Driving in Spain as a United Kingdom National
Spain features excellent autopistas, beautiful coastal drives, and vibrant cities. EU licenses are accepted; others may need an IDP. Watch out for ZBE low-emission zones in major cities.
Key Things to Know First
Spain generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Spain drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Spain uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Spain | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Spain
Speed limits in Spain are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Spain
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Spain before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Spain
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Spain Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Spain.
Read the complete guide