UK Driving Licence Not Valid for Residents

DVLA licence dispute means UK drivers banned in Spain under new rules

Spain has banned British expats from driving after a dispute between the two countries over a post-Brexit plan on UK licences could not be resolved.

A ban came into effect on Sunday, May 1, after a six-month rule ended which allowed Brits to use their DVLA issued licences in Spain.

Brits who are affected may have to sit a driving test in Spain in order to obtain a Spanish licence to be allowed on the roads.

However, tourists can still use their British driving licence while on holiday in the co

Here is everything to know about the driving ban for Brits in Spain.

Why are Brits banned on Spanish Roads?

The new restrictions came into effect after the British and Spanish governments failed to reach a mutual agreement on DVLA-issued licences by the April 30 deadline.

MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “It’s a case of ‘mañana, mañana. It’s time they pull their finger out and do what they agreed.”

Until Sunday, May 1st 2022, Britons living in Spain were able to use their DVLA-issued licences to drive, but a failed consensus could now trigger weeks of chaos for those who travel by car.

Every other European nation has agreed a post- Brexit protocol in respect of British driving licences.

The official guidance on the UK government’s website for British expats in Spain says: “If you have a valid UK driving licence: From 1 May 2022, if you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain.

“If you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for six months from the date you obtained residence.”

Can this issue be resolved?

The Foreign Office said it was pushing to “accelerate talks” with the Spanish government.

A UK government source said: “This could go on for a week, or it could be longer. It should be temporary, but we don’t know how temporary. In the meantime, British residents living in Spanish hill villages won’t be able to drive a car.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson added: “An agreement to swap UK driving licences for Spanish licences has not yet been reached. From May 1, UK licence holders who have been resident in Spain for more than six months and did not exchange their licence during the transition period will no longer be able to drive legally in Spain. We have agreed to rapidly accelerate talks, and are urging the Spanish government to bring forward interim measures.”

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