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How to exchange your UK driving licence in Spain: Ultimate step-by-step guide for expats

This is the definitive guide for how residents can exchange a UK licence for a Spanish carnet de conducer in 7 simple steps

After more than 10 months off the road, from May 1, 2022 to March 16, 2023, UK nationals resident in Spain can once again drive using a driving licence issued in Britain for a further six months – until mid-September – a grace period to allow more time for British citizens to exchange their UK licences for a Spanish one.

So, how exactly do you exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish driving licence without having to sit a driving test? Well, while the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) has yet to publish the final and finer details, we already know how the basic exchange process will work.

Guide for British citizens resident in Spain to get a Spanish driving licence

As of March 16, 2023, this is the 7-step process that Brits resident in Spain must follow to get a Spanish driving licence:

Take the psicotécnico medical test at a local testing centre, where they will test your eyesight, general coordination and assess your health to make sure you are fit to drive. The health examination costs around 25-35 euros and is likely to be more thorough for over-65s and those exchanging higher categories, and there are certain ailments which may preclude you from passing the test. The certificate is valid for a period of three months and if you fail you can try again as many times as you need. Be sure to mention to the medical examiner whether you want the test for driving a car; a car and a motorcycle; or for other vehicles, as they will either give you one type of test or another.
Make an appointment online to go to your local DGT Tráfico office under the appointment category for UK licences, providing personal details such as your UK driving licence, your NIE residency number and your registered address. You can check the status of your application here.
The DGT contacts the DVLA in the UK to check your licence is fully valid.
Go to your appointment, and take with you your psicotécnico test result certificate; your TIE/residency certificate or proof of not having resided in Spain at the time the permit to be exchanged was obtained (i.e. between January 1, 2021 and March 16, 2023); your passport; your UK driving licence; the exchange application form (available from March 16 onwards); and a passport-style photograph (32 x26 mm).
Pay the fee by credit/debit card at the DGT on the day – which will be 28.87 euros for a straight swap for car and motorcycle categories, or 94.05 euros for those that require additional testing, such as type C and D vehicles like buses and lorries. You can also make the payment prior to your appointment on the DGT website, in which case you should take proof of payment with you to your appointment.
If your licence application is rejected for any reason you should be informed of your next steps at that point. If successful, you will need to hand in your UK licence. They will give you a temporary paper version in lieu of a licence until your Spanish card is ready.
The new Spanish driving licence card will be sent to you through the post, or you can choose to have it sent back to the DGT office for you to collect in person. This process may take either days or weeks, depending on where you live.

Note that it is also possible to sit your theory and practical driving test in Spain to get a Spanish driving licence, as an alternative to the exchange method.

See also: How does the penalty point system work for Spanish driving licences?

It is worth noting that licences in Gibraltar should be exchangeable in just the same way as UK ones, although this is not necessary as the Spanish authorities will continue to recognise Gibraltar licences, and local license holders will not need an International Driving Permit to drive across the border.

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

If you are unsure about any part of the exchange process, you can get professional help from Heniam & Associates, a firm which handles legal and administrative services in Spain:

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Monteclaro 1 , La Manga Club, Murcia 30389

Tel: 0034 868 707 917
Mobile: 0034 689 017 754

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Heniam & Associates for Conveyancing, paperwork, legal advice and immigration throughout the Region of Murcia

Catering for the needs of expats living all over Spain, and particularly in the Costa Cálida and the Costa Blanca, Heniam & Associates offer a wide range of services including conveyancing, legal and administrative advice.

At the same time, their team of dedicated professionals appreciate the need to assist you in an easy and reliable manner, allowing you as much time as possible to enjoy your freedom, relax and make the most out of life in Spain. Without sacrificing efficiency, they offer personalised services to each and every client, listening to their needs in order to provide exactly the right service and desired outcome.

In the all-important field of Legal and Administrative Services, Heniam & Associates provide help in a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Conveyancing
Legal and professional communication assistance
NIE and TIE Applications
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Spanish health and administrative services
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Professional will writing services and advice on intestate inheritance laws (both in the UK and in Spain)
Contract drafting (for businesses and individuals)
Dispute resolution

Whether taking advantage of our conveyancing services or any other legal matter Heniam & Associates’ business partner HeniamLegal will represent you in the best possible way, excelling especially in their conveyancing service.

When buying a property in a foreign country it can be challenging to understand all of the
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HeniamLegal will be on hand to assist you with every part of the process. They have
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In addition, translation services are provided either for written documents or for occasions such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices, and assistance is provided in finding the best deal on foreign currency transfers.

To find out how Heniam & Associates can help you by taking the strain out of life in Spain, contact them for further information!