Further extension to UK driving licence exchange

I did enquire about the Spanish license back home in the U.K. they told me that unless I was driving for 6 months or more at 1 time then I did not need one & as we can only do 90 days out of 180 I would be ok 

Hi Elaine,

That's correct for non-residents and why I stated that the extension applies to "UK licence holders, resident in Spain".

Kind regards,

Kim

I would love to know what the issues is/are with this, as it just keeps dragging on. Both sides seem confident of an agreement - surely it can't be that difficult, if countries such as the Philippines can get an agreement in place? I can only think it may be related to vehicle categories that you are allowed to drive, but surely that's not an insurmountable task? Obviously some Diplomat is on a jolly that they don't want to end just yet!

We were granted residency on January 3rd 2022.

Having spoken to the person who transfered our UK car to Spanish, it would seem this could be a massive money spinner for Spanish traffic and tax authorities if we now have to take a driving test after brexit ?

At the very least, I believe you will now have to do a theory test to get your Spanish licence.

I hope not but there you go....

I have spoken with foreign office staff at roadshows in the UK and been assured ( though obviously not in writing ) that an agreement will be made and we will not be required to take a Spanish test. They explained that, since we left the Schengen area post brexit , Spain can longer access uk dvla database and therefore establish if you are for example banned for drink driving etc. They are working towards an IT sharing solution.

Hi Saltydog,

I'm afraid I don't understand your point.  Even when the UK was a member of the EU, UK citizens had to exchange our UK driving licences for Spanish within 2 years of gaining residency.  But Brexit has changed the rules - people who were already resident and didn't bother to exchange their licence before 31 December 2020 have only themselves to blame if they didn't register their intent, before 31 December 2020, to exchange licences.

As one of those who moved to Spain since Brexit, surely you knew that the rules for exchanging licences had changed?  Yes, you may well need to take a Spanish driving test, but this is no different to any other Third Country National.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Thank you Justin. That is the most plausible reason I have heard and does actually make some sense.