UK driving license holders can exchange permits for Spanish ones without taking test

The Spanish and British governments have reached a deal on driving licenses allowing valid UK license holders to exchange their permits for Spanish ones without taking a test.

The Spanish cabinet fully agreed with the move during their weekly meeting on Tuesday, with the exchange coming into force on March 16.

While the process to exchange driving licenses from one administration to another one is ongoing, UK residents will be able to legally drive for six months on their valid UK licenses. 

More information is available on Spain's traffic office website. A list of all required documentation is also available, as well as the cost of the procedure, which is €28.87.

"I am delighted that these negotiations have come to an end and UK license holders will now be able to exchange their UK licenses for Spanish ones without having to take a driving test," UK's ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said in a statement.

During the six months, the UK embassy urges UK residents to exchange their licenses for a Spanish one "as soon as possible" and reminds its citizens that it is "possible to exchange the license anywhere in Spain," and not only where someone lives. 

"I know this process has taken a lot longer than we all would have liked and has been very difficult for those affected. I am grateful to them for their patience and forbearance," the ambassador said.