UK licences
The UK–Spain exchange agreement resumed in March 2024. UK residency holders have 6 months from becoming Spanish-resident to exchange before being required to retake theory + practical in Spanish. Documents: residency card, padrón, valid UK licence, medical certificate (Centro Médico €40–€60), two photos. Process at Jefatura de Tráfico, allow 4–8 weeks.
EU licences
Valid 2 years from residency. After that, simple administrative swap — no test. Same medical certificate required.
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Start matchingThe medical test
20 minutes: vision, reflexes (a simple computer game), basic motor coordination. Almost everyone passes. Booked online, walk-in available in most towns. Cost €40–€60.
What changes immediately
Your foreign licence stops being valid in Spain after the deadline regardless of expiry on it. Driving on it is illegal and uninsured. Don't risk it.
Pair with importing a car to Spain.
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