The Joys of Getting a Spanish Driver’s License at 53

Summary

An American in their 50s recounts the humorous and challenging experience of obtaining a Spanish driver's license after driving illegally for years, highlighting the rigorous process and unexpected test questions.

Abstract

The author, an experienced driver from the United States, shares their journey of acquiring a Spanish driver's license at the age of 53. Despite having driven for decades, including illegally in Spain for five years, they are compelled to undergo the Spanish licensing process due to the lack of a reciprocal agreement between Spain and the US. The article contrasts the simplicity of getting a license in the US during the 80s with the complexity of the current Spanish system, which includes a comprehensive study book, practice tests, and a significant fee. The author humorously notes the peculiarities of the Spanish driving test, such as questions about driving cattle and wearing puffy jackets while driving, and the severe penalties for cheating. Despite the challenges, the author views the experience as a brain-exercising endeavor that provides both a cognitive workout and comedic relief.

Opinions

The author initially resisted obtaining a Spanish license due to perceived unfairness and nostalgia for the simpler process in the US.
They express a sense of irony and humor regarding the strictness of the Spanish driving test, especially the obscure questions that seem unrelated to actual driving skills.
The author is critical of the financial aspect of the Spanish licensing process, suggesting that it may be designed to generate revenue rather than solely to ensure road safety.
Despite the frustration, the author adopts a positive perspective, treating the test preparation as a means to prevent dementia and as a source of entertainment.

Sitting down with the 18 year-olds in driving school

Photo by Author

After driving illegally in Spain for the past 5 years because I was sulking at the unfairness of having to get a Spanish drivers license in the first place, I have decided to bite the bullet and get one. Because I am from the United States and Spain does not have an agreement with that government, US citizens who want to drive here legally can’t change their licenses over like everyone else can.

For some, it may be shocking that I have driven illegally for so long but I have experience at this as I started driving way back in 1984, a full two years before I was allowed to get my license even at the young age of 16. In all fairness, I grew up on a farm in the desert of California, walking everywhere was becoming tiresome and I knew the only sheriff in town so I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to get busted.

Here in Spain, youngsters have to wait until they are 18 to get a drivers license although they can get a license to drive a scooter, small motorcycle or very small car that doesn’t go very fast when they are 16. Spain must be attempting to get rid of its teenagers, because as the test points out, the people most likely to die in an accident are those riding motorcycles.

In all probability, getting a driver’s license in the States has become big business now too, but back in 1986, the DMV would give us a thin pamphlet sort of book to study and my dad taught me how to drive by taking me out on the streets and letting me have a go at it. I studied for a couple of hours, passed the written test, gave them 20 dollars, took the driving test, stood proudly in front of a white backdrop, had my picture taken and walked out with a driver’s license.

Here in Spain, this is not the case. I had to fork over 250 euro (and I was assured that I was getting a bargain by those who had had to pay much more in the past). Then they gave me a whole book and access to a website where I can take practice tests until I am ready.

Initially I thought, no problem, I know how to drive, I’ll just have to learn a few new rules and I will be on my way. This has not been the case. After procrastinating for a couple of weeks because it is way too hot to study in Spain in August, I sat down and got to work. It has been 3 weeks now and I am not even close to being ready to take the “theory” part of the test. Most of the questions have nothing to do with driving and would be pissing me off if they weren’t so funny. Here are some of my favorites so far:

The answer once again, is C

All of this was of course written in Spanish and in a much more confusing way. I was told this is because, if you fail the test, you have to pay a not insignificant amount to take it again and someone is making a living off of this.

I am choosing to see this test as the Spanish government’s way of helping me stave off dementia by exercising my brain to learn new things, and giving me a good laugh which is also good for my brain.

Wish me luck, I am only halfway through taking the practice tests and already I have put in more time on it than I did when studying for my comprehensive exams at college.

The Joys of Getting a Spanish Driver’s License at 53

Sitting down with the 18 year-olds in driving school

When you are driving a herd of cattle on a highway, how fast do you have to go?

The answer is C.

Can you wear a puffy winter jacket while driving?

The answer is C again

What is the punishment for cheating on this test?

The answer once again, is C