Rent a car in spain with a uk driving licence?
Are you planning a trip to Spain and don’t know how to get around? Are you worried about the paperwork involved with renting a car? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will provide all the information you need to know about renting a car in Spain with a UK driving licence. So sit back, relax, and let us show you the way!
If you're planning a trip to Spain and don't have an international driver's licence, you may be wondering if it's possible to rent a car with just your UK driving licence. The answer is yes: in most cases, you can rent a car in Spain with just your UK driving licence. In this blog post, we'll take you through the steps needed to successfully rent a car in Spain with a UK driving licence.
1. Requirements for Renting a Car in Spain
If you are thinking about renting a car in Spain, there are a few requirements you will need to fulfill. First and foremost, you will need a valid driver’s license from your home country. In addition, you will need an identification document such as a passport or identity card. You will also need a credit or debit card to cover the cost of the rental. The legal driving age in Spain is 18, however, most suppliers require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Some suppliers require drivers to be at least 23 years of age. Lastly, automatic and manual transmissions are usually available depending on your preference.
2. Driving Age in Spain
In Spain, the legal driving age is 18, which means that anyone over this age is allowed to rent a car. However, rental car companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver's license for two years. Foreigners can rent a car for up to six months with a valid licence from their home country. It's also important to remember that all passengers must wear a seat belt when in the car.
3. Do UK Drivers Need an IDP?
For UK drivers, the answer to this question depends on the type of driving licence you hold and the age of the driver. If you have an old, paper UK driving licence, you will need to take another form of photographic identification, such as your passport, with you. In addition, if you are under 25 it is likely that you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). According to the government website, this permit is also required if you have a non-photo license in English. However, if you are over 25 and have a photo license in English, then you don’t need an IDP. For some other countries such as the USA an international licence or permit is required.
4. What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your regular driving licence that works alongside it. It allows you to drive in many countries worldwide. The IDP is valid for 12 months and is issued by the government in your home country. It is available in 10 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese. However, you only need an IDP if you are staying in Spain for longer than six months or if you have a Schengen Tourist Visa. Otherwise, you can use your regular driving licence in Spain without any additional documents.
5. Using Your Home Driving Licence in Spain
If you already have a valid driving licence from your home country, then it is possible to use it to rent a car in Spain. UK drivers can use their full UK driving licence in Spain, provided they are at least 18 years old and their licence is still valid. However, if you are planning on staying in Spain for an extended period of time, then you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a document that translates the information on your home driving licence into multiple languages and serves as an additional identification document when driving abroad.
6. Long Term Rental Requirements in Spain
For a long-term rental, you may be required to show additional documents like your passport or NIE. You may also need to provide proof of insurance from your home country. All foreign licences must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) for rental periods longer than six months. UK drivers will need to obtain a DVLA Code from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and present it to the rental company for validation. This code is needed for longer rentals, as it proves that your licence is valid and allows the rental company to make sure that there are no restrictions on your licence. Lastly, you should make sure to provide documentation from your insurer that you have adequate coverage while driving abroad.
7. Getting Your DVLA Code
In order to get a valid code from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK, you will need your post-code, driving licence number and National Insurance number. This code is valid for 72 hours and must be presented to the rental desk when you hire a car in Spain. You can easily get this code by visiting the DVLA website and clicking on “View Driving Licence”. Without this code, you may not be able to rent a car in Spain.
8. Documentation Required by Your Insurer
When renting a car in Spain, it is important to make sure that your insurer has the correct documents. You will need to provide proof of your driving license and national insurance number, as well as your passport to prove that you are legally allowed to drive in the country. Additionally, you may need to provide a DVLA code, which can be obtained from the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This code will enable your car rental company and your insurer to confirm that you are a valid driver and have a valid UK driving license.
9. Hiring a Car Abroad
When hiring a car abroad, it's important to find out what the rental company requires in terms of documentation. Different countries have different requirements, so it's wise to check before you book your car. In addition, you should always check what the terms and conditions are. This will ensure that you are aware of any extra charges associated with your rental, as well as your rights if something goes wrong.
10. Formalities and Legalities When Renting a Car in Spain
When it comes to renting a car abroad, there are some formalities and legalities that must be taken into account. In Spain, the legal driving age is 18 and all drivers must bring their EU driving license when they arrive. If you have a UK photocard license, you only need to present the card. For those with paper “counterpart” licenses, you will need to bring both the card and the paper document. When it comes to renting a car abroad, it is important to make sure you have a valid driving licence and appropriate insurance. It is also important to distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or brokers. Intermediaries do not provide the rental car themselves, but rather act as a middleman between you and the rental company.