Once you pick up your car, the important thing is to first understand some basic driving rules in Spain.
Required Documentation
A driving license from another country should serve for driving in Spain as long as it is legible in Spanish. Any other type of driving license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by such organizations as AA, AAA, RAC, etc.
Don't forget to have your license with you every time you drive, as the police may ask for it at a moment's notice. If your driving license doesn't have a photograph, you must also have your passport on hand. Also be sure that all the documentation of the vehicle is in order, including having current insurance. Keep in mind that the police are normally very strict with beginning drivers.
Age Limits
Car rental companies in Spain have very stern rules in this respect, which may vary from one company to another. For this reason, it's advisable that the client check the price at rental time as well as examine any price increase as a result of the driver not meeting the established age range for each car hire company.
Keys to driving in Spain
Contact your car hire company and find out the local driving rules so that it will be easier to adapt to them once driving the rental car.
Always drive on the right and don't tie up the passing lanes.
On some highways and dual carriageways a temporary lane may be opened up on the left side in order to free up congested traffic.
In accordance with Spanish regulations both drivers and riders of the vehicle, including children, must without fail have seatbelts fastened. Children under 12 years may not travel in the front unless they are in special child seats adequate for their size.
Maximum velocity allowed on Spanish highways:
a. divided carriageways/highways ('autovias'), motorways ('autopistas'): 120 km/h
b. national highways: 90-100 km/h
c. urban areas: 50 km/h
Do not drive after consuming alcohol, as the authorities may impose strong fines and even prison time. In Spain the maximum blood alcohol content is 0.25 mg.
When it's refuel time, if you're unsure of the type of fuel the vehicle requires, contact your car rental company. Fuel types in Spain are: gasoline ('gasolina') of differing octane levels, unleaded gasoline ('gasolina sin plomo'), and various grades of diesel ('gasoil').
If you realize you have the wrong type of fuel in your car, do not start it, as this could cause serious damage. In this case you would have to pay any damages, since this would be classified as user negligence.
If some kind of fuel problem occurs, ask service station personnel because sometimes they can clean the tank or tell you where this can be done, and fill it with the proper fuel.
Most service stations in Spain are open 24 hours, and the majority are self-service. Schedules may vary depending on the region in which they're located as well as local customs. Credit cards are accepted for payment in the majority of service stations.