British Embassy Updates Expats On Driving Licence Deadlines
Spain News
Published: 19 October 2021 13:33 CET
British expats living in Spain, who are still using a UK driving licence in Spain could see an extension to its validity date.
Many Brits living in Spain are worried about the long-term arrangements for exchanging their UK driving licence, according to a post on the Brits in Spain Facebook page.
The British Embassy of Madrid’s Facebook page recognises the worry of many British residents in Spain saying “We recognise that many people are concerned about the long-term arrangements for UK driving licence exchange here in Spain. Negotiations continue between the UK and Spanish governments on this issue.
“However, under current Spanish law, residents with valid UK licences will only be able to use these to drive in Spain until 31 October 2021.”
Once the deadline has passed, a British driving licence will no longer be valid in Spain for residents.
According to the British Ambassador in Spain, Hugh Elliott, the validity of UK driving licences in Spain may be extended beyond October 31. A deadline that has already been extended by four months from the previous expiry date of June 2021.
An update will be given as soon as an answer has been received.
The British Embassy post also says that “In the meantime, UK licence holders could, if they wished to, apply for a Spanish licence. This includes taking both a practical and theory test.
You can find more information here https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/permisos-de-conducir/obtencion-renovacion-duplicados-permiso/permiso-conducir/index.shtml
“If you are one of the UK Nationals who successfully registered their intent to exchange their licence by 30 December 2020, as things stand, your UK licence will also become invalid for driving in Spain on 31 October, but you will still be eligible to exchange it for a Spanish one until 31 December 2021 without having to take a practical test. We recommend you arrange to get an appointment to do so as soon as possible.”
When the UK left the EU, it was obligatory for all British nationals living in Spain before January 2021 to exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one.
The initial deadline to exchange licences was December 30, 2020, and drivers were required to give their licence details to the Spanish vehicle office, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
For those who haven’t exchanged their UK licence yet, the UK Government said “Negotiations are underway between the British and Spanish Governments to agree long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences without needing a practical test.”
Following meetings with his Spanish counterparts and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), he was “hopeful” for a further extension.
Source
https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/posts/4039794399458264
Image Credit: Brits In Spain Facebook
