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Updated: UK Citizens are back on the road in Spain

Lisa Townend

In this article:

Life in Spain got a little bit sunnier for UK citizens from Thursday 16 March 2023. When the announcement was made that a UK driving licence is valid in Spain for 6 months. 

 

Within this time you can exchange your UK driver's licence for a Spanish driving licence without taking a test - theory or practical. The approval was made by the Council of Ministers (Consejo de Ministros) in a reciprocal agreement with the UK.

 

Since the initial announcement, there has been a further clarification. Should you choose to exchange your UK driving licence after the end of the 6-month period you won't be permitted to drive during the exchange process. Once your new Spanish driving licence has been issued you can resume driving on this new licence.

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What UK citizens need to know about driving in Spain on their UK driving licence

If you were already resident in Spain before 16 March 2023 your 6 months started on this date. Updated to include that if you were in Spain before 16 March 2023 you have until 15 September 2023 to exchange your licence to continue to drive uninterrupted. If you arrive after 16 March 2023 your 6 months will begin from the date you obtain residence.

This news has been warmly received by many UK citizens who missed or arrived after the extended deadline of 28 February 2022 leaving them unable to drive in Spain without taking the national driving test in Spanish.

Points to mention:

  • After the initial 6-month period your UK licence will no longer be valid to drive in Spain and will need to be exchanged for a Spanish driving licence. See how to do it here

 

  • You can not drive in Spain on an expired UK licence. As long as your licence was valid when you entered Spain it can be exchanged. Updated to add there is a digital check code that you will need to submit from the DVLA along with some documentation, the details of which can be found here on gov.uk.
     

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6 comments

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  • John Mooney

    02 Apr. 2023

    This is really helpful news regarding the UK driving license in Spain, thank you.

  • Admin

    06 Apr. 2023

    Hi John, thank you for the kind feedback. It's great news for UK Citizens and one step closer to helping people find their dream home in Spain!

  • robert walden

    05 Apr. 2023

    Is the British Blue Badge recognised in Spain?

  • Admin

    06 Apr. 2023

    Hi Robert – thanks for your query. According to Gov.uk, the UK Blue Badge recognition is decided by local administrations – check locally before parking. 

    More information can be found here.

  • Malcolm Cooper

    22 Apr. 2023

    Good Evening, I am currently living and working as a UK citizen in the UK, I would like to work as a Self Employed Courier in Spain transporting Boats and Motor Vehicles by Trailer, I would like to use my UK car and Trailer. We would like to move to Spain full-time and live and work in Spain any assistance would be very much appreciated, we would like to build a Business and employ Spanish residents, Kind Regards Malcom

  • Admin

    25 Apr. 2023

    Hi Malcolm, thanks for your question. We would recommend reading through our Resources and Advice section where we have a range of content on buying, renting, moving to and living in Spain: https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain. Good luck with your endeavours!

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