Since the UK–Spain licence recognition agreement (signed 2023, continued since), British residents can exchange a valid UK licence for a Spanish one without sitting a theory or practical test. But timing matters.
The 6-month deadline
What you need
- Your valid UK photocard licence.
- TIE / proof of Spanish residency and your passport.
- A completed application and a recent medical certificate (psicotécnico).
- The exchange fee (a small administrative charge, around €28) and a cita previa at the DGT.
If you already missed the window
If your 6 months have passed, you'll generally need to get a Spanish licence the normal way — which means passing the DGT theory test (available in English) and the practical. That's not the end of the world: thousands of foreigners pass the theory in English every year, and preparing online makes it fast.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take a test to exchange a UK licence?
No — within the 6-month window it's an administrative exchange with no theory or practical test.
What's the deadline?
6 months from the date you become a Spanish resident.
What if I missed the 6-month window?
You'll usually need to take the Spanish theory and practical tests. The theory can be taken in English.
Study in English, pass first time
Coche Test gives you real DGT-style questions in English and Spanish, every road sign and timed mock exams. Start free with the 50 most-failed questions.
Start practising free →Continue: driving on a foreign licence · DGT test in English · the medical.