UK/Spain driving licence agreement: changing your UK licence for a Spanish one

We’re here with the latest information about changing your driving licence when your residency is sorted in Spain. At the beginning of March 2023, the Spanish Cabinet approved an agreement allowing individuals with a valid UK licence to obtain a Spanish licence without undergoing a practical or theory test, starting from 16th March 2023. After a wait of just under a year, British driving licence holders who are residing in Spain can now finally exchange their permit for a Spanish licence. But how should you go about changing your UK licence for a Spanish one? To help you through the process, we have prepared a step-by-step guide on changing your UK licence for a Spanish one.

Can I use my UK driving licence in Spain? 

Is my UK driving licence valid if I live abroad? This is a common question asked by British expats across the world, especially after Brexit. If you move to Spain and want to be able to drive, you now need to exchange your British licence for a Spanish one, but as of 16th March 2023, you will no longer need to retake your driving test thanks to the new UK/Spain driving licence agreement.

To simplify the procedure, the provincial traffic headquarters has allowed a six-month period wherein British citizens can continue to use their original permit to drive in Spain while they undergo the exchange process.

How long can I drive in Spain on a UK licence?

On this point, UK residents in Spain have been reminded by the British Embassy that failing to exchange their UK driving licence within the six-month window will result in it no longer being valid for driving in Spain. However, it is still possible to exchange the licence after this period without needing to take the Spanish driving test.

How to change your UK licence for a Spanish one

To exchange a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence for a Spanish one, Brits who are registered residents in Spain must fulfil a set of specific requirements: 

• You cannot exchange your licence if you obtained it in your home country while being a legal resident in Spain.
• If you acquired it after becoming a legal resident in Spain, it cannot be exchanged for a Spanish licence. 
• However, even if your licence has expired since your arrival in Spain, you can still exchange it. 
• Licences issued by the UK and Northern Ireland will remain valid for driving in Spain for six months from March 16th 2023.

Step 1: Take a “psicotécnico” test

In Spain, individuals are required to undergo a medical examination called a 'psicotécnico' in order to get a driving licence. This test evaluates both physical and mental capabilities to determine if an individual is capable of performing certain tasks, such as driving a car, safely. When renewing or getting a new driver's licence, everyone in Spain is obliged to take this exam, both Spanish people and foreigners. 

It is important to note that the test should be taken prior to making an appointment to exchange your licence. Additionally, the test must be taken within three months of applying for the licence exchange, as failure to do so may result in the need to retake the test.

Step 2: Get an appointment

The next thing you need to do is make an appointment with what is known in Spain as the “Jefatura” or “Oficina de Trafico”. To schedule an appointment, there are two options available - online or by phone. If choosing to make the appointment online, simply click here or visit the official website and select your city from the dropdown menu. Following this, choose 'Trámites de Oficina' to proceed with the scheduling process. Alternatively, appointments can also be made by calling 060.

DGT

In order to make an appointment, you will have to provide your personal details including your NIE/TIE number, name and e-mail address. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, obtaining an appointment in certain cities may not be immediately possible. However, it is recommended to persistently attempt to schedule appointments at different times throughout the day.

What do I need to change my driving licence in Spain?

On the day of your appointment, you need to bring:

• Your completed official application form that can be found on the DGT website. This includes a declaration that you are not disqualified from driving motor vehicles and mopeds and that you do not hold another EU or EEA licence of the same category as that the one you are applying for, or one that has been restricted, suspended or annulled
• Your identity document: this can be your NIE, TIE, residence or passport. You must bring the original document which must be valid
• Proof of residence: this can be your original residence permit or certificate of entry in the EU registry of foreigners
• Your permit verification code: To proceed with your appointment, it is necessary to obtain a permit verification code beforehand. This can be done by accessing the appropriate web page before the appointment day. If your permit was issued by the UK (DVLA), you can locate the code here. For permits issued in Northern Ireland (DVA), you can find the code here.
• The results of your 'psicotécnico' test
• Proof of payment of having paid the relevant fee of €28,87
• A current original passport style photograph, measuring 32 x26 mm. It must be in colour and with a plain background, while the same rules as your passport photo apply, including not wearing dark glasses or a hat.

During the processing of your exchange application, it is important to keep in mind that your original UK licence will be kept and a temporary permit will be issued to you until the new Spanish permit is available. The temporary permit will remain valid for a duration of three months.

How long will it take to exchange my UK licence?

The DGT website indicates that it typically takes around six weeks following your appointment to receive your Spanish licence. There is no need to make additional appointments or visit any offices as the licence will be mailed directly to your registered address. You can check the status of your application online.