Getting a Spanish Driving License

If you’re a British citizen living in Spain, exchanging your UK driver’s licence for a Spanish Driving Licence is an essential step to ensure you can legally drive. Since Brexit, the process for exchanging a UK licence for a Spanish one has changed, making it crucial for UK nationals in Spain to understand the updated procedures. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to exchange your British driver’s licence for a Spanish one.

Who Needs to Exchange Their Licence?

If you are a resident in Spain and hold a UK driver’s licence, you are required to exchange it for a Spanish Driving Licence. Tourists and short-term visitors can continue to use their UK licences for up to 6 months, but residents must complete the exchange process to drive legally in Spain.

As of March 2023, a new agreement allows British residents in Spain to exchange their UK driving licences within six months of obtaining Spanish residency. All UK licence holders who become residents in Spain after 16th March 2023 will be able to follow the updated process without needing to retake their driving test within 6 months of the date they obtained residence.

Note that if you obtained your drivers licence in the UK while being, or becoming, a legal resident in Spain, you will not be allowed to exchange it.

If you have a driving licence obtained in an EU country, ie Ireland, you will not be required to exchange your licence.

What No I Need to get a Spanish Driving Licence?

• You will need to take a medical examination called a ‘psicotécnico‘, which evaluates both your physical and mental capabilities. This is to determine if you are capable of performing certain tasks, such as driving a car, safely. This must be taken before, but within three months, of your appointment with DGT.
• You will also need a permit verification code. You can obtain this by visiting UK (DVLA) or Northern Ireland (DVA)

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Book an Appointment at the DGT. Book an appointment (“cita previa”) at your nearest DGT office (www.dgt.es) .

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents. Gather all the required documents listed above. Make sure your passport and TIE (if applicable) are up to date.

Step 3: Undergo a Medical Test. You’ll need to undergo a basic medical and psychological fitness test at a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores. This test evaluates your physical and mental fitness to drive and includes vision, coordination, and reaction tests.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment. Bring all the documents to your appointment at the DGT. A staff member will verify your identity and documentation. Be prepared to surrender your UK licence, as it will be sent back to the UK.

Step 5: Pay the Fee. Pay the relevant fee for the licence exchange. Payment can usually be made at the DGT office by card. Sometimes you can also pay at the medical centre by either cash or card.

Step 6: Receive Your Temporary Licence. Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a temporary driving permit (“permiso provisional”) that allows you to drive legally in Spain while waiting for your new Spanish licence. Note that this temporary licence is only valid in Spain and you will not be able to drive in any other country until you have your full licence.

Step 7: Collect Your Spanish Licence. Your new Spanish driving licence will be mailed to your registered address. It’s valid for 10 years if you’re under 65, after which it’s subject to renewal every 5 years.

What Happens if You Do Not Exchange Within 6 Months?

If you fail to exchange your UK licence within the 6-month window, you will no longer be allowed to drive, and if you do could incur a hefty fine and be banned from driving.

If you miss your 6 month deadline, to obtain a Spanish driving licence you will be required to go through the process of applying for a new Spanish driving licence, which involves taking the theory and practical driving tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I drive in Spain with my UK licence if I’m only visiting?
A: Yes, tourists can use their UK licences for up to 6 months, but residents must exchange it for a Spanish licence.

Q: Can I keep my UK licence after exchanging it for a Spanish one?
A: No, your UK licence will be sent back to the UK authorities.

Q: What happens if my UK licence expires before I exchange it?
A: In order to exchange your licence, it must be valid and up-to-date for driving in the UK. Therefore if it has expired you will not be able to exchange.

Q: Can I drive in other EU countries with a Spanish licence?
A: Yes, a Spanish driving licence is an EU licence, meaning you can drive freely in other EU and EEA countries.

Q: How long does it take to get my new Spanish driving licence?
A: Processing times vary, but it typically takes 1-3 months for the new licence to arrive.

Q. Can I drive while I am waiting for my new Spanish licence to arrive?
Yes. You will be issued with a temporary driving licence in the form of a letter.