Most visitors can rent a car in Tenerife with the licence already in their wallet. A UK photocard licence works, an EU licence works, and most other national licences work too, as long as they are in the Latin alphabet. The things that more often get in the way are our own requirements: the driver’s age, how long the licence has been held and the documents we need before we can confirm dates. Here is the full list, with the source for each point. [S1][S2][S3]

Which licences are valid for driving in Spain

Spain’s General Drivers’ Regulation (Reglamento General de Conductores, article 21) sets the rules for foreign licences. In short: [S3][S4]

  • EU and EEA licences (including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are valid in Spain for as long as they are in force.
  • Licences from other countries are valid if they follow the international model of the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions, or are written in Spanish or come with an official translation, or are accompanied by an International Driving Permit. In every case the licence must be in force and the holder must be old enough for the equivalent Spanish licence.
  • For visitors, these licences are valid for up to six months from entry into Spain. After that, residents need a Spanish licence.

UK licence after Brexit: do you need an IDP?

No, if you have a photocard licence. The UK government’s travel advice for Spain says you can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain. If you still have an old paper licence, you may need to update it to a photocard. Provisional licences are not valid for driving in Spain. [S5] The UK government’s IDP checker adds one general point for car hire: check whether the rental company asks for an IDP. [S6] We do not ask for one with a UK photocard licence, because it is in the Latin alphabet. [S1]

When you do need an International Driving Permit

Our rental terms set one clear rule: if your national licence is not issued in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit as well as the licence itself. [S1] That covers, for example, licences printed only in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese or Greek script. The IDP does not replace the licence; it is a translation that travels with it, so carry both.

Spanish rules recognise international permits issued abroad, so arrange the IDP at home before the trip; you cannot pick one up in Tenerife. [S4] If you are unsure whether your licence counts as “Latin alphabet”, send us a photo of both sides when you enquire and we will tell you before you book. [S2]

Our requirements for the driver

Spanish law sets the minimum; a rental company can ask for more. These are our conditions, from section 2 of the terms: [S1]

  • Minimum age 26.
  • Licence held for more than two years.
  • Drivers under 26, or with a licence held for two years or less, can be accepted only by prior individual agreement, not for every car, and on conditions written into the rental agreement (section 9). [S1]
  • Passport or ID document at handover.
  • No residency or citizenship restrictions, and no credit card is required: cash is accepted. [S1]
  • Only drivers named in the agreement may drive. A second driver is added free of charge and must meet the same requirements. [S1]

If you are 24 and plan to book a powerful convertible, talk to us before you choose the car, not after. Individual agreements are possible, but not for every vehicle. [S1]

What to send before booking, and what to bring

Before we can confirm your dates, we need (section 3): [S2]

  1. A photo or scan of both sides of the driving licence of every driver.
  2. Your home address.
  3. Your e-mail address.
  4. A contact phone number; WhatsApp or Telegram works best.

The booking is confirmed once we have the documents and the €100 prepayment, which is then deducted from the rental price. [S2]

At handover, every driver must be there in person with their driving licence and passport (section 12). [S2] The deposit of €300, €600 or €1,000, depending on the car, is placed at handover by card hold or, by prior arrangement, in cash or by transfer. [S2] Our deposit guide explains how it is held and released, and the pickup and return checklist covers the handover itself.

If we are meeting you at the airport, have the licence and passport in your hand luggage, not in the checked suitcase: the handover happens before you reach the hotel. Our article on airport and hotel delivery shows how the meeting works.

Matching the car to the driver

The age and experience rules apply to every car in the fleet, but if you are booking a car you have never driven before, choose with your own experience in mind:

The E450 is listed as an automatic; the MX-5 and Mustang EcoBoost pages do not state the gearbox, so if you need an automatic, ask us before booking. Compare the rest of the cabriolet fleet for your dates.

FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Tenerife?

Only if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet; then bring the IDP together with your licence. UK photocard and EU licences do not need one with us. [S1][S5]

Can I drive in Tenerife with a UK licence after Brexit?

Yes, with a photocard licence. Paper licences may need updating, and provisional licences are not valid in Spain. [S5]

What is the minimum age to rent a car with MandryCabrio?

26, with a licence held for more than two years. Younger or less experienced drivers only by prior individual agreement and not for every car. [S1]

What documents do I need at pickup?

Every driver’s driving licence and passport (or ID document), in person. Licence photos, home address, e-mail and phone are needed earlier, to confirm the booking. [S1][S2]

Sources (checked 2026-10-09)