Negotiations to allow UK citizens to exchange their licence for a Spanish one are ongoing
Britain’s Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, has provided such an update on Thursday May 12, but his video message has likely offered little comfort, since the only news is that talks are still ongoing and that he is “hopeful” that an agreement will be reached “in the coming weeks” so that UK motorists can exchange their driving licence without having to take a Spanish driving test.
“Talks have continued at pace since our last Facebook post and, most recently, only yesterday,” Mr Elliott said in the video update.
“We’re hopeful than an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks and we remain fully committed to making this happen”.
The ambassador added, however, that Britain “can’t make any guarantees” and has advised anyone who needs to drive in Spain to take steps towards taking a Spanish driving test, as this is currently the only route open to them. He acknowledged that there are long delays for lessons and test appointments in some areas, and urged people who are struggling to make arrangements to seek support from their “local town hall, charities or community groups” in their area.
Mr Elliott clarified that the negotiations are not only concerning those who were resident before the transition period, but that he is seeking an agreement that will enable all UK licence holders, whether they were already in Spain or arrive in the future, to make the exchange.
If you have a valid UK driving licence, from May 1 2022:
- If you were living in Spain before January 1 2021, your valid UK driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain
- If you moved to Spain after January 1 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence
Mr Elliott concluded his update by assuring that he is working as hard as he can to reach a resolution on the matter.
Image: British Embassy Madrid
Source: Murcia Today
