Category Archives: Legislation

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.

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.

Learning to Drive, Legislation

Driving in the UK

Contact the DVLA for information regarding a UK driving licence.

You an check what information DVLA holds about your driving licence or create a check code to share your driving record, for example to hire a car. View

Ministry of Transport Test – MOT

Once a car is three years old (four years in Northern Ireland) it must be tested each year to check it meets road safety and environmental standards.

Lorry Drivers

Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver

Motor Goods

Car Rental in UK

Car Rentals

Safety whilst Driving

Documentation

  • License
  • Insurance
  • Registration
  • Vehicle ownership documents
  • Emergency contact information

Car Repairs & Maintenance

  • Jumper cables
  • Spare tire and tire-changing equipment
  • Air pump
  • Multitool
  • Flashlight
  • Reflective triangles and/or flares

Get warnings on road hazards and speed cameras, see the link below.

Co Driver No 1

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General, Learning to Drive, Legislation, Motorbikes

Medical Exam for Driving Licence

In order to get a driving license you will need to have a medical examination before you take your theory test.

Normal costs are around 50-60 Euros, and once done the information from the medical is sent directly to the DGT.

Where can I get the medical done?

How long is my driving licence valid for ?

Up until the age of 65For people over the age of 65
A1, A, B, B+E and LCC licensesRenewal every 10 yearsRenewal every 5 years
Professional licenses ( old BTP, C1, C1 + E, C, C + E, D1, D1 + E, D y D + E)Renewal every 5 yearsRenewal every 3 years
  • The A1, A, B, B+E and LCC licenses are renewed every ten years up until the age of 65
  • People over the age of 65 should renew their driving license every five years.
  • Professional licenses ( old BTP, C1, C1 + E, C, C + E, D1, D1 + E, D y D + E) are renewed every 5 years up until the age of 65
  • People over 65 years of age should renews every 3 years

What does the Spanish Medical involve ?

The medical examination will be a sight, hearing and co-ordination test in the form of a computer based driving simulation.

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.