Toll Roads, Road Tax & Driving Licences

Toll Roads

There are a number of toll roads throughout Spain and the AP7 is the toll road that stretches along the Costa del Sol. At just over 82 kilometres long, it begins near San Roque at Guadiaro (Km 132) and goes all the way past Benalmádena (Km 229).

Along this stretch there are three toll payment points. Prices are fixed and are charged per vehicle type, but change due to season. From June to September, plus the 17 days over Easter, the toll price almost doubles compared to the winter months fee. The toll roads have gas stations including services.

The Costa del Sol toll road is named AP7, which should not be confused with the old coast road, the A7 (formerly the N-340). Don't get confused, the P is for pay! Electronic signs are now used along the coast to guide traffic onto the correct roads, pointing out the AP7 and the A7 clearly, but do watch out for traffic changing lanes at the last minute at these points.

All Spanish toll roads accept cash, credit and debit cards.

Electronic Toll Collection

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) is the latest payment system deployed on toll motorways.

This system permits payment without stopping the vehicle. Payment is completed through a small device installed in the vehicle known as "On Board Equipment" (OBE) that is read from a distance by a beacon installed in specific sign-posted lanes.

Ask your bank manager about getting an OBE or visit the website at: www.viat.es, look in section Dónde Conseguirlo (at present, only available in Spanish.)

For further information on toll roads visit the website www.aseta.es or for information about the Autopista del Sol call 952 799 371.

Road Tax

Road tax (impuesto municipal sobre vehículos de tracción mecánica) must be paid on all Spanish registered vehicles. The amount of tax is based on the fiscal horsepower of the vehicle and you should check your tax documents to see that it is correct.

Payment should be made to your local Town hall every year between March and May and though reminders may be sent out, don't depend on this. Visit your local town hall to obtain a payment form. Although the road tax is not displayed in your car, you will be asked to present a copy if stopped by police.

Driving Exam

Spanish bureaucracy at its best!

Unlicenced drivers and many non-EU citizens must take a driving test in order to obtain a Spanish licence.

The driving tests in Spain are famous for their trick questions, if you are lucky they will have one available in your native language.

The spirit here is to try, TRY and try again. Cynics believe this to be a major source of revenue for the government and driving schools. There are 40 questions, and you can miss three.

Taking the test can become a lifestyle, as the failure rate is so high. You have three chances to pass before you have to pay and start over again. Driving schools are designed to help students pass the test.

An easier option is to get an international licence in your country of origin or over the Internet. They are very inexpensive (around 30€, are valid for one year and are accepted by the Guardia Civil.)

Spanish Licence Renewals

18 - 45 years of age, every 10 years. From 45 to 70 renew every 5 years and over 70 the renewal is every two years. Renewal involves paying a fee and taking the physical and motor skills exams.

Driving Licences

For members of the EU it is no longer necessary to apply for a Spanish licence. However, if you have a Spanish plated vehicle or hold residency you are required to have your licence validated.

All drivers are subject to the same medical examinations as Spanish nationals. Unlike the UK Spain requires medical check-ups at the time of renewal. In the Spanish regime you must go to an authorised centre, (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores) to have your physical and motor skills tested (informe de aptitud psicofísica.) The latter is very similar to a Nintendo game.

Age Guidelines

motorbike: 14 (with parental permission)
motorbike with passenger: 16
agricultural machinery: 16
car; motorcycle; truck: 18

Validation of licences is done at the Jefatura de Tráfico in Málaga. Make it evident that you want your licence validated (válido), not replaced.

Take Copies And Originals Of:

1. Your valid UK or EU driving licence / ID photograph card (both sides)
2. Your NIE / town hall registration
3. Your passport
4. Two passport photographs 32 x 25mm

The process is very simple and quick. Take care not to leave any of your original documents. Getting through to Tráfico on the telephone is an exercise in extreme patience and is virtually impossible, but here are the numbers:

Jefatura de Tráfico

952 041 600 / 952 040 770 (mon - fri - 09:00 - 14:00)

Renewal / replacement of a British drivers licence while in spain: In order to renew or replace a UK licence you must have a British address.

Driving Tips