Driving Licence Update: Brits Advised To Take Psychophysical Test Now
Spain News
Published: 17 January 2023 13:21 CET
Updated: 25 January 2023 13:21 CET
The British Embassy in Madrid has given an update on the latest UK driving licence negotiations, the first since before Christmas when British Ambassador Hugh Elliott posted a video on its Brits in Spain Facebook page.
Back then he confirmed that a deal on UK licences had been reached and that they were just waiting for a few changes to be made to the technical wording of the agreement. Once done it would be passed on to the Spanish cabinet.
The latest information posted on Monday, January 16 confirms that negotiations continued over the festive period and that all of “the legal checks have now been completed on both sides.” This means that “the final processes required for an international treaty are now underway.”
The Embassy’s message continues by saying that now “the agreement will go forward to the Consejo de Ministros for approval - these meetings take place each week and, while we have no control over the scheduling, we hope it will be tabled very soon.”
Once this has been completed, the decree will be published in the Spanish State Gazette (BOE) and UK licence holders will be allowed back on Spanish roads. From this point, six months will be given for them to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one.
During the update, the Embassy also recommended that all Brits without a valid licence should get their psicotecnico medical test done prior to the deal being passed.
The post stated “We recommend you get your psicotécnico test in place, as you will need a certificate showing you have passed the test in order to exchange your licence.”
The psicotécnico test is a test that is approved by the Ministry of Health in compliance with world standards and is only valid for three months.
The test measures whether drivers are competent enough to use their physical and psychological abilities. Its focus is to test your visual, auditory, coordination and reaction skills. You may also be required to have a brief interview with a doctor.
If you pass the test, you will be issued with a medical certificate that confirms that there is no mental or physical problem to stop you from being able to drive.
The Facebook post explained that “Certificates are valid for three months and if you fail it you can retake as many times as you need.”
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has a list of centres where you can get the test done.
This latest update will be very welcomed by those UK licence holders who were unable to exchange them in time. They have been unable to drive on Spanish roads since May 1, 2022, a frustrating eight and a half months in total.
Source
https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain
