The Cuban content creator on TikTok, Dayi Salgado (@dayisalgado), who resides in Spain, shared her experience of obtaining her driver's license at the age of 51, in a video that has resonated with thousands of followers due to its blend of humor, effort, and the realities faced by immigrants in Europe.
"You see this that I have here. I got this at the age of 51 in Spain," she says proudly as she displays the classic green "L" that distinguishes novice drivers in that European country.
The Cuban driver's license is not valid in Spanish territory once the first six months of residence have passed, as there is no exchange agreement between the two countries. Cubans moving to Spain are required to obtain a new driver's permit and many spend long years without doing so.
How much do the driving license procedures cost in Spain?
Driving lessons in Spain, lasting 45 minutes, have a price that ranges from 25 to 40 euros, depending on the city and driving school chosen. They are mandatory, and a teacher must accompany the student to the exam.
Additionally, there are official fees that must be paid for both the theoretical and practical exams, as well as for each new attempt if one fails.
People usually require an average of 35 to 45 practical lessons to be prepared for a rigorous driving test that typically lasts about half an hour. The test takes place in urban areas and on fast roads, allowing examiners to demand lane changes, the use of roundabouts, traffic lights, highways, parking, and more.
Driving without a license to practice "on your own" is prohibited in the Iberian country. It is a crime outlined in the Penal Code and may result in fines, revocation of the right to obtain a license for years, and even prison sentences in serious cases.
If you plan to obtain your driver's license in Spain, you should prepare a budget of between 1,500 and 3,500 euros. It will all depend on how much effort you put into achieving this goal. What weighs heaviest on drivers is not the money spent, but the time required, especially if you fail exams.
The popular Cuban creator, who has amassed over 60,000 followers on social media, confided that obtaining her driver’s license was no easy task: “This has cost me nights of sleeplessness, headaches, everything,” she recounted. “I thought I would never pass this.”
Newly licensed drivers must display a green plate with the letter “L”—derived from the English word "learner"—on the back of their vehicle for one year to alert other road users to their inexperience behind the wheel.
The story doesn’t end with obtaining the card. After passing the theoretical and practical tests, this Cuban now faces a common difficulty among those who migrate and start from scratch: the lack of financial resources to acquire a vehicle.
"Right now I don't have any money to buy the car. I spent everything on this, on classes, tests, failing, come here, go there..." he explained with a resigned tone.
In her video, which has already generated hundreds of reactions, the Cuban jokes that she will go out on the street with the "L" in her wallet because, although she is already a legal driver, she still has nothing to drive. "Everyone asks me about the car... What car am I going to buy if I ran out of money with the license?" she lamented.
Her message serves as inspiration for other women, whom she encouraged to continue striving for their goals. "Now we’re going to work to get the car," she affirmed.
Frequently asked questions about obtaining a driver's license in Spain for Cuban immigrants
What are the steps to obtain a driver's license in Spain?
To obtain a driver's license in Spain, it is necessary to take practical driving lessons, which are mandatory and must be supervised by an instructor. The driving test includes theoretical and practical assessments, and if one does not pass on the first attempt, official fees must be paid for each new attempt. On average, between 35 and 45 practical lessons are required before being ready for the test.
How much does it cost to obtain a driver's license in Spain?
The cost of obtaining a driver's license in Spain varies depending on the city and the chosen driving school. Driving lessons range in price from 25 to 40 euros for a 45-minute session. Additionally, official fees must be paid for both the theoretical and practical exams. Overall, the process can become quite costly for immigrants who are starting from scratch.
What challenges do immigrants face when obtaining a driver's license in Spain?
Immigrants face several challenges when obtaining a driver's license in Spain, including the high cost of classes and exams, as well as the language barrier and adapting to local traffic regulations. Many immigrants also encounter financial difficulties, as the process can deplete their resources, leaving them with insufficient funds to acquire their own vehicle.
Is it possible to drive in Spain without a valid driver's license?
No, driving without a valid driver's license in Spain is a crime. It is prohibited to practice driving on your own without supervision and is considered a serious violation of the Penal Code, which can result in fines, the loss of the right to obtain a license for years, and even prison sentences in severe cases.
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