Driving Licence Renewal

[SUNSHINER]

If you live in Spain, can you continue to apply for a licence renewal? We do not want to get Spanish licences, as we don't have cars here. The DVLA website only allows you to change your address to a UK one.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"If you’re moving abroad, you can’t register your new address on your British driving licence. Contact the driving licence authority in your new country of residence"

Source:
https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence

You'll have to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one (even if you'll only be driving during return visits to the UK):
http://www.expatica.com/es/moving-to/Exchanging-a-foreign-drivers-licence-in-Spain_107661.html

http://www.expatica.com/es/moving-to/Exchanging-a-foreign-drivers-licence-in-Spain_107661.html

[Buenchico]

Oops!

I don't know how that link got posted twice!

[ToraToraTora]

officially you have to effectively surrender your licence. Most people don't bother telling them.

[murraymints]

if you are domiciled in Spain ..then you need a Spanish licence..things may change in 2 years though !

[ToraToraTora]

how? spain will be spain in 2 years wont it?

[murraymints]

just thinking ahead TTT ..if we are not in EU what the rules about driving here with Spanish licence may be..?? only a thought..still need spanish licence in Spain....but international for times here ???

[ToraToraTora]

despite the EU there have always been reciprocal arrangements for migrants.

[ToraToraTora]

my kiwi mate arrived here with a kiwi licence and had 2 years to pass the test for example.

[EDDIE51]

Not only can you not renew it you should apply for a Spanish licence and then surrender your UK one.

[EDDIE51]

TTT once we are out of the EU an EU licence will be treated as any other foreign licence. You will be able to use it in the UK for visits (6 months a time limit I think) and as a temporary licence for the first 6 months if you move here permanently. I lived in Zambia and passed the driving test there, I was allowed to use it for the first 6 months after I returned to the UK. I also had an international licence issued against my Zambian licence which I could use here, not sure of the time limits though.