Spain’s driving licence delays spark anger as learner drivers face months-long waits

Thousands of learner drivers across Spain are facing months-long waits to obtain a driving licence, with driving schools warning that a shortage of examiners has pushed the system close to breaking point.

Industry representatives say the delays are preventing people from getting to work, taking up jobs and gaining the independence that comes with a driving licence. They are now calling on the government to urgently recruit more examiners to tackle growing waiting lists.

Why are the delays happening?

According to Spain’s National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE), the main problem is a shortage of practical driving examiners employed by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).

The organisation says many examiners have retired in recent years without being replaced, creating a bottleneck that has left driving schools unable to offer practical tests quickly enough.

Waiting times vary depending on where learners live, but driving schools say candidates in some parts of Spain are now waiting several months between enrolling and taking their practical test.

The delays are also having a knock-on effect on the wider economy. Spain is estimated to be short of around 30,000 freight drivers and 6,000 passenger transport drivers, with industry leaders warning that lengthy waits for driving tests are slowing the recruitment of new professionals.

Backlogs differ across Spain

Some regions have been hit harder than others.

Driving schools in Valencia estimate around 30,000 people are currently waiting to obtain a licence, while other provinces have also reported significant backlogs for practical exams.

However, the situation is not the same everywhere. In Palencia, for example, local traffic authorities say there is currently no waiting list for practical tests, highlighting how delays differ considerably between provinces.

The DGT also disputes some of the industry’s claims. Officials insist they have increased examination capacity through a reinforcement plan and argue that many people included in waiting list figures are not yet ready to sit their practical test.

Learners voice their frustration

The delays have prompted plenty of discussion online, with learners describing long waits and rising costs.

One Reddit user wrote: “It took me about 5 months… and cost around €600 total.”

Another said: “My wife failed her first attempt… and had to wait an additional 5 or 6 weeks to get another appointment.”

Meanwhile, a learner in Barcelona warned: “Waiting time for exam can exceed 3 months easily.”

While these experiences are anecdotal, they echo frustrations being raised by driving schools across Spain.

With demand continuing to grow, the CNAE says recruiting more examiners is now essential to prevent waiting times from increasing further and to ensure learners can obtain their licences without months of uncertainty.