Driving Licence Fiasco

[Joy Division]

It’s not correct though is it. They both suggested it was possible to apply to exchange your licence within the 6 month period. This is not the case and it won’t be the case until an agreement is reached.

[Bill]

Best to just go by the advice I published from the gov.uk site.

[Joy Division]

Not too sure about that either as that even suggests you can apply for an exchange. This obviously ain’t the case! I think that advice was given by Liz Truss just before she got the boot up her backside.

[Bill]

No it doesn't. You would have to take a test to 'exchange' it.  I'll post below with emphases.

From 1 May 2022, if you have been resident for more than 6 months and have not exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, you will no longer be able to drive using your UK licence. 

if you were living in Spain before 1 January 2021, your valid UK driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain. if you moved to Spain after 1 January 2021, your valid UK licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence.

The British and Spanish governments continue to negotiate on long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences without needing to take a practical test.

[Joy Division]

But where does it say take a test to exchange it? You’ve just made that up 😂

[Bill]

The British and Spanish governments continue to negotiate on long-term arrangements for exchanging driving licences without needing to take a practical test.

Sorry mate, believe what you wish. 

[Joy Division]

Coincidentally, there’s an update today on the Brits in Spain Facebook page that says agreement has now been made on the outstanding issues and in the next few weeks there will be an opportunity to exchange your U.K. licence for a Spanish licence.
Appointments are likely to be snapped up like hot cakes but all current residents will have 6 months from the time of the publication in the BOE and from then on 6 months from date of Residencia.

[DavidP]

Off on a tack:-
I have just read in Canarias 7 that from this year anyone over 70 has to renew their Spanish driving licence every 2 years from Jan 2023.
You have to pay for the medical but not the licence.

I hit the panic button and went looking for more constructive information to no avail.
There is definitely a change afoot by the DGT 
Mine expires 2024 so is that a valid date or 
Is it 2 years from jan 2023 if already over 70 or
Is it 2 years from when a person was 70.(in which case there a lot of people already up the creek,so I assume this is not the case)
Any body else picked this one up or can somebody shed some light?

[Cotillo_Tom]

David, your licence is valid until the date shown on it.  Any change will not be retrospective, but future licence durations will probably change (but I have found nothing on DGT to confirm any changes).

[DavidP]

Cheers Tom I assumed that would have to be the case,otherwise it would be a bureaucratic nightmare.