Spanish driver's license

[janedanko]

I am a US citizen who will shortly have dual nationality, USA / Spain. I live in Spain, and I want to buy a car. I have a valid Texas driver's license and also an International Driver's License, issued by AAA. I am unable to get auto insurance without a valid Spanish driver's license. To go through "normal" channels, I would have to attend a very expensive course in the AutoEscuela, or driving school. I am retired and this is beyond my means. I've been driving in Spain for seven years with the International Driver's License, and I have never been stopped or had to show it. Although many countries, including Mexico, have agreements whereby Spain will issue a Spanish driver's license automatically upon presentation of the home country license, Spain has no such agreement with the US. How can I get a Spanish driver's license without that terrible expense of the driving school, which I do not need?

[juna]

If you'll shortly be obtaining dual nationality, won't this solve the
problem? I'd have thought you could then have been treated
under the same rules as a Spaniard?

[janedanko]

Yes, in fact I already have all the rights, obligations, and privileges of a Spanish citizen, as I am a legal resident of Spain. The problem is that in order to obtain a Spanish driver's license, all applicants, including Spanish nationals, have to attend driver's school, which is exceedingly expensive and time consuming. I need to buy a car and get insurance on it this October in order to start my project.
Any ideas?

[juna]

I realise that, to obtain a Spanish driving license, you'd need to attend a driving school in Spain and take the test.

What I don't quite understand is why it's necessary for you to have a "Spanish" driving license in order to get car insurance.

There are so many people from other countries, now resident and living in Spain, who are driving cars here that are insured. Perhaps you should ask one of them how they manage for most of them don't speak Spanish and would not be able to easily pass the driving exam here.

I am English, living in Spain, but unfortunately can't advise you because I never took my driving test in England, so had to pay out and take it out here!

But, as you've already passed your test and have an international driving license, can't see the problem for getting insurance.