From January 2015 foreign national Spanish residents must validate UK driving licences

EU nationals resident in Spain are obliged to “renew” their driving licences

As of 1st January 2015 the law regarding Spanish driving licences for foreign residents of EU nationality has been changed, and now any foreign driver resident in Spain who holds a licence with unlimited validity, or validity longer than the norm in Spain (for example most UK licences), is obliged to “renew” it with the Spanish authorities. In this way the driver maintains his original licence but is subject to Spanish regulations.

The law specifically states that drivers affected are those whose licence validity exceeds 15 years for Group 1 licences and 5 years for Group 2 licences. Therefore a UK licence with ten-year validity does not need to be "renewed" in the case of the holder being resident in Spain. 

(NOTE: Group 1  licences are those for vehicle categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE, and Group 2 licences include categories BTP, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE).

For EU nationals who became Spanish residents after 19th January 2013 a period of grace of two years is allowed: for example, someone who became a Spanish resident on 20th January 2014 has until 19th January 2016 to make the necessary changes, so therefore, anyone living here who became a resident prior to that date and is still using a UK licence needs to renew theirs immediately. However, the best advice is not to wait until the last minute!

Renewing a non-Spanish licence
Renewing a foreign licence does not mean changing to a Spanish one.

In order to RENEW a licence, the psychological and physical aptitude tests must be passed (and paid for), and the validity and authenticity of the licence being renewed will have to be checked. In addition, the driver details will be added to the Spanish register of drivers and potential minor offenders, but essentially this means that UK (or other) drivers can keep their original licences.

At the same time, those holding a European format driver’s licence can opt to be “inscribed” by the Spanish authorities: this involves the driver’s NIE number being inscribed in heading number 13 on the back of the licence card. This is entirely voluntary.

Changing to a Spanish licence
Changing over to a Spanish licence is voluntary, unless points are to be deducted for a road traffic offence, in which case it is obligatory. From this point onwards the normal Spanish durations of validity will apply in this country.

For those intending to stay in Spain permanently this is probably the best option, but for those who may one day return home the most advantageous option is to renew your licence, not exchange it for a Spanish one.

How to renew a non-Spanish driving licence in Spain
In order to renew your non-Spanish licence the following are necessary:
•    An official request form provided at the nearest Jefatura de Tráfico or downloaded from www.dgt.es (https://sede.dgt.gob.es/Galerias/tramites-y-multas/permiso-de-conduccion/Renovacion-de-permisos-de-conduccion-comunitarios/Solicitud-renovacion-COMUNITARIOS.pdf)
•    Proof of identity and residency (e.g. NIE and passport)
•    Original and photocopy of valid EU licence
•    Up-to-date passport sized photograph (32x26 millimetres)
•    Photo sheet provided in the Jefatura de Tráfico
•    Proof of having passed the medical examination so that the “Informe de Aptitud Psicofísica” can be dealt with appropriately
•    Payment of tariff IV.3 (23.20€). (NOTE: since June 2014 cash payments are no longer acceptable.)
Once the medical (or “psycho-physical aptitude”) test has been completed an appointment should be booked at the Jefatura de Tráfico (or any Oficina Local) either by calling 060 or through the website www.dgt.es.

NOTE: DRIVING LICENCE VALIDITY IN SPAIN is currently as follows:
B-class (vehicles under 3,500 kilograms and mopeds): until the age of 65, licences are valid for ten years. The licences of drivers over the age of 65 have to be renewed every five years.

C-class and D-class (larger vehicles): until the age of 65, licences are valid for five years. The licences of drivers over the age of 65 have to be renewed every three years.

For driving licences issued in non-EU states, there are different regulations.
For driving licences issued in Gibraltar the situation depends on whether the initials GBZ or UK are featured in the licence number.
 

Medical tests next to the DGT Traffic Office in Cartagena

Information sponsored by the Centro Médico Gisbert in Cartagena which undertakes the medical test necessary in order to validate or renew your driving licence. The centre is located right next to the DGT Traffic Office in Cartagena. This centre also undertakes medical testing for diving, sailing licences, shotgun licences, dangerous dog licences and any other administrtaive procedures which require a medical check-up.