Motorcycle licence and IDP rules for riding in Spain (2026)

The rules in Spain

International Driving Permit

Spain is party to the 1949 convention. Its driving licence regulation (article 21) accepts foreign licences that follow the 1949 or 1968 model, licences in Spanish or with an official translation, and international permits: the 1949 model, or the 1926 or 1968 model from countries that are not 1949 parties. Visitors can use them for six months from entry. Because it is hard to know whether your licence counts as following the model, carry an IDP.

Licence on its own

EU and EEA licences are valid in Spain while they are in date (DGT), and GOV.UK says you can ride in Spain on a UK photocard licence. Your licence must cover the bike you ride.

Motorcycle category

Spanish classes are A1 (up to 125cc and 11 kW), A2 (up to 35 kW) and A (any motorcycle). The rule letting Spanish car licence holders of three years ride a 125 applies to Spanish licences; we found nothing extending it to foreign licences, so don't assume a car licence covers a 125.

Helmets

Compulsory for rider and passenger, approved to UNECE R22 and fastened. Since 1 October 2026 riders and passengers must also wear gloves on interurban roads and closed shoes that cover the whole foot. The rider is responsible if the passenger has no helmet.

Enforcement

If you can't prove residence in Spain, police can set the fine on the spot and keep your bike until you pay it; the 50% early payment discount still applies.

Insurance

Travel insurers commonly refuse claims if you crash without a valid licence for the bike you were riding. New Zealand's government warns that without a motorcycle licence your travel insurance may be void. Read your policy before you ride.

What you need, by where your licence is from

Assumes your licence includes the motorcycle category. Without it, no IDP makes riding legal.

No motorcycle licence?

An IDP never adds a motorcycle category, so without one you can't legally ride in Spain. You can ride pillion behind a licensed local rider, or join a guided tour where a staff rider carries you, if the operator offers that. A guided tour does not make it legal to ride yourself without a licence.

Questions riders ask

Can I ride a motorbike in Spain on my US or Australian licence?

Yes, for six months from entry, if it covers motorcycles. Spain's regulation accepts foreign licences that follow the international model, and a 1949 IDP removes any doubt.

Can I ride a 125cc in Spain on a car licence?

Don't count on it. The rule allowing 125s on a car licence held for three years is written for Spanish licences, and we found no source applying it to foreign ones.

What riding gear is compulsory in Spain?

An approved, fastened helmet for rider and passenger, and since 1 October 2026 gloves on interurban roads and closed shoes covering the whole foot.

Sources

Checked on 2026-11-05.

• BOE: Reglamento General de Conductores, article 21
• DGT: licences valid for driving in Spain
• BOE: Reglamento General de Circulación, article 118 (helmets and gear)
• BOE: Ley sobre Tráfico, article 87 (fines for non-residents)
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Spain, safety and security
• UN Treaty Collection: 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, status
• UN Treaty Collection: 1968 Convention on Road Traffic, status

This page is general information drawn from the sources above, not legal advice. Rules change; if your trip depends on it, check with the embassy of the country you're visiting.