Present Situation for Residents With a UK Driving Licence

Information from the DGT.

The European Union has negotiated with the United Kingdom a Withdrawal Agreement that enables a transitional period during which the rights of citizens are maintained in accordance with the acquis communautaire, an agreement that has already been approved by both the European and British institutions.

Therefore, European regulations on driving licenses will continue to apply to licenses issued by the United Kingdom until the end of the transitional period, scheduled for December 31, 2020 .

Consequently, valid and in force driving licenses issued by the British authorities will enable their holders to drive in our country until that date. As of January 1, 2021 , the general regulations on licenses from third countries (non-EU countries) *will apply and the licenses issued by the British authorities will enable you to drive in Spain for six months from the entry of the holder in Spain or from the date of obtaining legal residence.

For more information on the procedures necessary to exchange, renew or replace your driving license, you can consult the following page:

https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/permisos-de-conducir/canje-permisos/index.shtml

From the British Government Website:

“Driving in Spain

*If you live in Spain and have a valid UK driving licence, this will be recognised for driving in Spain until 30 June 2021. CAB Note*. Please note the asterisk above on the information from the DGT on the validity of UK driving licences.

If you wish to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one, the process to follow depends on whether you registered your intention to exchange with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020.

If you registered with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020
If you were resident in Spain before 1 January 2021 and registered with the DGT before 30 December 2020, you should request an appointment with the DGT to exchange your UK licence by 30 June 2021.

To exchange your licence you will need:

proof you are registered as a resident in Spain (eg. TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero; green EU residence certificate)
your UK licence
Read DGT’s guidance on how to get an appointment (in Spanish with English translation).

The DGT will exchange your UK licence for a temporary driving permit (‘autorización temporal para conducir’) until your Spanish licence is processed. This document is valid in Spain only.

If you did not register with DGT before 30 December 2020 and wish to exchange your UK driving licence, you should follow the DGT process for non-EU nationals. This includes taking a driving test.

The UK government is in discussion with the Spanish government on future driving licence exchange without the need for a practical test”.

Driving Licence Information

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.