16/03/2023
UK Driving LIcence Exchange - Your Questions Answered
🔃 What's the agreement?
On Tuesday, 14th March 2023, the Spanish Government approved an information exchange scheme which will allow Spanish residents with a UK driving licence to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one.
📄 What do I need to do?
If you have a UK driving licence and are a Spanish resident you should apply straight away for a Spanish driving licence.
⏳ How long have I got?
The agreement gives 6 months to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish licence.
📆 When can I start driving again?
If you have a valid UK driving licence you can start driving today, 16 March 2023 for a period of 6 months.
👮 Do I have to take a driving test?
No, if you have an up to date UK driving licence, you will not have to take a driving test.
🧑⚕ Do I have to pass a medical test?
Yes, you will have to take a Spanish psicotécnico test which covers your eyesight, general health questions and there’s also a coordination test. These are carried out at authorised medical centres and usually cost around 35 euros. Find your centre here:
https://www.dgt.es/.../centros-reconocimiento-conductores/
⌛ What if my licence has now expired?
If your UK driving licence has now expired then you should still be able to exchange this for a Spanish licence, but you won’t be able to drive until you receive your Spanish licence.
👑 Are Crown Dependencies covered?
Unfortunately it appears that UK Crown Dependencies Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man are not covered by the new exchange agreement.
🇬🇮 What about Gibraltar driving licences?
If you have a valid Gibraltar driving licence you will be able to exchange this for a Spanish one under the terms of the exchange agreement.
💰 How much does it cost?
If you do the job yourself then typical costs are 35 euros for the medical and 29 euros for the application fee. You’ll also need a colour photo with a plain background (32x26mm).
📅 How long will it take?
The typical time frame is thought to be around 6-8 weeks, but delays are inevitable given the anticipated volume of applications.
🤔 What's the process?
You’ll need to get a 32x26mm photo, obtain a verification code from DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland), pass the psicotécnico test, fill in the DGT application form, pay the application fee and if you’re doing the job yourself obtain an appointment with your local Trafico office. Trafico will take your UK licence and give you a temporary paper licence that will cover you to drive whilst you are waiting for your new Spanish licence.
🚘 Can I drive whilst I'm waiting?
Yes, with the temporary paper licence you will be legal to drive in Spain as long as you have it with you. Do bear in mind that the temporary Spanish paper licence will not cover you to drive in any other country.
🗓️ When should I apply ?
We recommend that you should start the process straight away as we expect DGT to be overwhelmed by applications as they were in the run up to Brexit.
🧑💼 How can I make an appointment with Trafico?
From later today, 16 March 2023 you should be able to make an appoinment to change your UK driving licence with the following link:
https://sedeclave.dgt.gob.es/WEB_NCIT.../solicitarCita.faces
❓️ Does the Agreement cover anything else?
The agreement covers the exchange of data between the UK and Spain for both vehicles and individuals with the aim of investigating traffic offences related to road safety.
