Yes, British drivers can still use their UK driving licence in Spain after Brexit, but they may need an International Driving Permit.
For a detailed answer, read below
British drivers can still use their UK driving licence in Spain after Brexit, but they may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a document that validates your UK driving licence and must be carried with your licence while driving in Spain. UK drivers can apply for an IDP through the Post Office before their trip to Spain. The cost of obtaining an IDP is £5.50 and it is valid for up to one year.
It is important to note that an IDP is only required for non-EU licences. Therefore, drivers with licences from an EU member state, or Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein, do not require an IDP to drive in Spain.
According to the Spanish government, UK drivers in Spain are also required to carry a green card (proof of insurance) in the event of a traffic stop. Additionally, it is recommended that drivers also carry their passports and vehicle registration documents.
Here are some interesting facts on driving in Spain:
- Spain has one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in Europe, so it is important to drive cautiously while in the country.
- In Spain, it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even if it is hands-free.
- The legal blood alcohol level for drivers in Spain is 0.05%, lower than that of the UK and USA.
- Spain has a mix of toll and free motorways, with tolls ranging from a few euros up to around €50.
- Speed limits in Spain are measured in kilometres per hour, with a limit of 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on single-lane roads outside built-up areas, and 120 km/h on motorways.
- Like many other countries, Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Here is a table summarizing the requirements for driving in Spain:
| Type of Licence | International Driving Permit Required? | Green Card Required? |
|---|---|---|
| UK Driving Licence | Yes | Yes |
| EU Driving Licence | No | Yes |
| Driving Licence from Other Country | Yes | Yes |
In the words of travel blogger Nomadic Matt, “Driving in Spain isn’t too difficult, but it does pay to be prepared.” By ensuring you have the necessary documents and being aware of local driving laws, you can have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Spain.
This video contains the answer to your query
This video provides an update on the agreement between the British and Spanish authorities regarding the validity of UK driving licenses for UK citizens residing in Spain post-Brexit. An agreement has been reached, with technical details being worked out, and once confirmed, UK license holders will have a six-month grace period to swap their license for a Spanish one without a driving or theory test. The video encourages viewers to subscribe for more travel and visa updates and visit immigrationandmigration.com for additional free content on this topic.
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If you were living in Spain before 16 March 2023, you can use your valid UK or Gibraltar driving licence to drive in Spain for 6 months. If you move to Spain on or after 16 March 2023, your valid UK or Gibraltar licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence.
This is also reflected in driving licences after Brexit. Precisely from this date 01/01/2021, British nationals have a grace period of six months from the date of entry into Spain or from the date legal residence was obtained in the country to continue driving with their British licence.
Spanish authorities have extended the validity of UK driving licences in Spain for an extra four months, giving more British drivers in Spain the opportunity to complete their exchange for a Spanish one in time or sit their Spanish driving test before the deadline. Advertisement
If you are thinking of coming to Spain or Portugal after Brexit, you need to know that from 1 January 2021 UK driving licences are subject to the general rules on licences issued by non-EU countries. But do not worry, driving in Spain isn’t going to be too different to after Brexit.
Starting on March 16, holders of a valid UK license will be able to exchange it for a Spanish one without having to take a practical or theory test. The agreement was greenlighted by the Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday.
Yes, most UK drivers are still able to use their normal driving licence to drive in EU countries. There are some exceptions and what is called an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed. An IDP can be bought at Post Offices for £5.50.
As things stand, UK nationals who are Spanish residents will be allowed to drive in Spain with a valid UK driving licence until June 30th 2021. It’s the same for drivers with licences from other non-EU/EEA nations, who can drive in Spain with their original licences for a period of six months after obtaining residency. Advertisement
You don’t need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a UK photocard driving licence.
You need to carry your UK driving licence with you. You do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to visit and drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein.