New UK-Spain Driving Licence Exchange Agreement
The New UK-Spain Driving Licence Exchange Agreement Is Here
The UK Embassy in Madrid announced that the governments of the UK and Spain had reached an agreement with discussions regarding driving licenses. Beginning on March 16, individuals possessing a current UK driver’s license can exchange it for a Spanish license without having to pass a theoretical or practical test.
One of the consequences of Brexit for the sizable community of British residents in Spain was the loss of recognition of UK driver’s licenses on April 30, 2022, making it illegal for holders to drive in Spain. Following the failure of the Spanish and UK governments to achieve a deal before the deadline, the limitations went into effect on May 1. Instead, as of that time, drivers had to pass a theory test as well as a driving test, which frequently required taking lessons at a nearby driving school.
With the new agreement, holders of a Spanish license can also exchange it for a UK license without having to take any further exams.
According to Ambassador Hugh Elliott, “I am delighted that these negotiations have come to a successful conclusion and that UK license holders will now be able to exchange their UK license for a Spanish one without having to take a driving test.”
Owners of UK licenses can begin driving legally on Thursday for a period of six months, after which the Embassy advises them to exchange it for a Spanish license as soon as possible.
https://twitter.com/HughElliottUK/status/1635698314342432771?s=20
It means now we can exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one again
Here you have some FAQ’s that may help you to know further about this application:
My driver’s license in the UK is no longer valid. Can I return it without having to pass a test?
Yes. As long as they were valid when you first moved to Spain, the wording allows for the acceptance of expired licenses in exchange.
Do I need to renounce my UK license? Why am I unable to keep both?
Following the implementation of an exchange agreement, you are permitted to drive in Spain using your UK license for the first six months of your residence before exchanging it for a Spanish license. It is not possible to simultaneously hold licenses from the UK and Spain. You won’t need to take a test to exchange your Spanish driver’s license for a UK one if you ever move back to the UK.
In my 80s or 90s. Is there a minimum age requirement to swap a license?
There is no upper age limit, and your license is good until it expires. However, once you are 65, your license will often only be granted for five rather than ten years. For operating various sorts of vehicles, different validity periods apply.
Contact us if you would like to exchange your UK Driving Licence in Spain
Click Here To Exchange Your UK Driving Licence
We will be glad to assist you with this.
Margaret
March 16, 2026 @ 9:32 am
I spend equal amounts of time in uk and Spain and have a Spanish license. This does not allow me to drive our Uk registered car so have to rent If I revert to Uk license, how will this affect my driving my Spanish car. Will I just need to keep a close record of days in each country
Javier Rodríguez
March 30, 2026 @ 6:55 pm
Hello Margaret,
If you switch back to a UK licence, it doesn’t really solve the underlying issue because what matters is residency, not the licence: if you are resident in Spain, you cannot legally drive a UK-registered car there regardless of holding a UK licence, and you should be using a Spanish-registered vehicle; conversely, in the UK you can use your Spanish car for up to 6 months in any 12-month period. So in practice, yes — it comes down to keeping track of your days in each country and being consistent with where you are actually resident, rather than which licence you hold.
Kind Regards,
Javier R
Niki
November 6, 2023 @ 5:43 pm
Does it apply to motorbike licences too?
Javier Rodríguez
November 22, 2023 @ 3:38 pm
Hello Niki,
That’s correct.
Kind Regards,
Javier R.