How British citizens can drive in Spain after Brexit

British driving licences are no longer treated as European Union licences in Spain. However, this does not mean that every UK licence holder must take a new Spanish theory and practical test.

Spain and the United Kingdom have a bilateral agreement that allows qualifying residents to exchange their valid UK driving licence for a Spanish equivalent.

A UK licence can generally be used for a maximum of six months after the holder acquires normal residence in Spain. To continue driving after that period, the resident must complete the exchange.

This guide explains how long a British licence remains valid, which UK-issued licences can be exchanged, what a Check Code is and how to complete the procedure.

Are UK driving licences valid in Spain after Brexit?

Yes. A valid UK driving licence can be used temporarily in Spain.

The rules depend on whether you are:

• Visiting Spain.
• Studying temporarily in Spain.
• Living in Spain as a resident.
• Applying to exchange the licence.

The licence must:

• Be valid and authentic.
• Authorise the category of vehicle being driven.
• Not have been suspended, withdrawn or revoked.
• Be used by a driver who meets the Spanish minimum-age requirement.

How long can a British resident drive in Spain?

A resident may generally use a valid UK licence for a maximum of six months from the date they acquire normal residence in Spain.

After that period, the UK licence no longer authorises the resident to continue driving in Spain.

To drive legally after the six months, the holder must:

• Complete the exchange and obtain a Spanish licence; or
• Obtain a new Spanish licence if the original permit is not exchangeable.

What is normal residence?

Normal residence is generally the place where a person habitually lives for at least 185 days during each calendar year because of personal or professional ties.

The date of normal residence is important because it determines:

• When the six-month driving period begins.
• Whether the UK licence was obtained before or after Spanish residence.
• Whether the licence qualifies for an exchange.
• Which country should administer future renewals.

Normal residence should not be confused with:

• A holiday.
• A short visit.
• Ownership of a property.
• British nationality.
• The first occasion on which you travelled to Spain.

Can British tourists drive in Spain?

A visitor can normally drive in Spain with a valid UK licence during their authorised stay, subject to the general recognition and minimum-age rules.

A tourist should carry:

• The original valid UK driving licence.
• A passport or accepted identity document.
• The vehicle documentation.
• Proof of valid motor insurance when required.
• Any additional document required for the vehicle being used.

The residence-based exchange obligation does not normally apply to a person making a temporary visit and who has not acquired normal residence in Spain.

Do British tourists need an International Driving Permit?

A standard photocard UK licence is generally sufficient for ordinary visits to Spain. However, an International Driving Permit may be necessary in particular circumstances, such as when the licence does not use a currently recognised format.

An International Driving Permit:

• Does not replace the original UK licence.
• Must be carried with the original licence.
• Does not extend an expired licence.
• Does not extend the six-month period for residents.
• Does not replace the exchange procedure.

When did the UK–Spain licence agreement enter into force?

The agreement began to apply on 16 March 2023.

It restored the possibility for qualifying UK licence holders resident in Spain to:

• Drive during the recognised six-month period.
• Exchange their licence for a Spanish equivalent.
• Avoid taking a completely new Spanish category B theory and practical test when the exchange requirements are met.

The previous temporary deadlines connected with 31 December 2020, 30 June 2021 or later Brexit extensions are no longer the applicable procedure.

Which British licences can be exchanged?

The Spanish procedure covers qualifying licences issued by:

• The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for England, Scotland and Wales.
• The Driver and Vehicle Agency for Northern Ireland.
• The competent licensing authority in Gibraltar.

The licence must meet the applicable conditions concerning validity, residence, issue date and verification.

Can Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences be exchanged?

Licences issued in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man are not treated in the same way as a licence issued by the DVLA, DVA or Gibraltar licensing authority.

These Crown Dependencies are not part of the United Kingdom for the purposes of this exchange procedure.

A resident whose licence was issued in:

• Jersey.
• Guernsey.
• The Isle of Man.

cannot normally exchange it under the UK–Spain agreement. To continue driving after the foreign licence ceases to be valid, the holder must obtain a Spanish licence by passing the required tests.

Can a Gibraltar licence be exchanged?

Yes. A qualifying Gibraltar licence can be exchanged under its applicable procedure.

Unlike licences issued in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, a Gibraltar licence does not normally require the same DVLA or DVA Check Code.

The holder must still provide the required proof of identity, residence, medical fitness and the original driving licence.

What if the UK licence was obtained after becoming resident in Spain?

A licence is not normally exchangeable when the holder obtained it in the United Kingdom after already becoming legally resident in Spain.

The agreement is intended to recognise licences properly obtained in the country where the person was legally resident.

An exchange may therefore be refused if:

• The first UK licence was issued after Spanish residence began.
• The holder travelled to the UK to obtain the licence while normally resident in Spain.
• The original issue date cannot be verified.
• The licence was obtained by exchanging another foreign licence that Spain does not recognise.

A simple renewal or replacement of a licence originally obtained before Spanish residence should not automatically be confused with obtaining the entitlement for the first time. The DGT may verify the original issue history.

Can an expired UK licence be exchanged?

The Spanish procedure normally requires the original licence to be valid and in force.

However, the DGT states that a UK licence may be exchangeable when it expired after the holder entered or established residence in Spain, provided that the remaining requirements are satisfied.

This is a specific exception and should not be interpreted as meaning that every expired British licence can be exchanged.

The authorities may need to verify:

• The original issue date.
• The expiry date.
• The date of entry or residence in Spain.
• Whether the entitlement was valid when residence began.
• Whether the licence has been suspended or revoked.

What is the Check Code?

The Check Code allows the Spanish authorities to verify information held by the British licensing authority.

It can show:

• The identity of the licence holder.
• The licence status.
• The categories held.
• The validity period.
• Penalty or restriction information when applicable.

A Check Code is required for licences issued by:

• The DVLA in England, Scotland and Wales.
• The DVA in Northern Ireland.

Gibraltar licences do not normally require this code.

When should you obtain the Check Code?

You should obtain it shortly before submitting or completing the exchange, following the instructions for the authority that issued the licence.

Check Codes have a limited validity period. A code obtained too early may expire before the DGT verifies it.

Before generating the code, confirm:

• Which authority issued the licence.
• That the personal information matches your application.
• That the licence number is correct.
• That the code remains valid on the date of submission.

If the code expires, the DGT may ask you to generate and submit a new one.

Which documents are required for the exchange?

The exact documentation depends on the applicant, but you will generally need:

• The official exchange application.
• A valid identity document.
• Proof of legal or normal residence in Spain.
• The original UK or Gibraltar driving licence.
• A copy or scan of both sides of the licence when applying online.
• The psychophysical fitness report.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding DGT fee.
• The DVLA or DVA Check Code when required.
• Evidence that you did not reside in Spain when the licence was originally obtained.

The application includes declarations confirming that you:

• Have not been deprived by a court of the right to drive.
• Are not subject to a relevant administrative suspension.
• Do not hold another equivalent EU or EEA licence.
• Have not had the permit restricted, suspended or cancelled elsewhere.

How can you prove residence?

The accepted documentation depends on your nationality and administrative status.

It may include:

• A Spanish national identity document.
• A foreigner identity card.
• A valid residence authorisation.
• A registration certificate for EU citizens when applicable.
• A student residence card.
• Other documents requested by the Traffic Office.

The DGT may check residence information electronically. If the available information is insufficient, you will be asked to provide additional evidence.

Do Withdrawal Agreement residents follow a different licence procedure?

British citizens protected by the Withdrawal Agreement may have a different immigration status from people who moved to Spain after Brexit.

However, the driving licence exchange is processed under the current bilateral UK–Spain agreement.

The applicant must still demonstrate:

• Residence in Spain.
• The origin and validity of the licence.
• The date on which the licence entitlement was obtained.
• Medical fitness.
• The required verification information.

Withdrawal Agreement residence rights do not remove the need to exchange the British licence after the recognised driving period.

Is a TIE required?

A valid foreigner identity card is one of the documents that can be used to prove identity and residence.

The exact evidence required depends on the applicant’s legal status and the information available to the DGT.

If the DGT cannot verify your residence through the submitted documents or electronically, it may request additional evidence before completing the exchange.

The psychophysical fitness examination

Before submitting the exchange application, you must normally attend an authorised Driver Recognition Centre.

The examination may check:

• Eyesight.
• Hearing.
• Coordination.
• Reaction ability.
• General medical condition.
• Medication relevant to road safety.

You must tell the centre which licence categories you want to exchange.

For ordinary motorcycle and car categories, the corresponding Group I medical report is normally required. Professional lorry and bus entitlements require the more demanding Group II assessment.

The medical report must normally be used within its validity period.

Do you need to provide a photograph?

Since the modernisation of the procedure, a separate photograph or photo form may not need to be submitted when the DGT already has the necessary image.

The authorised medical centre can also collect or transmit the photograph used for the procedure.

If the DGT does not have a suitable image, it may request one. Follow the instructions issued for your specific application instead of relying on an old document list.

How much does the exchange cost?

The exchange requires payment of the corresponding DGT administrative fee.

The amount can be updated, so it should be checked when the application is submitted rather than relying on an old fixed price.

The DGT fee does not necessarily include:

• The medical examination.
• Professional administrative assistance.
• Translations when required.
• Copies or other supporting documents.
• Additional tests that may apply to a particular category.

Do ordinary car and motorcycle licences require a test?

Qualifying ordinary car and motorcycle entitlements are normally exchanged without taking a new Spanish theory or practical test.

The DGT still verifies:

• The licence’s authenticity.
• The authorised categories.
• The original issue date.
• The applicant’s residence history.
• The licence status.
• The applicant’s medical fitness.

An exchange without a test is not automatic if these administrative requirements cannot be verified.

What about lorry and bus categories?

Drivers exchanging professional lorry or bus entitlements must obtain the appropriate Group II medical report.

Additional conditions, tests or professional qualifications may apply depending on:

• The exact categories shown on the UK licence.
• The Spanish equivalent categories.
• The driver’s age.
• The intended professional activity.
• Certificate of Professional Competence requirements.

Exchanging a professional category does not automatically provide every qualification required to work as a professional driver in Spain.

Does the exchange include the UK trailer entitlement?

The Spanish categories recorded after the exchange depend on the entitlements confirmed by the UK authority and their Spanish equivalents.

A UK category or code does not always have an identical Spanish interpretation.

The DGT will determine:

• Which vehicle categories can be transferred.
• Whether a trailer entitlement corresponds to B+E or another category.
• Whether restrictions or harmonised codes must be included.
• Whether a professional entitlement requires additional conditions.

Can the exchange be requested online?

Yes. The application can be submitted electronically when the applicant has the required digital identification.

The online process generally involves:

1. Completing the electronic application.
2. Selecting the issuing country and Traffic Office.
3. Entering the UK licence information.
4. Paying or identifying the DGT fee.
5. Confirming completion of the medical examination.
6. Uploading the identity and residence documents.
7. Uploading scans of both sides of the licence.
8. Providing the Check Code when required.
9. Submitting the application and retaining the receipt.

The DGT may contact you if information is missing or a document must be corrected.

Is the exchange completed entirely online?

No. Even when the application starts online, you must normally attend the selected Traffic Office to:

• Submit the original UK licence.
• Complete the final identity checks.
• Receive the provisional Spanish authorisation.

The DGT will provide instructions when the application has been processed and is ready to be finalised.

Can the procedure be completed in person?

Yes. The exchange may also be requested at a Traffic Office with a prior appointment.

You must choose the appointment category corresponding to foreign driving licence exchanges and bring the original required documents.

If everything is correct and the licence has been verified, the DGT can complete the exchange and provide the provisional authorisation.

Can another person submit the application?

An authorised representative may act on behalf of the licence holder when the representation has been properly recorded or documented.

Nevertheless, the holder may still need to attend when the original licence must be surrendered or when personal verification is necessary.

The representative cannot use the licence or provisional authorisation on behalf of the holder.

What happens to the UK licence?

The original UK licence is withdrawn when the exchange is completed.

You cannot retain it for simultaneous use with the Spanish licence.

The foreign licence is processed according to the agreement between the authorities, and the Spanish licence becomes the document authorising the recognised categories.

The general exchange procedure is explained in our guide on exchanging a foreign licence for a Spanish one.

Can you drive while the exchange is pending?

Submitting an application does not automatically extend the validity of the UK licence in Spain.

You may continue driving only when:

• The UK licence remains valid and you are still within the recognised six-month period; or
• The DGT has issued a valid provisional Spanish authorisation.

An application receipt, appointment confirmation or Check Code does not by itself authorise driving after the six-month period.

How long is the provisional licence valid?

The provisional authorisation issued after completing this exchange is normally valid for six months.

It allows you to drive while the definitive licence is being produced and delivered.

The provisional document:

• Is valid for driving within Spain.
• Must be accompanied by valid identification.
• Does not automatically allow driving in another country.
• Does not allow you to continue using the surrendered UK licence.

Can the provisional licence be used outside Spain?

No. The provisional Spanish authorisation is intended for driving within Spain.

Other countries are not required to recognise this temporary document. Wait until the definitive Spanish licence arrives before planning to drive abroad.

How long does the definitive licence take to arrive?

The definitive Spanish licence normally arrives at the registered address approximately one and a half months after the exchange is completed.

Delivery can take longer if:

• The address is incorrect.
• Documentation must be corrected.
• The licence information requires additional verification.
• There is a postal or production delay.

If the licence does not arrive after a reasonable period, contact the Traffic Office where the procedure was completed.

What if the UK licence cannot be exchanged?

If the licence does not meet the agreement’s requirements, the holder may need to obtain a new Spanish licence.

This can happen when:

• The licence was issued in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
• The entitlement was obtained after Spanish residence began.
• The licence cannot be authenticated.
• The UK authority does not verify the information.
• The licence originated from another unrecognised country.
• The requested category has no exchangeable equivalent.
• The licence has been revoked or withdrawn.

Obtaining a new Spanish licence generally requires:

• A psychophysical fitness examination.
• An examination application.
• The corresponding DGT fee.
• A theory test.
• A practical driving test.
• Any additional test required by the category.

You can consult our guide to obtaining the Spanish driving licence in English.

Can the Spanish category B theory test be taken in English?

Yes. The common category B theory test can generally be requested in English when submitting the application.

This is relevant for British residents whose licence cannot be exchanged and who must obtain a new Spanish licence.

However, the practical test is not guaranteed to be conducted entirely in English. The candidate should prepare to understand the basic Spanish instructions used by the examiner.

Must British drivers follow Spanish traffic rules?

Yes. British visitors and residents must comply with the same Spanish road rules as other drivers.

This includes rules concerning:

• Speed limits.
• Alcohol and drugs.
• Mobile-phone use.
• Seat belts and child restraints.
• Motorcycle helmets.
• Low-emission zones.
• Parking restrictions.
• Vehicle lighting.
• Emergency signalling.
• Vehicle documentation and insurance.

A British licence does not exempt the holder from fines, restrictions or a driving disqualification imposed in Spain.

Spanish penalty points after the exchange

Once the holder receives a Spanish licence, they become subject to the Spanish licence administration and penalty-points system.

The points are associated with the driver rather than with one individual category.

A driver cannot avoid:

• A points deduction.
• A suspension.
• A judicial disqualification.
• A declaration of loss of validity.

by continuing to use or obtaining another foreign licence.

Vehicle registration and the driving licence are separate

Exchanging the driving licence does not automatically register a UK vehicle in Spain.

A resident who imports or permanently uses a UK vehicle may separately need to:

• Complete customs procedures.
• Obtain Spanish technical documentation.
• Pass an ITV inspection.
• Pay the applicable taxes.
• Register the vehicle.
• Obtain Spanish number plates.
• Arrange valid insurance.

A valid Spanish driving licence does not make an incorrectly registered or uninsured vehicle legal.

Documents to carry while driving

A driver must be able to prove that they hold the appropriate valid licence.

Depending on the situation, the relevant documents include:

• The valid UK licence during the recognised period.
• The provisional Spanish authorisation after the exchange.
• The definitive Spanish driving licence.
• A valid identity document.
• The vehicle registration document.
• The technical inspection card.

The vehicle must also have valid compulsory insurance.

The principal requirements are explained in the topic on administrative requirements for driving a motor vehicle.

Before travelling outside Spain

If you intend to drive in another country, carry the definitive physical driving licence and check the destination’s document requirements.

Do not assume that another country will recognise:

• The Spanish provisional authorisation.
• A screenshot of the licence.
• The Spanish digital licence application.
• An expired UK licence.
• An exchange-application receipt.

You can review the basic documentation in the topic on driver and vehicle documents before a journey.

Common mistakes made by UK licence holders

• Following obsolete Brexit deadlines from 2020 or 2021.
• Believing that no exchange agreement exists.
• Assuming that a UK licence is still an EU licence.
• Waiting until the six-month period has expired.
• Obtaining the Check Code too early and allowing it to expire.
• Using the DVLA procedure for a Northern Irish licence.
• Assuming that a Gibraltar licence requires a DVLA Check Code.
• Treating Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licences as ordinary UK licences.
• Believing that an online application completes the exchange without surrendering the original licence.
• Driving after six months merely because an application is pending.
• Trying to keep both the UK and Spanish licence.
• Using the provisional Spanish licence abroad.
• Confusing the driving licence exchange with vehicle registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Spain with a UK licence?

Yes. A valid UK licence can be used temporarily, subject to the rules applicable to visitors and residents.

How long can a British resident use the UK licence?

Generally for a maximum of six months from the acquisition of normal residence in Spain.

Can a UK licence be exchanged without a test?

Qualifying ordinary motorcycle and car entitlements can normally be exchanged without taking a new Spanish theory or practical test.

Does the agreement apply to Northern Ireland?

Yes, but the verification code must be obtained from the DVA rather than the DVLA.

Can a Gibraltar licence be exchanged?

Yes, when the holder and licence meet the applicable requirements. A DVLA or DVA Check Code is not normally required.

Can a Jersey licence be exchanged?

Not under the ordinary UK–Spain agreement. The holder will normally need to obtain a Spanish licence.

Can Guernsey or Isle of Man licences be exchanged?

They are not normally exchangeable under the UK procedure. The holder must usually pass the required Spanish tests.

Do I need a Check Code?

Yes, for licences issued by the DVLA or DVA. Gibraltar licences do not normally require the same code.

Can I exchange an expired UK licence?

It may remain exchangeable when it expired after your entry or residence in Spain and the other conditions are met. It does not authorise driving while expired.

Can I exchange a licence obtained after moving to Spain?

Normally no. The licence entitlement must generally have been obtained in the country where you were legally resident.

Can I complete the procedure entirely online?

No. You must normally attend the selected Traffic Office to surrender the original licence and collect the provisional authorisation.

Can I drive while the application is pending?

Only while the UK licence remains valid and you are within the recognised period, or after the DGT issues the provisional Spanish authorisation.

How long is the provisional licence valid?

For this exchange, it is normally valid for six months and only within Spain.

How long does the definitive licence take?

It normally arrives approximately one and a half months after the exchange is completed.

Can I use the provisional licence in the United Kingdom?

No. You should wait for the definitive Spanish licence before driving outside Spain.

Conclusion

The Brexit transition deadlines no longer determine whether a British resident can exchange their licence in Spain.

Since 16 March 2023, qualifying licences issued in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar can be exchanged under the bilateral agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom.

A British resident may generally drive with a valid UK licence for a maximum of six months after acquiring normal residence. The exchange should be requested before that period expires.

DVLA and DVA licence holders must obtain the corresponding Check Code. The online application must still be finalised at a Traffic Office, where the original licence is surrendered and the provisional Spanish authorisation is issued.

Licences issued in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are not covered by the ordinary UK exchange procedure. Their holders will normally need to obtain a new Spanish licence to continue driving after the recognised period.