How to Swap Your UK Driving Licence for a Spanish One (Post-Brexit)
How to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one after Brexit – the documents you need, the process, current timelines, and whether you still need to take a test.
By Sarah B. | Updated April 2026 | 7 min read
Post-Brexit, British residents in Spain must exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one. The good news is that the exchange process does not require a driving test in most cases. The less good news is that it involves bureaucracy, a medical, and a wait. Here is how to do it.
When do you need to exchange?
UK driving licences are valid for driving in Spain for a limited period after you establish legal residency. Once you have your TIE residency card, you have two years to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one. Driving on a UK licence after this period as a Spanish resident is technically not permitted, though enforcement varies.
The advice is to start the exchange process within your first year in Spain – not because the deadline is immediate, but because the process takes several months and it is better to start while your documentation is fresh.
Do you need to take a driving test?
No, in most cases. The UK-Spain driving licence agreement allows for a direct exchange without a theory or practical test, provided your UK licence is valid and covers the categories you are exchanging. You do need to pass a Spanish medical (reconocimiento médico), which assesses vision, reaction time and basic physical fitness. This is straightforward for most people and is done at a licensed medical centre (centro de reconocimiento de conductores).
Documents required
- Valid UK driving licence (photocard)
- Valid Spanish TIE residency card
- Spanish NIE number
- Passport
- Padrón certificate (proof of Spanish address from your local town hall)
- Medical certificate from an authorised Spanish medical centre
- Completed application form (available from the DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico)
- Payment of the exchange fee (approximately €22–30)
- Passport photograph
The process step by step
Step 1: Get your medical certificate. Book an appointment at a licensed centro de reconocimiento de conductores. The test takes about 20 minutes. You receive your certificate on the day. Cost is approximately €30 to €50.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Assemble all the documents listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the DGT. Applications are submitted online via the DGT website (dgt.es) or in person at a DGT provincial office. The online route is generally faster. You will need a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN to use the online system.
Step 4: Send your UK licence. You will be asked to send your original UK licence to the DGT for cancellation. Keep a photocopy. Your UK licence will not be returned – the exchange is permanent.
Step 5: Wait for your Spanish licence. Processing currently takes 2 to 4 months. You receive a temporary authorisation document while you wait, which allows you to continue driving legally.
Using a gestor
Many British expats use a gestor to handle the licence exchange, particularly for navigating the DGT’s online systems without fluent Spanish. The cost is typically €50 to €100 and is worth it for the time and frustration saved.
What to read next
Requirements and timelines change. Always verify current requirements with the DGT before starting the exchange process.