ARCHIVED - BREAKING NEWS: UK driving licence grace period in Spain extended
Deadline to exchange UK licences in Spain extended until April 30
Following the news last week that the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, was negotiating a long-term agreement with Spain to enable UK licence holders to exchange their licences without taking a test, the Spanish Government has confirmed that the grace period for the recognition of UK driving licences will be extended for the fourth time, until April 30 2022.
New regulations
- If you were living in Spain before January 1 2021, you can continue driving on your UK licence until April 30 2022
- If you moved to Spain after January 1 last year, your UK licence will be valid for six months after you became resident or until April 30, whichever date is later
- If you registered your intention to exchange your licence with the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) before December 30 2020 but have not yet done so, you now have until April 30 to make an appointment
Mr Elliott acknowledged that “this two-month extension is not as long as we would have liked and does not resolve the ongoing uncertainty as negotiations continue. Therefore, if it is essential for you to drive, you may not want to wait for the outcome of the ongoing negotiations and you may decide to apply for a Spanish driving licence now.”
Anyone wishing to do so will be required to take both a practical and theory test.
The new regulations only apply to UK nationals living in Spain; visitors and tourists can continue to use their UK licence for the duration of their trip and do not require an International Driving Permit.
Full details on how to exchange a UK driving licence in Spain can be found on the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) official website.
Click here for all the latest travel and motoring news in Spain or join our Driving in Spain Facebook page for more updates
Image: DGT
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox
Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)
OR
you can sign up to our FREE weekly roundup!
Read some of our recent bulletins:
25% Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
(List price 3 months 12 Bulletins)
Read more stories from around Spain:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
