CAB Spain has issued clarification of the how the “Royal Decree” Issued this week affects holders of a UK driving licence in Spain.
The Royal Decree-Law 38/2020, issued this week establishes a transitional period of six months, from January 1, 2021, during which the holders of a UK driving licence, who have obtained residency in Spain, will be able to continue driving in Spain country despite the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Holders of a UK driving licence who travel to Spain for periods of less than six months may continue to drive in Spain. After this six month period the Spanish regulations for driving licenses issued by third countries will be applied, and it will be necessary to exchange the UK driving licence for a Spanish one in order to continue driving in our country.
However, UK citizens residing in Spain will not be able to do so, as, after six months of residence, their British permit is no longer valid in Spain and they must exchange their British permit for a Spanish one, after following the requirements and necessary procedures between the Spanish and British authorities.
Therefore, while these requirements and procedures are agreed, it has been considered necessary to extend the period of validity of UK licences in Spain, for an additional period of four months, ie. until October 31 2021.
Those who registered the intent to exchange their driving licence before the 30/31 December 2020, still have until December 31 to make the exchange.
