A Cuban TikTok creator known as @alietty_livestyle recently posted a video to challenge claims circulating on social media that obtaining a driver's license or owning a car in Spain is unfeasible. "Please, stop saying that people in Spain can't afford to have a driver's license or a car, because that's completely false," she declared in the video, which starts with screenshots of such comments.
Although she admitted that arriving in Spain without funds made it difficult to enjoy these conveniences initially, she emphasized that achieving them is not beyond reach. "It's true that getting a driver's license in Spain is much harder than here in the United States... and then you go to take a practical test in a closed circuit, in a shopping mall parking lot. No, my dear, in Spain you actually learn how to drive," she stated. She compared this training to that in the U.S., where, based on her experience, she has met licensed individuals who "practically only know how to drive forward and stop the car."
She shared that she faced "a lot of challenges" in obtaining her license in Spain, although some manage to succeed on their first try. She pointed out that "the bureaucratic procedures in Spain also make it a bit more difficult," but insisted that "this is no reason to say it's impossible to obtain a driver's license," inviting her followers to comment or critique her opinion.
Responses varied, with some highlighting the quality of driving education in Spain, while others lamented the high costs, which in some cases exceeded three thousand euros, alongside repeated failures. It was also noted that in the United States, the process is quicker and cheaper, with mostly automatic cars, as opposed to the predominance of manual ones in Spain. Others remarked that in Spain, obtaining a license without legal documentation is not possible.
A few days earlier, Cuban Dayi Salgado shared on social media how she obtained her driver's license in Spain at the age of 51, following a process costing between 1,500 and 3,500 euros, which she described as demanding and lengthy, leaving her without funds to purchase a car. Spanish TikToker @ramonteli, on the other hand, criticized driving in Miami and the ease of getting licenses in the U.S., contrasting it with Spain's more expensive and stringent system.
@alietty_livestyle had previously sparked debate with another video comparing her life in Spain and the United States, stating, "I wish I hadn't decided to come here." In her latest reflection, she summed up her stance with a phrase: "It's not impossible, it's more difficult, but you truly learn how to drive."
Understanding Driving License Processes in Spain and the U.S.
Why is obtaining a driver's license in Spain considered difficult?
The process is seen as challenging due to rigorous testing, including both theoretical and practical exams, and bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, the costs can be prohibitively high for some.
How does the process of getting a driver's license in the U.S. differ from Spain?
In the U.S., the process is generally faster, less expensive, and often involves simpler driving tests. Most cars are automatic, which may make the practical test less demanding compared to Spain, where manual cars are more common.
What are the costs associated with getting a driver's license in Spain?
The cost can range from 1,500 to over 3,000 euros, depending on various factors such as the number of attempts needed and the driving school's fees.