What is happening with UK driving licences in Spain? We have all the details of a new agreement that means that Brits will no longer have to take a driving test if they already have a licence.
We’re here with the latest information about changing your driving licence when your residency is sorted in Spain. At the beginning of March 2023, the Spanish Cabinet approved an agreement allowing individuals with a valid UK licence to obtain a Spanish licence without undergoing a practical or theory test, starting from 16th March 2023. After a wait of just under a year, British driving licence holders who are residing in Spain can now finally exchange their permit for a Spanish licence. But how should you go about changing your UK licence for a Spanish one? To help you through the process, we have prepared a step-by-step guide on changing your UK licence for a Spanish one.
Is my UK driving licence valid if I live abroad? This is a common question asked by British expats across the world, especially after Brexit. If you move to Spain and want to be able to drive, you now need to exchange your British licence for a Spanish one, but as of 16th March 2023, you will no longer need to retake your driving test thanks to the new UK/Spain driving licence agreement.
To simplify the procedure, the provincial traffic headquarters has allowed a six-month period wherein British citizens can continue to use their original permit to drive in Spain while they undergo the exchange process.
On this point, UK residents in Spain have been reminded by the British Embassy that failing to exchange their UK driving licence within the six-month window will result in it no longer being valid for driving in Spain. However, it is still possible to exchange the licence after this period without needing to take the Spanish driving test.
To exchange a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence for a Spanish one, Brits who are registered residents in Spain must fulfil a set of specific requirements:
In Spain, individuals are required to undergo a medical examination called a 'psicotécnico' in order to get a driving licence. This test evaluates both physical and mental capabilities to determine if an individual is capable of performing certain tasks, such as driving a car, safely. When renewing or getting a new driver's licence, everyone in Spain is obliged to take this exam, both Spanish people and foreigners.
It is important to note that the test should be taken prior to making an appointment to exchange your licence. Additionally, the test must be taken within three months of applying for the licence exchange, as failure to do so may result in the need to retake the test.
The next thing you need to do is make an appointment with what is known in Spain as the “Jefatura” or “Oficina de Trafico”. To schedule an appointment, there are two options available - online or by phone. If choosing to make the appointment online, simply click here or visit the official website and select your city from the dropdown menu. Following this, choose 'Trámites de Oficina' to proceed with the scheduling process. Alternatively, appointments can also be made by calling 060.
In order to make an appointment, you will have to provide your personal details including your NIE/TIE number, name and e-mail address. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, obtaining an appointment in certain cities may not be immediately possible. However, it is recommended to persistently attempt to schedule appointments at different times throughout the day.
On the day of your appointment, you need to bring:
During the processing of your exchange application, it is important to keep in mind that your original UK licence will be kept and a temporary permit will be issued to you until the new Spanish permit is available. The temporary permit will remain valid for a duration of three months.
The DGT website indicates that it typically takes around six weeks following your appointment to receive your Spanish licence. There is no need to make additional appointments or visit any offices as the licence will be mailed directly to your registered address. You can check the status of your application online.
