Category Archives: Driving in Europe

Driving in Europe, General, Legislation

ITV / MOT in Spain

In Spain cars have to pass an ITV , which is like the MOT in the UK. This is done as per the year of the car and depending on what vehicle type you have and the purpose for the use of the car.

Hire cars have to pass the ITV every 6 months normally, as do some other commercial vehicles.

Servicios ITV – Book in a vehicle for ITV and then pay online.

English Registered vehicles can be transferred to Spanish plates if planning to stay longer than is allowed by the Spanish Laws.

Taking Vehicle out of the UK

Less than 12 months :-

You should take your vehicle log book (V5C) with you if you’re taking your vehicle abroad for less than 12 months. You may have to show it if you’re stopped at a port or while driving abroad by police / border controls.

Make sure your V5C has your current addreess.

You can apply in advance if you need to get a V5C or update your V5C before you travel. Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) it may take longer than usual to process.

UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months. That means you need to make sure:

  • your vehicle is taxed in the UK while it’s abroad
  • you have a current MOT
  • you have insurance

You’ll also need to make sure you meet any international or national conditions for licensing and taxation.

Bringing your vehicle back untaxed

If you bring your vehicle back to the UK untaxed you cannot drive it back into the UK – it’ll have to be transported and a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) must be made straight away.

Driving in Europe, General, Legislation

Transfer car ownership in Spain

What papers do I need to transfer car ownership in Spain ?

  • permisso de circulacion
  • ficha technica
  • residencia
  • passport
  • compra venta  /  sales contract between buyer and seller
  • you will need to pay about a fee for the transfer tax at Trafico
  • then you will get a number and then go to the relevant desk at Trafico to finish the process.
  • car tax will need to be up to date also, if not this has to be paid before the transfer of ownership can take place.

Form to Transfer car ownership :- 

change of ownership and notification of sale of vehicleDownload

Most people use a Gestoria to do the transfer as it can be complicated.

NOTE

If you do not transfer the car out of your name when you sell it, you are still responsible for fines ( multas ), and the car tax.

Driving in Europe, General, Learning to Drive, Legislation, Motorbikes

Exchange UK licence to a Spanish licence

There is still an agreement in place to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one. Visit DGT page about Exchange of licence

Tramites de Conductor – pdf form

change of licence formDownload

You need the following documents.

  • Original English driving licence
  • Valid passport or DNI (Spanish national ID card)
  • Certificate of census registration (“empadronamiento”)
  • Recent photo on white background and passport size (32x26mm)
  • Completed official form (provided by the DGT)

To get a Spanish license by taking the test in Spain visit the DGT website ( Direction General de Trafico

An application should be made to the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of the applicant’s province of residence a completed application form needs to be completed. The form is issued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters.

For further info visit the DGT . The website is available in English

Drivers who live in Spain permanently can also obtain Spanish licence by taking a new test.

To get an appointment with the DGT.

A medical examination is also required in order to have a Spanish licence.