Changing driving licence over
 

I want to change my driving licence over to a Spanish one, I have just browsed the free beer thread and read up what ever was in there about it but it don't tell you the full procedure.

I know I need to first get a certificate of entitlement in Spanish from DVLA question is can I obtain that even though I am already in Spain ?

Who do I approach once I do get it ?

And once changed over can I just use my new Spanish licence as normal in the UK ?

Thanks.

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

There's a very good section in the Wiki about a members first hand experience of exchanging his licence.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spain_...tocard_licence

You don't need anything from the DVLA so long as you have your current UK licence. Some offices ask for a medical certificate but normally that isn't needed on a simple exchange.

The information on the Trafico site does not mention a medical but the individual offices seem to make up their own rules.

http://www.dgt.es/was6/portal/conten..._Y_NORUEGA.pdf

The simple (but more expensive) option is to get a gestor to do it for you - probably about €50

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Hmmm always forget you can use a gestor for just about anything they are a god send sometimes :-)

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

True and it avoids those large bruises on your head caused by banging it on the wall frequently!

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

I used a Gestor, cost 50euro, money well spent as it would have cost much more than that for the trips back and forth to Traffico Granada.

You can use your Spanish licence in UK no problems (actually easier than a UK licence as there is no paper part).

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

I found probs with a spanish license when trying to add me onto my parents policy for a short time.... think about it before you change over!!

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Well I tried and failed.

I went to the traffico in Seville last October armed with all the relevant paper-work including medical cert, photos etc, paid my fee and was told they would ring me after 6 weeks.

I'm still waiting for the call :unsure: :(

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Surely all your friends on the caravan parks know the answer to this one.

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Found it a simple and pain free process. Trafico in Alicante, queued up to pay, given ticket for right window, handed over my completed form and medical certificate, sent off to DVLA to confirm licence was valid, letter arrived asking me back to Trafico, handed over UK licence & given temporary Spanish one, letter arrived telling me to collect new licence. Whole process took 5 weeks. Delays are more than likely caused by DVLA.

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Slightly off topic I accept, but possession of a UK licence is very useful if you wish to open a UK bank account! Try it with a Spanish licence.
And yes I know and fully accept the requirement in law to have a Spanish licence etc, I'm just making a point that the UK licence is a very good ID document when in the UK and giving it up has some, albeit perhaps minor, consequences.

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

AFAIK there is nothing in the law requiring this - it just makes good sense.

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

What's wrong with a passport?

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

I changed over to a Spanish licence through a Gestor. It cost 90 Euros, money well spent.

However, should I have to return to the UK, I would want to change back to a UK licence. Has anybody done it?

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

I went over to UK recently to attend my brother's wedding. I asked him to put me on his car insurance as this would be easier and cheaper than hiring a car for the week. I was stunned by the cost - £400

The problem, it seems, is that I live in Spain and don't have a UK licence!


Here we have changed our insurance policy to allow anyone over 30 to drive - the annual extra cost is about 30 euros! (whether they have Spanish licences / UK ones or whatever).

Re: Changing driving licence over
 

Why u trying to be clever through a forum you little wrongen ain't you got anything better to be doin you silly sap

Leave me out ya bad div