ARCHIVED - UK driving licence validity in Spain extended
Deadline to exchange UK licences in Spain extended until February 2022
Following the British Embassy’s request to the Spanish government to extend the validity of the UK driving licence while talks on the matter continue, it was confirmed on Tuesday December 28 – just three days before the deadline – that the grace period would be extended until the end of February 2022.
Since Brexit, the UK and Spanish governments have been in discussions to enable UK residents in Spain to exchange their licences without having to take a driving test, but as no formal agreement has been reached, the decision has been made to allow those with a valid UK licence to continue to drive for a further two months.
The Embassy has acknowledged that the extension is quite short, and so has urged UK drivers to consider all their options sooner rather than later, even if that means taking a test.
Current regulations
- If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving licence will be recognised for driving in Spain until 28 February 2022.
- If you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence, or until 28 February 2022, whichever is later.
- If you live in Spain, you must exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one. You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead.
The rules 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.
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