Avinguda del Paral·lel, Barcelona. Photo by Edu Bayer, courtesy of the Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
On March 15, 2023, the UK and Spain reached an agreement on driving license exchange which enabled UK license holders living in Spain to exchange their UK license for a Spanish one without needing to take a practical test or the theoretical test.
This agreement gave existing residents who had not yet exchanged their UK licenses for a Spanish one six additional months (until September 15th) to do so, during which time they could continue to drive on their UK licenses. As for newly arrived residents, the agreement gave them six months from the date they acquired their residency documents to exchange their UK license.
The British Embassy has been urging UK license holders to make the exchange by September 15. On March 29, Ambassador Hugh Elliott hosted a Facebook Live session to address frequently asked questions, while the Embassy has advised that anyone struggling to get an appointment at their local Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) office go to their neighboring one instead.
You should be aware that your driver's license cannot be exchanged if you obtained it in your country of origin while already legally residing in Spain. Nor are you eligible if you obtained your license after the exchange agreement was signed.
How to Exchange Your UK Driver's License for a Spanish License
- Take the psicotécnico medical test. This test evaluates your eyes, hearing, reflexes and powers of prediction and concentration. Your general physical fitness will also be assessed, including your respiratory system, motor skills and blood pressure. The cost is anywhere between €30 and €80 and you can get the test done at any health-care facility that is officially recognized by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). Keep in mind that the certificate is only valid for three months.
- Make an appointment to go to your local DGT office. You can request an appointment online or via telephone at 060.
- Get your permit verification code. Before the day of your appointment at the DGT, you must get your permit verification code. For information on the UK click here and for Northern Ireland click here.
- Go to you appointment with the following documents: your TIE (or residency card), passport, UK driver's license, current empadronamiento document, the license exchange application form, psicotécnico test results and a passport size photo (32 x26 mm, in color and with a plain background, taken from the front with the head uncovered and without dark glasses or any other item of clothing that could prevent or hinder your identification.).
- Pay the fee. The cost is €28.87 and payment can be made by card at the DGT on the day (cash is not accepted). If you wish to pay in advance, you can find the details on the DGT website.
You will be issued a temporary license that is valid for three months, but it is only valid in Spain. If you wish to drive abroad, you must request an international permit. Your new license will be mailed to you and you should receive it in six to eight weeks (the time frame varies from region to region). You can check the processing status of your permit online via the DGT website.