New driving licence rules from 19 January

[Guanche]

I was going to add that Janet. But I was worried about information overload The procedure and waiting period for the Trafico and the British DVLA to exchange information is still the same for either inscribing a Uk licence or changing a Uk licence for a Spanish one. The only difference now is that you have to have a medical. I am unsure (didn't think to ask) if the medical has to be taken at the start of the procedure or when the procedure is completed. That's a minor issue but be prepared.

Either way medical it is!

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

What is it your going to do there Myrtle? If you don't mind me asking.

Not at all!  The aim is to exchange my British licence for a Spanish one.  Looks like, if the 45 day thing is on the cards, we'll get to Trafico and get the medical done at least, and therefore not have to worry about getting fined the 200€.  But at least we can get the forms and get started.  Will report back.

[Guanche]

Not at all!  The aim is to exchange my British licence for a Spanish one.  Looks like, if the 45 day thing is on the cards, we'll get to Trafico and get the medical done at least, and therefore not have to worry about getting fined the 200€.  But at least we can get the forms and get started.  Will report back.

Not sure Myrtle but you may need photos for that as well as all the other stuff?

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

All in hand, my man, except for the form we pick up and will fill in however they want in record time.  Went down and got photos today and scanned and printed every angle of our current licences.....normal filing cabinet items are always carried in abundance...

[Janet]

Further confirmation from Trafico today specifically for those who are thinking of changing to a Spanish licence: British licence holders who exchange valid British licences for Spanish ones will be processed and given a new ten-year Spanish licence without the requirement for a medical. HERE, in case anyone wishes to see for themselves, is advice from the European Motorist Association.

[Guanche]

That doesn't make sense Janet? Is this rule just for the new UK photo licence and not the old paper one, which I still have? Sorry the article is to much for me to understand

Just had a flick through some Ex-pat forums and advice sites. There is some seriously bad, plain wrong, so far out of date and miss information out there about driving licences and what to do in Spain it's unbelievable!


Sorry Janet I know your the messenger. But I really thought I had got all the information cracked, obviously not.

[Janet]

Unbelievably (given that part of the whole idea is to ensure everyone has medicals), if someone is exchanging a valid UK photo licence for a Spanish one ... no medical.

I'm not sure of the status of the old paper ones, G, sorry ... 

[Guanche]

Agreed Janet. Seems typical Eu standardisation for non standardisation! Just rang the wife to double check what we were told by Trafico. That everyone gets a medical, she confirmed what we were told. Think someone needs to tell Trafico! and the girl seemed so helpful. Probably my fault for not asking the exact question!
Sorry to harp on just really annoying having taken so much care and time to get the information right.

[Janet]

Yep, everyone gets a medical ... except Brits changing valid UK licences (for which they didn't have to have a medical) for a Spanish one (where everyone is supposed to have a medical ... )

Nuts!

[Guanche]

Yep even Spanish changing an expired licence get a medical no exceptions. The only difference now for the Spanish is that their licences last for ten years instead of five. Still we live and learn!