07/2026).
• DGT online office, Solicitud de examen: fee 2.1 = 94.05 EUR, read 11/10/2026.
• INE, table 56937, population by country of birth, 1 January 2025.

This page explains the rules; it is not legal advice. For your own case ask your Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico or call 060.