Advice please
 

Advice please
Hi all, new to the group. I have rather unique question. Im aware that some if not all of the answers maybe judgemental, thats human nature. I am an hgv driver in the UK. Was. Last year I was servicing my car on my property on private land off the road. It was a weekend lovely sunny day, and i thought some nice wine whilst listening to music would be a good idea, right? WRONG! Several hours later, and copious amounts of wine, her majesties finest wandered onto the land, the keys were in the ignition, engine was running. Regardless of my vociferous protests, they breathalysed me. Showing me almost 3 times over the legal limit in Scotland of 24mg. Banned. Possession of a vehicle with intention to drive. 2 years big fine. OK, so im now thinking of maybe relocating to a different country, preferably spain spent a lot of time there with armed forces and have fond memories. Ive done a wee bit of research and so far as I can tell from UK.GOV website, I can gain a licence and drive in a foreign country, but cannot drive with that licence in the UK. Which isn't an issue for me as I'd have no cause to return. I would obviously have regain my hgv licence equivalent in Spain. Its a difficult one, im sure there will be some that look down on my predicament, but I am not, nor have I ever been a drink driver. But hgv driving is all ive ever done since armed forces, my family are all grown up. Im single, so im thinking the timing could be right? Except for maybe brexit and coronavirus of course. Thank you all for reading this. Hope you are all well and staying safe.

Re: Advice please
 

It sounds feasible, just a matter of having enough money to throw at the venture. Allowing for accommodation, completing any mandatory courses and tests. The lingo may or may not be a stumbling block? Probably no shortage of drivers?
When you said "two years big fine" was the two years bit the ban or a hotel stay on top?
Good luck whatever.

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Ha ha no time at her majesties leisure. Two year ban and a big fine. I have accommodation sorted etc. Just wanted some advice as to whether my research was correct. From what I gather the uk does not have a reciprocal agreement with spain on driving licence bans etc. Even less so after January 2021. After the way i was set up and treated I have no intention of ever returning to the UK if I can help it.

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I see that you have put an identical post in the Cyprus forum. Two very different countries, which one are you leaning towards the most?

Rosemary

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Hi thanks for the response, ive definitely decided on spain, I just couldn't figure out how to delete the other post.
thanks
Steve

Re: Advice please
 

I have deleted it for you.

Rosemary

Re: Advice please
 

I sympathise with your situation, but there is no way you would get a driving licence in Spain.
As far as I am aware, and I am about to change my British licence for a Spanish one, they do do some checks with DVLA.

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Once resident in Spain, you can do a driving test and will get a Spanish driving licence. He's not exchanging a licence, so is basically a new driver.

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Language skills ? Spoken and written. Why would a Spanish firm hire an Anglo (or a Scot) for this job when he can get a local ? Sorry to sound negative.

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Oh i agree, but I've already secured employment. Im not hgv driving in spain.
Sorry for the confusion.
Steve

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Thank you that is also my understanding, I already have accommodation and employment in place.
Regards
Steve

Re: Advice please
 

My understanding is that if I were to try and exchange my currently suspended licence fir a spanish one, that would not work, however if I start the whole process again as a new driver and obtain a Spanish licence then thats perfectly legal.
Thanks
Steve

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Yes...I guess so...Can´t see anything wrong with that. I don´t know how good your Spanish is....but the theory test is in Spanish.

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I understand that there is a huge waiting time for driving tests due to the virus. The driving schools are getting really upset about it.

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And there is a huge waiting time for Brits to get an appointment to change their UK licences to Spanish.

I struck lucky in getting one....but I must have tried online at exactly the perfect time.

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You would need a very high of Spanish to do test in spanish. My ex did it and she is south American. She had to do classes and read quite a thick manual. Plus actual test is conducted in spanish so you have to understand instructions and respond. So unless you have a minimum of B2 Spanish it's a non starter.

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Thanks, my offer of employment is with a friends business, there is no immediate requirement for a driving licence as its not my main employment duty. But will be of benefit going forward.
regards
Steve

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Well I won´t even drive in the centre of Barcelona....It´s mind boggling to me......

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You can take the theory test in multiple languages. I have been in contact with a driving school here (it's in Alfaz) and you choose the language once at the test centre (the same as in the UK or for that matter quite a few other EU countries)
The practical test is in Spanish but ik ow someone who took it recently in Benidorm and she had a translator with her. And took her theory test in English.
Again you can do the same in the UK and I know its possible in Germany as well.

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That´s good to know. I did wonder if it was possible.

Although not so sure you could do that in Barcelona.

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You can take the theory test in English, my mate did last year.

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I know that you could take test in English however is that not because of EU law?

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I believe that in UK as a result of Brexit you can no longer do a driving test other than in English. Will it not be reciprocated in EU?

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Thanks to all responses, the uk only has one reciprocal agreement in place on driving disqualifications, and that is with the Republic of Ireland.
So im unsure like many others as to how brexit will affect that.
My understanding is that it is legal to not exchange, but to apply for a provisional spanish licence. And start the whole process again, with that licence only being relevant in Spain.

Re: Advice please
 

There is an EU directive that says you have to be in the country for at least 6 months before you can acquire its driving licence, starting with provisional licence. In UK, when you apply for your first provisional licence, you have to declare you have been in UK for at least 6 months and I assume similar rule exists in Spain. This was brought in to stop disqualified drivers going to another EU state to pass the test and acquire a new licence and then use that licence to drive in their home country. I think it was a common occurrence for convicted German drivers crossing border into the Netherlands to get a new licence. I don't know what effect if any Brexit will have on this, but I'd have thought it's in the interest of road safety to maintain the status quo.

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Provisioal licences do not exist in Spain. You can only drive a driving school car until you pass your practical test.

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In terms of road safety I completely agree. And let me be clear i was never a habitual drunk driver. 30+ years without 1 point. And i wasn't even driving and had no intention of doing so.
Steve

Re: Advice please
 

Thank you for that.
Steve

Re: Advice please
 

There is no such rule.

The directive on driving licences states:

"normal residence in the territory of the Member State
issuing the licence, or evidence that applicants have been
studying there for at least six months."

The OP is clearly not a student and not withstanding current delays under normal circumstances it's perfectly possible to acquire residency in under 6 months, that will be particularly so after the transition period when UK citizens become 3rd country nationals and because of the requirement for a visa can can acquire residence with only the nominal delay in administration.

A Spanish licence so acquired will be valid to drive in the UK however if you did come to the attention of plod as a British citizen your name would be almost certainly be checked with DVLA when the game would be up and jail time could well ensue.

Also I believe the facility to do the theory test in English was recently withdrawn, I'll try and find a link.

Might I suggest others who wish to offer 'facts' do the same.

Re: Advice please
 

Very interesting read, I can confirm It is not my intention to return to the UK except for visiting family. I will not be driving in uk or any other country, except Spain for the duration of my disqualification. Thanks
Stephen