buying a UK car in Spain
 

I am moving back to the UK shortly and would like to buy a UK registered car here to drive back, However I have a Spanish driving licence and believe that I cannot drive a UK car here. Does anyone know a ( legal ) way around this .

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst myself and BEVS moderate Europe. Please read the Site Rules Site Rules | British Expatriate Community adhere to them so that the site runs smoothly. Moderators are there to ensure that the rules of BE are maintained. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Having a Spanish licence has nothing to do with it.

The important thing is whether you are a resident or not. I believe you have one month to re-register the car of to export it back to the UK.

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Yep. The driving licence in isolation is an EC licence so not an issue to drive any vehicle covered by the classes on the rear , and you could drive on it up to 12 months in the UK, but if you are settling back there good idea to swop it for a UK licence.

The issue is a Spanish 'resident' driving a UK registered car that belongs to him / her, as stated above.

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Surely OP could just formally revoke their Spanish Residency? If stopped they present the form showing residency has been cancelled.

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Yep, and then they have 6 months as a non-resident.

BUT, you would have to be out of the country for more than 6 months per year and never here for more than 90 days at a time etc.

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Yes I understand all that but op did say moving back to UK which I presumed meant permenantly?

Re: buying a UK car in Spain
 

Thanks guy`s for all your replies - very interesting. Yes I will be returning to UK permanently, and of course would be giving up my residency etc .Whilst discussing this if I bought a registered UK car here what would I need to make sure of ? I know the car would have to be already taxed and have a reasonable length MOT anything else ?