Spanish Driver's License Test

This week I am sitting through a 4 day ICR (Intercultural Relations) course.  Part of taking the course (and the sole reason I'm there, since it isn't mandatory for dependents) is taking the test to get your Spanish driver's license.  Right now I have a 60 day temporary paper that allows me to drive with my NY license, but by taking this test (in 2 weeks) I will have a legitimate Spanish license with an endorsement to also drive motorcycles up to 500cc.  To drive over 500cc you need to have your motorcycle license for more than 2 years.

The test consisted of 50 multiple choice questions, 35 of which were road sign identifications.  Here is an example of some common road signs in Spain:

 I got all the questions right!!  My husband took the test a week ago, so he told me some of the things to pay special attention to.  Even though most are common sense, it's difficult to study for a test when given a whole binder to look through the night before.  Some of the non-sign information that differs to the US is that you cannot turn on red unless there is a green arrow allowing you to.  You can exceed the speed limit by 20kph in order to pass someone.  When passing a school, shopping center, or anywhere else where there are a lot of pedestrians, the speed limit is "the speed that a pedestrian can walk".  Another thing that is different is that you must always carry with you in your vehicle 2 safety triangles and a reflective vest in case you break down on the side of the road.  You must also have a spare tire, the tools to change it, and spare light bulbs for all types of lights you have in/on your car. 

If you get pulled over, you can pay your ticket on the spot.  If you pay on the spot, or within 20 days, the cost of the ticket is halved. 

With the Spanish driver's license, and the soon to be Spanish registration on the car (European Union license plate with a E for España - point of origin/registration) we will have free rein to drive anywhere in the European Union.  Whether driving or not, we can travel anywhere in the EU for a long weekend without taking leave too!  This will be a mighty big adventure with our travel opportunities.  With the car, trains, buses, ferries, and cheap flights, I hope to see as much of Europe as I can within these next 20 months.  I'm so excited to explore, but also to see all of my former exchange students and friends who are scattered around this area!

Now we just have to wait for our car to finish its trip from the US! 

Next step... motorcycles :)