Can I drive in Spain with my UK licence?
If you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your UK driving licence will be recognised for driving in Spain until 28th February 2022. After that, you’ll need to apply for a Spanish licence.
If you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence (the date will be on your TIE), or until 28 February 2022, whichever is later. So if you moved to Spain in October 2021, you will need to obtain a Spanish driving licence by April 2022.
Will I have to exchange my UK driving licence for a Spanish driving licence?
If you live in Spain, you must exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one. You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP).
How do I exchange my UK driving licence for a Spanish one?
What you need to do will depend on whether you registered your details and intention to exchange with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020. If you were living in Spain prior to 1st January 2021, and registered your intention to exchange licences, then you should request an appointment with the DGT to start the exchange process. At this meeting you will need to provide proof of residency – e.g. your TIE or green EU residence certificate, and your UK driving licence. You will not need to take a Spanish driving test in order to exchange licences.
Check out the DGT’s guidance on using and exchanging licences in Spain for more information on the current procedure for exchanging driving licences, and how to make an appointment.
What if I missed the 30 December 2020 deadline to register my details with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT)?
Currently the rule is that you will need to take a driving test in Spain to obtain your Spanish licence, or you could hold out for the outcome of negotiations between the British and Spanish government (bear in mind your UK licence will expire on 28th February 2022, or 6 months after you obtained your TIE if you applied in 2021).
How do I organise a driving test?
Check out the DGT process for non-EU nationals who need to exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish licence. Please note, that you will also need to undertake a medical with a Spanish doctor, which is standard for anyone wishing to obtain or renew a Spanish driving licence (locals and expats).
Will the driving test be in Spanish?
If you’re not a fluent Spanish speaker yet, fear not; there are English-speaking driving schools across Spain, and the DGT offers the theory test in English. It’s important to note though that the DGT offers hardly any preparation materials for your test in English, but many English-speaking driving schools do, so you may want to sign up with one of them so that you’re able to sufficiently prepare for your driving test – both the practical and the theory.
How much does it cost to take a Spanish driving test?
You will have to pay a fee to the DGT, which depends on your circumstances, this fee entitles you to two exam sessions, if you fail twice, you will be required to submit a new application and pay the fee again. Please note that the DGT fee does not include any driving school costs
- Moped, motorcycle, car, truck or bus fee = €93.12
- If you want to change your A2 motorcycle licence to an A license = €28.58
- A mobility scooter licence = €44.14
What will I need to drive in Spain after Brexit?
You are required to carry the following items with you at all times:
- Passport or ID Card
- Driving Licence
- Insurance Certificate
- Permiso de circulación (original registration document)
- Ficha Tecnica/itv (Mot Certificate)
- 2 warning triangles
- Reflective Jacket(s)
If you are driving a UK vehicle, there are 2 extra things you’ll need to have with you:
- ‘UK’ sticker on the back of the car (GB stickers are no longer valid).
- Headlight deflectors, to prevent your headlights from dazzling oncoming drivers.
Do I need a green card to drive in Spain after Brexit?
No, as of 2nd August 2021, a Green Card (or International Motor Insurance Card) was no longer required for travel in Spain, or the rest of Europe.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Spain as a non-resident?
If you have a valid UK photocard licence, you will be permitted to drive in Spain for a limited time (say, if you’re on holiday). If you have an old school UK paper licence however, you may have to obtain an IDP. Check the UK government website to find out if you need an IDP.
Do you need a UK sticker to drive in Spain?
Yes, see above for everything else you’ll need to drive in Spain after Brexit.
I have a driving licence from another EU country, will I have to exchange my existing licence for a Spanish one?
No, if you have a valid EU driving licence, say a French driving licence, and you move to Spain, your licence is still valid. You will be able to use your existing licence and will not have to exchange it for a Spanish driving licence.
Have the rules changed for Brits who wish to rent a car in Spain while on holiday?
You can still use your valid UK photo card driving licence to rent a car in Spain (or anywhere in the EU). If you have a paper licence only, you can check what the requirements are here. To rent a car in Spain you must also be over the age of 21, and you’ll need to have a credit card.
