Driving Abroad – Tips For Driving In Spain

After the last few years when people were quite literally banned from going on holiday, the number of people that have taken to the roads now all lockdown restrictions has been lifted has increased significantly. More people than ever are exploring European countries via their cars and embarking on road trips abroad. British tourists in Spain have either flown there, and are renting cars to drive around, or they have driven from the UK to Spain. Either way, driving in Spain offers excellent views, wonderful weather and great driving roads.

With the majority flying to Spain first, there are multitudes of car rental companies in Spain. All you need to do is Google search “car rental Spain” or “rent a car in Spain.” This way, you can compare companies and prices to find the right rental car for you and your holiday needs. 

When it comes to the legal aspects of driving in a foreign country, there is no need to worry about Spain. Your UK driving license allows you to legally drive on the Spanish roads. However, it is still highly important to familiarise yourself with and learn the road rules and regulations, as well as the local driving etiquette. This will not only keep you safe but others on the road as well. All of this includes preparing yourself for crossing Spanish road tolls and looking out for unique Spanish road signs not seen elsewhere. Unfortunately, a lot of British drivers ignore a lot of the basics or do not tend to learn or familiarize themselves with the Spanish rules, which can get them into trouble, or even worse, into an accident. This could be carrying out an unsafe driving manoeuvre due to a lack of sign understanding, or a lack of driving etiquette. 

Which documents do I need for driving in Spain?

Driving in Spain is fairly simple for Brits, where all you will need is a valid UK driving license, proof of ownership and insurance, as well as a passport or nationality card. 

Now Brexit has been completed, it is important to check if British drivers heading out to Spain if they need a motor insurance green card. 

What should I carry in my car whilst driving in Spain?

All cars that drive in Spain are legally required to carry a few things. These are two warning triangles, to place at the front and the back of your vehicle in case of a breakdown. Headlamp beam deflectors are another must-have for UK drivers when venturing into Spain in right-hand drive cars. Motorists are not legally required to carry any reflective clothing, but if anyone is seen walking on the hard shoulder of the road without one, they will be fined. 

Also, it is important to note that if you need glasses to drive, Spanish law requires you to carry a spare pair with you in the car. If your car does not have a GB symbol number plate or one with a GB symbol accompanied by a Union Jack, you must purchase a GB sticker. Euro-plates are no longer sufficient in Spain.

To make it easy, we have put together a quick checklist of things British drivers can go through in preparation for a road trip through Spain. 

Driving in Spain checklist: 

• Valid UK driving license
• Proof of insurance
• V5C
• Passport/National ID card
• Motor insurance green card
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• Spare pair of glasses (if needed)
• GB sticker on the outside of your vehicle 

Are Spanish tolls and petrol prices different from the UK?

Like many other European countries, Spain hosts an array of impressive motorways systems, and therefore, tollbooths and charges. In comparison to the UK, France and Italy, the fees are fairly similar in Spain. The 136km coastal route from Malaga to Gibraltar will set you back around €9.55. 

Insurance and breakdown cover in Spain

When driving in EU countries, most insurance companies in the UK allow for 90 days of cover. However, the majority will only provide third party cover. It is important to check the type of insurance cover you are likely to have when in Spain before you leave to ensure you are covered correctly. 

Unlike insurance being a mandatory requirement whilst Brits are driving in Spain, breakdown cover is not. The breakdown providers will do Europe wide coverage, but it is often for smaller firms to use this as an add-on to the basic policy.