I think Fred's answer in post #5 answers that.

I think the answer is NO as it's a Spanish territory ruling.

If you reside abroad, the DVLA are quite happy for you to retain your old UK residential address on your licence as they are unable to change it to a foreign address.

If you were stopped in the UK, in the unlikely event that the police would worry about your address, if you can prove that you are resident outside the UK there is nothing anyone can do about it.

Bought a 125cc scooter. All that's needed is a n.i.e number and proof of padron.

As long as you've had your uk licence 3 years away you go.

Changing licences over and all that don't even come into it there are plenty of people who buy scooters, cars etc and leave them in Spain as holiday run arounds.

If you actually are here permanent and intend on staying for many years then it won't hurt to change to a Spanish licence because at the end of the day you live in Spain and not the uk.

As someone with a full motorbike A licence I find it quite disturbing that Spain allows people to just climb on a 125cc machine based on holding a car licence for 3 years.

At least in the UK you have to take a CBT (compulsory basic training) before you get on a 125cc bike. That training includes how to operate the bike safely. OK, many scooters are of the "twist and go" variety but climbing on a geared bike for the first time without tuition and riding on public roads sounds like a recipe for disaster.

The real recipe for disaster in Spain is a teenager on a 50cc moto.For proof, try getting a quote for insuring one yourself

In the UK? No thank you!

There are a few who ride "sensibly" but tracksuits and trainers should be an instant ban!

You do NOT need the padron - rental contract or ecritura will suffice (as in proof of address).

Non-residents shouldn't be on the padron of course!

Tracksuits and trainers?
In Spain it's more like shorts, no top and flipflops.
However, you don't see too many without a helmet now, except the passengers (plural)

You forgot the sunglasses and of course the dog riding on the fuel tank.

Rosemary

Fred - Sorry but you are incorrect I spoke direct to DVLA on this very subject recently and it is an offence to have an invalid address on your UK driving licence whether you reside overseas or not.
The advice on the DVLA website recommends you contact the driving licence authority in your new country of residence.


The advice they gave me was if you were stopped whilst driving in the UK and the police did a check on your DL and the address on DL was not your residence you can be prosecuted (as it is an offence), fined up to £1000 and could invalidate your insurance. Any camera offences the details would be sent to the address on your DL via a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and no response within 28 days you could get up to 6 points and a hefty fine


If you doubt me please call the DVLA and check

How does that work then?

Camera offence on day one.

At home till day before receiving offence in post.

Go on a work assignment abroad for six weeks

Come back home and you have missed the 28 days?

I think you would have to discuss that with the police or in court and prove your absence in mitigation etc.

That's one of the reasons Spain doesn't have an address on their DL.

My interpretation of the Website is different - the DVLA is quite understanding about the address on the (UK) DL being wrong IF you are resident in another country.

I tend to agree with Fred. Also, it depends who you speak to at DVLA

From an email I received from DVLA;

That is contrary to the advice I received by email from the DVLA (similar to the one Snikpoh received) regarding not having a valid UK address on your licence if you drive outside the UK.

They confirmed that it was acceptable under the EU directive.

With regard to going back to the UK with an incorrect address, I cannot see how they can object to that if they have agreed that your licence is acceptable in another EU country under EU rules.

Maybe the person you spoke to is the one who is incorrect.

That said, anyone who lives in Spain is crazy not to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish licence - it will only give you grief ( possibly not legally justified) in both countries if you do not.

I stand by what I said and suggest that if you have a problem with that, that you get a response in writing from the DVLA.

Fred we have obviously received different views from the DVLA but they were adamant that if you drove in the UK without a valid UK address you would be committing an offence