Andorra, a tiny principality located in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, is a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re planning to live in Andorra, work there or just visit, you may need to get a driving license. This article provides an overview of the rules and regulations for obtaining a driving license in Andorra, including how to exchange, obtain and renew one. It also covers the penalty system for motoring offenses and whether an International Driving Permit is recognized in the principality.
General Rules for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals who are planning to stay in Andorra for an extended period may be required to obtain a local driving license. The general rule is that anyone who is resident in Andorra for more than six months must obtain an Andorran driving license.
However, foreign nationals can use their own driving licenses in Andorra for a limited period. According to the official Andorran government website, if you hold a valid driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can drive in Andorra for up to six months. If you’re from a country that is not a member of the EU or EEA, you can drive in Andorra for up to one year with a valid driving license from your home country.
License Exchange Agreements
Andorra has license exchange agreements with several countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland. If you hold a driving license from one of these countries, you may be able to exchange it for an Andorran driving license without taking a driving test.
If you’re from a country that does not have a license exchange agreement with Andorra, you will need to take a driving test to obtain an Andorran driving license.
Procedure for Exchanging, Obtaining, and Renewing a Driving License
Exchanging a Driving License
If you hold a driving license from a country that has a license exchange agreement with Andorra, you can exchange your license for an Andorran driving license without taking a driving test. To do this, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your original driving license
- A translation of your driving license into Catalan or Spanish
- A certificate of residence (certificat de residència)
- A medical certificate (certificat mèdic)
Once you have these documents, you can apply for an Andorran driving license at the Government of Andorra’s Department of Transport and Telecommunications (Departament de Mobilitat i Telecomunicacions). You will need to pay a fee for the exchange.
Obtaining a Driving License
If you do not hold a driving license from a country that has a license exchange agreement with Andorra, you will need to take a driving test to obtain an Andorran driving license. The driving test consists of a theoretical exam and a practical driving exam.
To apply for a driving test, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A certificate of residence (certificat de residència)
- A medical certificate (certificat mèdic)
- A certificate of completion of a driving school course (certificat de finalització del curs d’autoescola)
Once you have these documents, you can apply for a driving test at the Department of Transport and Telecommunications. You will need to pay a fee for the test.
Renewing a Driving License
Andorran driving licenses are valid for 10 years. To renew your driving license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your current Andorran driving license
- A certificate of residence (certificat de residència)
- A medical certificate (certificat mèdic)
You can apply to renew your driving license at the Department of Transport and Telecommunications. You will need to pay a fee for the renewal.
Contact Details of Relevant Government Departments or Agencies
If you need to contact the relevant government department or agency for driving licenses in Andorra, here are the contact details:
- Government of Andorra’s Department of Transport and Telecommunications (Departament de Mobilitat i Telecomunicacions)
- Address: Plaça de la Rotonda, s/n, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
- Phone: +376 875 700
- Email: mobilidad@govern.ad
- Website: https://mobilitat.ad/
International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognized in Andorra. An IDP is a document that allows you to drive in countries where your home country driving license may not be recognized. You can obtain an IDP in your home country.
It’s important to note that an IDP is not a replacement for a valid driving license. You must still carry your valid driving license with you when driving in Andorra.
Penalty System for Motoring Offences
The penalty system for motoring offenses in Andorra is strict. If you commit a motoring offense, such as speeding or drink-driving, you may face fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.
If you commit a motoring offense while driving with a foreign driving license in Andorra, you may be required to pay a fine or have your driving privileges revoked in Andorra. In some cases, you may also face legal proceedings in your home country.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws and regulations when driving in Andorra to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.
Obtaining a driving license in Andorra can be a straightforward process, especially if you hold a driving license from a country that has a license exchange agreement with Andorra. However, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding driving licenses in Andorra, including how long you can use your foreign driving license and the penalty system for motoring offenses.
If you need to exchange, obtain, or renew a driving license in Andorra, contact the relevant government department or agency for more information. And remember, always drive safely and follow the local traffic laws and regulations.