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Driving Licence Guidance For Gibraltar And A No-Deal Brexit Spain News

Technical advice issued by the Gibraltar government for the requirement of International Driving Permits.

The UK government has issued technical guidance which says that British citizens who want to drive in the European Union after 29th March 2019 if there is a no-deal Brexit will require an International Driving Permit. Furthermore, the Gibraltar Government announced that this also applies to British citizens who live in Gibraltar. Residents in Gibraltar will have to apply for an International Driving Permit in order to drive in Spain.

However, the Gibraltar Government also announced that EU licence holders who live in Gibraltar would not face any changes comes the exit day of the 29th March 2019. For visitors to Gibraltar who have a driving licence from EU or non-EU countries will have to follow the same arrangements that apply today.

This means that those visiting Gibraltar for business or leisure will not need a separate International Driving Permit to provide validation for their driving licence. However, for those who live in Gibraltar on a temporary basis and have a non-EU licence will need a relevant International Driving Permit. EU licence holders can continue to drive in Gibraltar on their EU licence until it expires, or the individual reaches the age of 70.

At the moment, it is still unsure whether there will be a no-deal Brexit. As a result, the Gibraltar Government has said they will publish more information as it becomes available. Similarly, the Spanish Government has drawn up contingency planning for those based in Gibraltar, including a Royal Decree.

In the Royal Decree, Spain says they will continue to recognise driving licences issued by British authorities for up to nine months after Britain leaves the EU. However, this is only a possibility for British citizens who are residents in Spain. After which, these residents will have to exchange their British licence for a Spanish driving licence.