Brexit is finally here and we’re experiencing the first weeks of what life is like as non-EU citizens. Even though Brexit is now a reality, there is still great uncertainty and many questions about how everything will shape out, both for Brits within the UK and for those who have chosen to move abroad. One of the biggest doubts for expats living in Spain is what will happen regarding driving licences and if international driving permits will be needed. Let's have a look at the post-Brexit situation.
Will UK driving licences still be valid in Spain?
In short, yes. Now that the United Kingdom has ceased to belong to the European Union this in theory means that all traffic agreements within the EU are no longer valid for UK citizens. However, valid and current driving licences issued by the UK authorities will entitle their holders to drive in Spain for a period of nine months from the date of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. After this period, the general regulations will apply and licences issued by the British authorities will entitle their holders to drive in Spain for six months, from the date of entry of the holder into Spain or from the date of obtaining legal residence.
What does this mean for residents in Spain?
If you are a resident in Spain and want to continue driving there, it will be necessary to exchange your licence with an equivalent Spanish one, meaning you also must renounce your British licence. The DGT, the Spanish equivalent of the DVLA, has taken measures meaning that Brits residing in Spain can exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one under the same conditions as before Brexit. You can start this process via the DGT website and there is no need to take another driving test in this case.
UK drivers will also still be able to drive when visiting the UK with a Spanish licence and if you decide to return to Great Britain or Northern Ireland to live, provided you passed your driving test in the UK, then you will be able to directly exchange your Spanish licence for a UK one without taking another test.
The Transition Period
Keep in mind that Brexit news changes rapidly and when it comes to making plans for travelling in Europe or if you live abroad, there is inevitably a degree of uncertainty, but don't let this put you off driving in Spain. Another important point to add is that whilst the UK has already left the EU, we have already entered a transition period where pre-Brexit rules will still apply until the end of the transition period which finishes in December 2020.
Find out more about what Brexit could mean for expats living in Spain here.