Yes I agree, but what right has Spain got to say that they dont aknowledge the euro licence in their country and change the rules, when they are a member of europe ?

The idea of the euro licence is quote
"Currently, police across Europe can be presented with over 100 different licences in different languages, colours and formats. How can Czech policeman be expected to know what a valid Spanish or Irish driving licence looks like? The new licence will let police weed out the banned joyrider from the safe, licensed driver in an instant".
Spain is not helping if they expect everyone to change to a Spanish licence.

Sorry, but the storm tripped the electrickery, I did post now though with a reply.

We all know that Spain does exactly what it wants.

The proposal for the EU directive which can be found here contained the submission that rights of individual member states to impose their own periods of validity was to be abolished. However, this appears not to have been included in the actual directive which has to be purchased at a price of €40.

There is also some useful information here.

Cheers, will have a look through later, bit heavy for a rainy day

Good Luck! Perhaps best taken with a

Looks best way

Hmmmmm......what to do, what to do......thanks guys, didn't mean to start a big thread, lol!!!

Would prefer to get an EU card type, but not sure if I fancy a hassle with the Guardia, given that my Spanish is still poco poco!!! Don't fancy a trip to Trafico in Malaga either come to think of it, ho hum.

Sparkle

I know people that have had problems with the paper one re the guardia, but none with the euro licence.

hmmm subtle hint jdr

I still have my UK licence, the "new" plastic photocard type, and last time I was stopped by the Guardia (about 6 months ago) I was given a stern ticking off and told to get myself along to Trafico pronto to have my UK licence stamped/endorsed. Needless to say, I still haven't bothered!

If you have a UK photo ID license, then the easiest/fastest short-term fix would be to get the paper section of your license endorsed by the local police with your Spanish address.

Alternatively carry a copy of a document that shows your Spanish address together with your name and is also endorsed (your documento de empadronamiento, for example, or bank receipt of your contribución) - you probably need this for other things anyway.

Spanish police are generally reasonable if you show willing, even though we know that the legislation defines this step as voluntary and not obligatory.

Once the new Euro licenses are up and running properly, one can then switch.

I have a copy of a letter, issued by the Spanish transport authorities, confirming that the EU licences are acceptable on the Spanish roads. I have never had to produce it to the police but I am told by those that have that it had the desired effect.

ohhh, i have a copy of that letter might be worth me printing it off and carrying that with me too.

I think this is the one you are referring to in case anybody else wants to read it:
http://www.spainvia.com/drivelicenceletter.htm

A friend who did just that not only got a fine for the driving licence but they then subjected his car to a rigorous construction and use check and he ended up with five more fines for various defects.

So if you are going to run the risk of waving a tatty piece of paper under the nose of a Guardia Civil you had better be pretty certain that they are not going to find anything wrong with either your paperwork or your vehicle. You don't want to end up like this...