Manclass

I would like some advice on changing my UK driving licence for a Spanish one.I am over 70 years old and I have heard that I have to have an eye test but also that I have to take some sort of computerised exam , as I am not very computer literate and my Spanish is very bad so this is a little bit worrying, can anybody let me know what this involves?Thank you in advance.

snikpoh

Don't panic, it's really straight forward.

Certain offices (you need to locate your nearest one) are licenced to carry out these medicals, and ISTR, can also exchange your licence for you as well.

Yes, you have to take a very simple eye test and answer a few medical questions. You then have to take a test to show your motor skills (hand eye coordination). For us it was as simple as playing a computer game where we had to keep the car between two white lines using two handles - really easy!

Once passed, they take your old licence, give you a temporary document to use until your new licence arrives in the post. And that's it.

Manclass

Thank you Snikpoh.
Will really have to do this but keep putting it off....

Fred James

Don't put it off too long. If your UK licence expires, you will find it difficult to exchange it.

sparkyinspain

I know that I should change my UK licence for a Spanish licence, but later this year I'm going to USA for a holiday and need to hire a car there. So do you think that there will be a problem with a Spanish driving licence and a UK passport? Anybody had experience of car hire with licence and passport from different countries? (outside the EU)

snikpoh

You really don't have to unless it is about to expire.

There is absolutely no problem at all with a Spanish licence and a UK passport.

Dxf

Hola

I've hired cars in Canada with my Spanish licence - I'm nearly 70 but not quite LOL

Davexf

sparkyinspain

OK thanks for the advice

MikeJ

Foreign Driver Fined for Failing to Exchange Licence | N332 - Driving In Spain

The above link from N332 (DGT & GC) gives the latest news on exchanging licences.

It also has a story to refute some erroneous advice being given in some places that any EU licence is valid across the whole of the EU - ie that someone has been fined for failing to exchange.

snikpoh

... as I said previously, NOT ALL UK (EU) licences have to be changed.

MikeJ

Correct. UK licences are now issued for 10 years and so do not fall into the first category except if you have the old paper licence and are younger than 55yo - the photocard licences started in 1998

Countryboy1

One point on the N332 link confused me. It referred to UK licences which have an indefinite expiry date. I thought all UK licences had a form of expiry date. Firstly there is an expiry date in relation to the photograph as opposed to the licence itself and secondly when the holder reaches 70 years of age when application must me made to renew it.
I thought these were forms of "expiry"' but am I incorrect in this assumption?
Thanks.

missile

Expiry date on UK paper license is the holders 70th Birthday. For your info > https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence
Details of the rules applicable to UK license are here > https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences
It seems this Swedish(?) driver was issued a license without an expiry date? This should not happen with driving license issued in UK/Spain. However it is not unknown for DVLA to make a mistake and I would suggest drivers should verify the details on their licenses.

Countryboy1

Thanks, but in addition to the expiry of the licence the photograph also has an expiry date separate from that of the licence.
That's why I am confused about the N332 site stating UK licences with no expiry date. They do surely?

snikpoh

What I think they mean is that some of your categories may not have an expiry date - even though something else may expire.