UK Driving Licence Holders In Spain Reminded To Exchange Permits Before 16 September Deadline
Spain News
Published: 09 August 2023 13:57 CET
The British Embassy has urged UK driving licence holders, who were residing in Spain before 16 March and have yet to apply for a Spanish one, to do so before the September 16 deadline.
This follows the agreement that was met in March between the UK and Spain, for drivers to swap licences without the need of taking a practical or theory test.
The agreement granted individuals who were already residents, but had not yet exchanged their UK licences for Spanish ones, a grace period of six months to effect the conversion.
During this interim, they were given permission to continue driving using their UK licences, up until 16 September.
Conversely, for residents who arrived after 16 March, the arrangement stipulated a six-month window from the date of obtaining their residency documentation to perform the licence exchange.
The British embassy has fervently encouraged UK licence holders to execute the conversion by 16 September. In an effort to address common queries, the ambassador conducted a 'Facebook Live' session on 29 March. The embassy has also recommended that individuals facing difficulties securing appointments at their local traffic authority office explore the availability at neighbouring offices.
Moreover, the British Embassy in Madrid has reported the resolution of an issue that impacted some holders of expired UK licences (primarily those aged 70 or older) during the licence exchange process. Those affected are advised to adhere to the established exchange procedure and obtain their check code via the designated website.
Ambassador Hugh Elliott emphasised, “It is very important that UK licence holders who lived in Spain prior to 15 March 2023 and want to drive here exchange their licences on or before the 15 September. We want this message to reach as many UK licence holders as possible, so please spread the word and refer to our Facebook page and the Living In Spain Guide on gov.uk for more information.”
For UK licence holders who relocated to Spain prior to 16 March 2023, a failure to effect the licence exchange by 15 September will result in the loss of validity of their UK licence for driving in Spain. To continue driving in Spain, they will be obligated to undergo the licence exchange procedure.
The licence exchange process is administered by Spain's traffic authority. Additional information can be accessed on their official website dgt.es
Sources: Brits In Spain
