Changing UK Driving Licence to a Spanish One 2026
Unable to get a DGT appointment to exchange your UK driving licence? We can help you exchange it for a Spanish licence without arranging your own appointment at the DGT office in Malaga.
Through our partnership with Colegios de Gestores, we can process your licence exchange in Malaga without a DGT appointment. If you cannot travel to Malaga, simply send the required documents by courier to our office in Torremolinos.
We can also exchange EU driving licences for Spanish licences.
UK driving licence exchange in Malaga without DGT appointment
Recently, there has been a lot of confusion regarding UK driving licence exchanges in Spain.
The following is the latest information* as DGT has recently changed the criteria.
This change means that some people who were previously ineligible may now be able to exchange their licences
UK licences can still be exchanged if your Spanish residency began after the date your licence was first obtained.
This applies even if you have renewed your licence after becoming a resident.
If your residency began after 16 March 2023, you have 6 months to exchange your licence from your residency start date.
After this, you cannot legally drive on a UK licence in Spain.
Most expired UK licences can still be exchanged as part of the agreement.
A UK licence originally issued in a country without a licence-exchange agreement with Spain may not be eligible for exchange. In these circumstances, you may need to take the Spanish driving test. In this case, you will have to take the Spanish driving test.
We collaborate with Colegios de Gestores and can do the exchange in Malaga without an appointment at DGT.
If you don’t want to travel to Malaga, you will have to courier the documents to our office in Torremolinos.
We can also exchange EU licences for a Spanish one.
*As of July 2026
No DGT Appointment Needed
Table of Contents
If you hold a UK driving licence, are resident in Spain and live in, or can travel to, Malaga or the Costa del Sol, we can help. We are here to help you, we can manage the driving licence exchange in Malaga hassle-free, without you having to obtain your own DGT appointment. The process can be confusing and time-consuming, particularly because appointments are often difficult to obtain. For €150, including official fees, we will complete the paperwork and deal with the DGT on your behalf. (This does not include the cost of the medical test).
We understand that dealing with unfamiliar bureaucracy can be overwhelming, but we have extensive experience and offer a reliable and friendly service to make sure that you are able to get behind the wheel with confidence. Feel free to contact us today via email at info@simpleenglishadvice.com and we will provide you with more information about how we can assist you with this important task.
How to exchange a UK licence in Spain
First, you will need to book an appointment with the DGT to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one here.
(Many people report that no appointments are currently available).
If you can get an appointment these are the documents you must take with you.
If you can’t get an appointment, contact us and we can exchange your licence without you making a DGT appointment.
Documents Needed For UK Driving Licence Exchange
- Original medical certificate (Certificado de aptitud psicofísica) from centro médico conductores
- Original & current driving licence
- Completed Application form
- Original residency card
- Proof of payment of the DGT fee
- Passport-sized photograph
- DVLA check code and PDF driving summary from here
UK TO SPANISH DRIVING LICENCE EXCHANGE
If you can’t get an appointment at the DGT to exchange your licence, contact us today and we’ll do the exchange for you.
(No DGT appointment needed).
Background to the UK–Spain Driving Licence Agreement
Spanish ministers have finally approved the exchange of UK to Spanish driving licences for residents. From the 16th March 2023, existing residents with a UK licence can drive legally in Spain again. They have six months to exchange their licence without taking a Spanish driving test. After this time you won’t be able to drive in Spain with a UK licence, until you have swapped your UK driving licence for a Spanish one.
New residents also have 6 months to exchange their UK licences without taking a Spanish test.
After this they cannot legally drive in Spain on a UK licence.
Contact us if you need help under the UK–Spain driving licence exchange agreement.
What is the psicotécnico test?
The psicotécnico is a medical and psychological assessment required when exchanging certain foreign driving licences for Spanish ones. It is not a driving test; it checks whether you are physically and mentally fit to drive safely. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Why Take the Psychotechnical Test?
The psicotécnico test (or “test psicotécnico”) assesses whether you have the necessary mental and physical ability to drive safely. It’s a medical and psychological evaluation that checks your vision, hearing, reflexes, coordination, and reaction times, as well as screening for psychological conditions that could affect your ability to drive.
Who Needs It?
If you’re swapping a UK driving licence for a Spanish one, you must take the psicotécnico test, even if you held a full UK licence before Brexit.
Where and how is the test carried out?
You’ll take the test at an official medical centre or a driving school that is licensed to conduct these tests. These centres are authorised by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Spanish government agency responsible for traffic regulations.
The test includes a medical check-up and a psychological assessment to evaluate
- Vision: You’ll need to check if your vision meets the legal requirements for driving (whether you need glasses or contact lenses).
- Hearing: To ensure you can hear important sounds while driving (horns, sirens, etc.).
- Reaction times: You may be asked to perform tasks that measure your reaction speed to simulate driving situations.
- Coordination: Your motor skills and coordination might be tested to make sure you can operate a vehicle smoothly and safely.
- Psychological assessment: This looks at how well you make decisions, your ability to stay calm under stress, and if any mental health issues could impact your driving abilities.
Cost & Validity
The price of the psicotécnico test can vary, but typically it costs between 35€ and 50€.
The psicotécnico test certificate is usually valid for 3 months. So, make sure to exchange your UK licence within this period after passing the test.
Extra Categories
If you want to keep multiple categories when exchanging your licence, make sure to tell the examiner as they need to make a note of the categories you want to swap over. For example, if you hold a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibuses) category on your UK licence, the medical centre will assess whether your health conditions meet the necessary standards for these categories.
Key Government Agencies Involved
• General Directorate of Traffic (DGT): The DGT is responsible for issuing Spanish driving licences and setting the rules for exchanging foreign licences.
Website: www.dgt.es
• Medical Centres and Driving Schools: These centres are licensed by the DGT to conduct the psicotécnico tests.
List of Centres: https://www.dgt.es/conoce-la-dgt/con-quien-trabajamos/centros-reconocimiento-conductores/
In Summary
The test is a standard requirement for anyone who needs to exchange their foreign licence (including UK citizens post-Brexit), so it’s a normal part of the process for converting your licence to Spanish. It’s a pretty simple test and doesn’t take long. A high level of Spanish is not normally required, and some centres have English-speaking staff. Check with the centre before booking if you require assistance in English.
If you’re unsure about your specific situation, you can always check with the DGT or a local driving school for guidance on what you need.
Which countries can exchange their driving licence in Spain?
Licences can also be exchanged from EU and EEA countries and other countries that have an agreement with Spain. Countries with a licence-exchange agreement with Spain include Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Check the DGT’s current list of countries with licence-exchange agreements here. If you live in Torremolinos, Malaga, Benalmadena, Nerja, Estepona, Fuengirola, Marbella, Ronda or surrounding areas and would like us to exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one, contact us today.
Can I drive in the UK with a Spanish licence?
It is important to know that if you have a Spanish driving licence, you are allowed to drive in the UK. This means that if you decide to move back to the UK permanently, you can easily exchange your Spanish licence for a UK one without having to take a test. However, if you plan to drive outside of the EU, you will have to apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Can I drive in Spain with a UK licence?
Yes, you can drive in Spain with a UK driving licence. Since Brexit, UK licences are still valid for short-term visitors in Spain, and there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) for stays under six months.
On the other hand, if you currently reside in Spain or are planning to live here for an extended period, or are importing a car into Spain, we recommend that you swap your UK driving licence for a Spanish one as soon as possible. As of March 16, 2023, you will have six months to legally drive in Spain with a UK licence. It is important to note that previously, many individuals with UK licences were banned from driving in Spain, so it is crucial not to get caught out again.
If you need to exchange your UK licence in Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella, Velez-Malaga, Nerja, Torrox, Coin, Antequera, Ronda or surrounding areas contact us today at info@simpleenglishadvice.com. We will be happy to assist you.
Other driving licence exchange FAQ
Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Spanish one?
Yes. If you hold an EU/EEA licence, you may exchange it voluntarily for a Spanish one.
You must exchange your license if it has an indefinite validity or is valid for more than 15 years (Group 1) or 5 years (Group 2) and you have been ordinarily resident in Spain for more than two years.
If your country has an agreement, you can also exchange your driving license. Here is a full list of countries with an agreement.
https://www.dgt.es/nuestros-servicios/permisos-de-conducir/permisos-extranjeros-y-de-fuerzas-y-cuerpos-de-seguridad/canjes-de-permisos/paises-con-convenio-de-canjes/
What if my UK driving licence has expired?
Spanish authorities will exchange your expired UK licence for a Spanish one if it was valid when you entered Spain. However, you cannot drive on an expired UK licence during the exchange process.
Can I keep a duplicate UK licence to use in the UK after the exchange?
No, all UK driving licences are numbered. The DVLA will inform the DGT if you have ordered a new copy of your licence or if you are still holding an older licence and the exchange will be delayed until you hand these in. We have had people try and fail!
What documents are needed to exchange my driving licence for a Spanish one?
- Original medical report (Certificado de aptitud psicofísica) from centro médico conductores
- Original driving license
- Copy of TIE (If from non EU/EEA country) – If no TIE, then photocopy of the passport, residency card and updated empadronamiento (3 months)
- Photo passport size
- If UK licence holder – DVLA driving summary (with code) in PDF
How long does the driving licence exchange process take?
It normally takes two to three weeks to receive the provisional licence and two to three months to receive the full licence. DGT delays may occasionally extend these times.
Can I drive in other countries with the temporary permit?
No, the temporary permit issued during the exchange process is only valid for driving within Spain.
Do I get my UK driving licence back?
No, when you exchange your UK licence, it will be exchanged for a Spanish licence.
Can I exchange my UK driving licence for a Spanish one without a DGT appointment?
Yes, with Simple English Advice you can. We collaborate with Colegios de Gestores to enable you to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one without an appointment at DGT.
No DGT Appointment Needed