In a move that will bring relief to many UK expats living in Spain and vice versa, the UK and Spain recently reached an agreement to allow for the exchange of driving licences between the two countries. The agreement, which was announced in February 2023 and is effective as of the 16th of March,  will make it easier for drivers who move between the UK and Spain to continue driving without having to go through the process of obtaining a new licence.

Under the terms of the agreement, UK driving licence holders who move to Spain will be able to exchange their licence for a Spanish one without having to take a driving test. Similarly, Spanish driving licence holders who move to the UK will be able to exchange their licence for a UK one without having to take a test. The exchange will be free of charge, and there will be no need for drivers to retake their driving test or complete any additional training.

This agreement will bring relief to many UK expats who have been living in Spain since Brexit, as it removes some of the uncertainty surrounding their ability to continue driving legally in Spain. Previously, UK driving licence holders who were resident in Spain were required to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one, and this often required them to take a Spanish driving test.

Similarly, Spanish driving licence holders who move to the UK will benefit from the agreement, as they will no longer have to go through the process of obtaining a UK driving licence, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Overall, the agreement between the UK and Spain to allow for the exchange of driving licences is a positive step that will make life easier for drivers who move between the two countries. It will remove some of the bureaucracy and uncertainty surrounding driving licences, and ensure that drivers can continue to drive legally and safely in their new country of residence.