EU License for US Expat
 

Hello,

I have recently moved to Spain and have been disappointed to learn about what it takes to get even a car license let alone one for a motorcycle.

From what I can tell, in order to drive a touring bike I will have to take a test for an A2 scooter license and then wait 2 years before I can take the A exam to drive bikes similar to those I have been driving for the past 8 years around the US.

Can anyone think of a way to get around this 2 year wait, even if it involves importing a bike from the US?

Would anyone care or notice if I said I was a tourist and just showed my international permit if ever requested?


Thanks for the help,

Brady

Yes, but at least that means Europeans know how to ride. ;)

That has nothing to do with it.

Your local cops who've seen you around the village would notice.

The good news is that I believe you have 1 year (might depend on the country) from the start of your residency during which you can still use your US license. And if you have a motorcycle endorsement on it, technically EU states have to accept it. After that, yes, you have to take the local exam.

It's not just about the bike - it's about making sure you understand the local rules of the road and driving culture. Riding a Harley across Kansas is very different from riding a GasGas across the Pyrenees.

A guy I know here ranted and raved about the indignity of having to prove his car-driving skills after being a safe driver in America for decades... then failed his driving test because he didn't know how roundabouts work. ;)

Hi Brady - regarding the A2 licence limitation, check with your local [Spanish] equivalent of the DMV - in the UK for example, if you're over 24 years old you do not have to stick to the A2 [47 hp] limit for two years, but can do a direct-access test and get your full A licence straight away.

As AnTyx says, unless Spain has a reciprocal arrangement with the US where they will convert your existing licence (and all categories) to an EU licence, it looks like you are going to have to take at least one theory and practical test to obtain an EU licence.

Hope that helps...

Jenny x

Hi Brady,

we can provide full support through our services in Croatia. Finding the desired bike for you, sorting all the paperwork, registration, and third party liability coverage.
You can ride it using your US drivers license until you get to the expiration of the time window that Spanish law is demanding from you.

You will have to do yearly registration process which can be turned into nice trips, riding over Europe, and then Balkans or including Africa as well.

After those 2 years you can import the bike to Spain and keep it registered to Spanish licence plates.

You can get more info on our threads here on HUBB or also on ADVrider, and by reaching us directly at:

borderinsurance@lobagola.com
mototours@lobagola.com

Cheers
Dooby

Hi Brady:

Welcome to our forum.

Here's a link that might be helpful for you: Getting a Driver's Licence in Spain.

Like Jenny said in her post, you might be exempted from the normal 2 year transitional period for A2 to A licence because of your age, prior experience, and the fact that you have a motorcycle licence in your home country (presumably USA), even though there is no agreement between Spain & the USA respecting driver licences.

I think the best thing for you to do is to find a reputable driving school - one that has good references - and speak to them. You'll probably need about 10 hours of instruction to become aware of all the differences (nuances) between driving in the USA vs. driving in Spain. Chances are you have already figured out most of them, but the driving school will make sure you know everything you need to know to pass the tests (written & practical).

Your concern is not how to drive a car or ride a bike - you already know how to operate both machines. Your concern is being 100% aware of what questions will be asked on the written test, and what behaviour will be expected of you during the practical test.

Michael

Yes, because unless you're EU dual citizen they'll ask for your passport and it'll be fairly obvious that you're not in on a tourist stamp, so don't be that guy.

Frgich,

So are you saying that if I have an A class bike registered in Croatia as a foreigner or EU resident that I can legally drive it in the EU with a US motorcycle license and a Spanish A2 permit?



Brady

So what is wrong with driving on international license? EU recognizes US licenses so you don't really have to get international one from AAA. Or is Spain different?