Exchanging driving licence medical needed?

Hi, 

I am going through the process at the moment, so this is my understanding.

Whoever is processing your application will send your details to the UK to initiate the transfer. This takes time, when it is returned you can book a medical (its more of a test) It is an eye test (reading off a chart) a few questions about medical history, followed by a perception test basically hand eye co-ordination, a photograph, a few forms, pay your fee and your done. The fee's vary dependant on where you go. I went to Torrevieja, ( Calle de Ramon Gallud, 11, 1A Torrevieja medical centre ) It takes about an hour the lady speaks good english and it is perfectly doable without interpreter, you need your current driving licence, passport and residency document. 

If you book your medical prior to the application returning from the UK my understanding is the medical test only lasts for 3 months. So best to wait until everything is in order from the UK. Else you may have to repeat it. 

I used an intermediary to do my application so with this assistance it is painless. Think it was 100 euros for myself and my wife. There are medical centres offering the service widespread, they vary in cost. 

We have completed the process and are waiting the arrival of the new licence.

I hope this helps.

Firstly, sorry to say Jim has left the Forum and deleted his guides. 

You need the medical if you are renewing your licence for the full ten years. If you are exchanging your UK licence for a Spanish license you get the remaining period on your UK licence transfered to your new Spanish licence and no medical is required. As I had over eight years left on my UK licence at the time I was applying I went for the exchange. Living in La Zenia I opted for Elche although I believe you can pick which one you attend, for me Elche is closer and easier for parking. 

Hi,

Thanks for your response that’s helpful. Can you tell me who is helping you transfer your licence as I may want to use them as it seems it may be easier to let someone else do it.

can I ask at what stage do you hand over your licence to be exchanged? 

Hi

Can I ask when you exchanged your licence was it this year?

Can you tell me the process you went through i.e made an appointment to exchange online, attended with documents, handed over licence, waited for confirmation from DVLA to DGT Spain and then when confirmation comes through, your licence gets processed and you get a new licence 

or 

do you only hand your licence over once the DVLA has been in touch with DGT to say everything is ok? 

I have to go back to the UK before end of Dec and hire a can and drive it over here and I will need my UK licence for that hire so I would need to do that journey before I physically hand over my licence here for exchange and given the wait at the moment for exchanges here I’m not sure what to do.

I’m wondering if I can start the process now if I don’t have to hand over my licence at the first appointment.

Thanks for all your help!

I handed my licence over at the final stage, the test/medical, and obviously you get the appropriate receipts and acknowledgments confirming this. 

I haven't heard of the exchange system ? everyone I know who has done it has been through the same process as me. I would certainly explore this avenue first as it seems less process. 

There are lots of people who offer the service and probably best look for one close to you for ease. I am sure there are offices in and around Gran Alicante. 

It was two years ago and your summary of the process is correct 

"made an appointment to exchange online, attended with documents, handed over licence, waited for confirmation from DVLA to DGT Spain and then when confirmation comes through, your licence gets processed and you get a new licence". 

You do hand over your UK licence at the appointment and are given a temporary Spanish licence in the form of a piece of paper, however, I don't think that would cover you in the UK and for hiring a car. 

Sorry I am not able to help more, as usual Spanish bureaucracy is a confusing minefield. 

Ok thanks.

can you tell me which company helped to apply for your licence please and I will use them.

Thanks 

Most gestors will help you to do it, for a fee. They will need the result of your medical test, your UK licence, which they will exchange for an explanatory stamped paper, effectively saying ‘temporary licence, original sent toTrafico’ and a couple of photos. Plus passport, NIE etc. They will send off to Trafico who, in the fullness of time, will send your new licence. They will not, however, send it to a PO Box!

The best people to use in Gran Alacant are FAB in Masa Square http://fab-consulting.com/