British expats could see UK driving licence extended in Spain – ‘will save money and time’

Brexit: British expat discusses difficulty of living in Spain

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Hugh Elliott, British Ambassador to Spain, said he had asked the Spanish authorities to extend the current deadline. If British expats have not exchanged their licence for a Spanish one, they will need to take a driving test in Spanish.

The ambassador posted a video for British expats on the official Embassy Facebook page, Brits in Spain.

Elliott said: “From many conversations that I have had with you from around the country and from your messages to me and my colleagues, I know you’ve been really concerned about whether you continue to be able to drive using your UK driving licence in Spain beyond the end of this year.

“And many of you have also rightly pointed out that Spaniards resident in the UK are already able to exchange their Spanish licence for a UK one without taking a practical test.

“The UK Government, that includes our team here at the Embassy, has been working really hard to reach an agreement with Spain, so that you, residents here, can similarly exchange your UK driving licences without taking a test.

“Now those negotiations are progressing, but they haven’t yet reached a conclusion. So what we’ve done is ask the Spanish Government for an extension to the current December 31 deadline.

“That’s in order for you to be able to continue to drive on your UK driving licence here in the new year.

“I’m expecting them to grant this extension before the end of the year. At the point when that decision is formally announced, what we’ll do is let you know straight away.”

British expats who didn’t exchange their licence for a Spanish one will need to pay for a practical test.

One expat commented: “Thank God! I am so stressed by this so an extension and an option to use my UK licence will save me money and time I don’t have.”

Another warned: “Everyone putting off taking their tests is going to be disappointed if Spain says you need to take your tests again, and there’s a massive backlog.”

One expat praised Mr Elliott and his team, saying: “A very timely, useful and reassuring update- thank you for your continued efforts on our behalf.”

However, several were frustrated by the delay with the current deadline approaching at the end of the month.

One said: “Ain’t going so well with these driving licence negotiations is it? A real stick in the mud for you it seems.”

Another expat added: “Doesn’t seem to take into account those who have moved to Spain after the original December 31 2020 deadline.

“Those people, myself included, have only six months driving using their UK licence, from the date residency was granted. I hope we can be included in the extension.”

The price of a practical driving test in Spain is 123 euros (£104) and expats will need a good level of Spanish to pass.

They will need to take the practical test in Spanish if they want to qualify for a driving licence in Spain.

British expats have also had to apply for residency if they want to continue living in Spain after Brexit.

The deadline to apply from Spain has now passed and Britons will need to apply from within the UK.

British residents are now able to stay in Spain for 90 out of every 180 days and could be detained or fined if they overstay.

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