Some who travel to Spain like to drive themselves around and this can be cost effective
as well as practical as there is no one to feel dependent on or no one to keep the frustration up when they cause delays. Driving a rental in Spain can give anyone the freedom from going one place to the next. One just has to follow a few rules and then they can go.
Age Requirement
The minimum age is 21 but this may also depend on the type of vehicle that is being rented and this may also incur a surcharge. The driver must have had the license (International Drivers Licence is highly recommended) for at least one year, must use the seatbelt all the time especially when there is a young child in the rental, they must have child seats at the back. Children under 12 cannot sit in front either.
Speed
Follow the speed limits wherever you go: City is 31 mph or 50kph while open roads are 55 mph or 90 kph and highways are 74mph or 120kph. If you think that is too fast, don't go too slow either, they don't really appreciate slow drivers in a fast lane and they will pull you over.
Road Rules
The traffic in Spain travels on the right side of the road, if the car behind you signals with intent to overtake, turn on the right directional signal to show them that the road is clear ahead and allow them to pass.
Gasoline Stations
There are quite a bit along the roads which are open 24 hours but others are only open from 8 to 8.
Autopistas
These are the expressways or toll roads and are usually identified with the big letter 'A.'
Zona Azul
These are the 'blue zone' parking areas which you can use for 2 hours.
Car Insurance
Talk to the car rental services about their insurance coverage. There is usually the required coverage and then there is the optional coverage. Try to get as much information about driving in Spain and out of Spain to other countries with the rental. Some rentals have restrictions on which country one can drive to. Also, make sure that all the proper paperwork is ready for reference just in case. It would be also best to make sure to call and inform the company where you are at a particular time. This will make it easier to track down your whereabouts and actually help in cases of emergencies. Keeping your whereabouts known to the company will actually also help them know that their property and client are safe.