Spain Extends UK Driving Licence Validity Until February 2022

Spain has extended the validity period of UK driving licences in Spain until February 2022.

The announcement was made by the British Embassy in Madrid on Tuesday and will mean British nationals living in Spain will be able to drive in the country using their UK licences until at least the end of February.

It will be the third extension since the UK voted to leave the EU on December 31, 2020, with the last extension confirmed in October, extending the validity to the end of 2021.

In a statement, via their Facebook page the Embassy said, “Further to the Ambassador’s message last week, we are pleased to let you know that the Spanish Government has today confirmed the extension of the grace period during which you can drive in Spain using a valid UK licence until the end of February 2022.”

The UK Government stressed that negotiations were ongoing between the two countries in an effort to simplify the process of British nationals exchanging their licences without the requirement to sit a Spanish driving test which could potentially cost thousands of Euros.

“As you know, the UK Government is committed to reaching a long-term agreement with Spain so that residents can exchange their UK driving licences without taking a test. Negotiations are continuing and we stand ready to conclude that agreement as soon as possible. But unfortunately we are not there yet.”

The grace period enables UK licence holders who permanently reside in Spain and who previously registered their intent to exchange their licence more time to do so. It will mean that those who didn’t register their intent to continue to drive legally in Spain with the option of taking a driving test to secure their right to drive in the country.

“We recognise that the extension is relatively short, and therefore it is important that – if it is imperative for you to drive – you consider all your options, which may include looking into taking a driving test now," the Embassy said.

The update only applies to UK nationals living in Spain. Those visiting will not be affected and may continue to use their UK driving licences.

UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott has previously admitted that the process for Spanish nationals living in the UK is a lot easier. He said, “Many of you have also rightly pointed out that Spaniards resident in the UK are able to exchange their Spanish licence for a UK one without taking a practical test”.

The news comes as Italy confirmed that UK drivers with licences issued before January 1, 2021, would be able to continue to use them until the end of 2022.

Source

https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/posts/4288813924556309
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/driving-licences-recognised-20211229101646-nt.html
https://www.thelocal.es/20211229/spain-extends-uk-driving-licence-validity-until-end-of-february-2022/