What do I need to drive in Spain after Brexit?
If you are resident in Spain and have a UK driving license, you can no longer exchange for a Spanish driving license.
British citizens with a UK driving license residing in Spain, cannot exchange their driving license for a Spanish one.
The last date for Spanish residents with a UK driving license to register their intent to ex-change for a Spanish license was 30th December 2020.
If pre-registered, you then had until 31st December 2021 to actually make the exchange
Driving in Spain with UK license 2022
• If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving license will no longer be valid for driving in Spain
• If you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognized for 6 months from the date you obtained residence
• If you drive in Spain as a tourist, you are able to use you UK driving li-cense.
Britons living in Spain are advised to take a Spanish driving test immediately!
As of May 1 2022, all British citizens who stay for more than 6 months in Spain will have to take a Driving test, exactly the same as for any Spanish citizen.
If you are affected by this change and need to drive, you should take immediate steps to apply for a Spanish driving license. Driving without a valid license is illegal in Spain, and can create legal problems for the driver.
We are already starting to receive inquiries from our clients on this matter in Fuster & Associates and therefore we have collected the following information from different driving schools in the area used to working with English-speaking clients.
What documents do you need to get your license?
The driving school will help you with the whole documentation process.
Here is a list of the documentation needed;
1. Application Form.
2. Valid Passport.
3. Spanish Residence Permit/Card.
4. Medical Certificate from one of the Authorized Drivers’ Check Centers.
5. National Driving license of your home country that you wish to exchange.
6. Two (32x25mm sized) recent photographs.
How much does it cost to get a Spanish driving license?
Test and theoretical exam: Cost €380 (standardized prices in all driving schools). This fee covers two rounds and if the student does not pass, they will have to pay an additional €180.
Practical classes: Cost €32/ driving class. The price may vary and, in this case, the teachers DO speak English.
Practical exam: Cost €50.
How long does it take to get a Spanish driving license?
The time to get your driver’s license will depend on the circumstances of each one, but dedicating the necessary time and taking into account that you are already a driver, it should not take more than 15 days to prepare for the theoretical exam.
Once approved, the practice begins, here the important thing is the skill and if you have the British license you will have it, possibly the biggest inconvenience you have is that the examiner does it in Spanish, for this reason it is important that you take some classes to understand the instructions before the exam.
Once you pass the exam, it can be up to a maximum of 3 months until the official driving license arrives, you can freely drive through Spain with the provisional one without any legal trouble.
How long is the Spanish driving license valid?
Holders of a Spanish driving license must renew the document according to the following schedule:
From the time the license is received until the age of 65, it must be renewed every 10 years.
We, here at Fuster & Associates are ready to help you in any matter regarding to this new situation. We can advise you on English speaking driving schools in the area and answer all doubts you may have about the practicalities regarding the test and exam.
Do not hesitate to make your Spanish driving license as soon as possible to avoid any legal misunderstandings, when you should be enjoying the sun and the beach instead.
Please contact us here for further information on the new rules for the British Citizens.
We want to help you navigate all the legal complexities that come with your home buying in Spain, but this article is legal information and should not be seen as legal advice.
