Why So Hard to Exchange a Driving Licence in Spain?

The Dreaded DGT Licence Exchange Appointment Dilemma

For many Brits living in Spain, exchanging a UK driving licence for a Spanish one has become a bit of a nightmare. While the process itself is straightforward on paper, securing an appointment at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) is proving to be the real challenge. If you’ve been stuck in this frustrating limbo, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why this is happening and what you can do about it. Or, if you would like us to exchange your UK driving licence at DGT without an appointment, contact us now.

What’s Going On?

The issue boils down to one thing: demand far outweighs supply. Since the UK left the EU, the rules around driving licences for British residents in Spain have changed significantly. UK licences are no longer automatically valid for long-term residents, meaning thousands of Brits now need to exchange theirs.

The DGT offices across Spain are struggling to keep up with the surge in applications, leading to a frustrating lack of available appointments. Some people report waiting months to find a slot, and when one does pop up, it’s often in a location hours away from their home.

DGT appointment delays

Why the Backlog?

Here are the main reasons causing delays at DGT for driving licence exchanges. 

  1. Brexit Fallout: Brexit caused a flood of administrative changes, and driving licences were caught in the middle. The back-and-forth negotiations between the UK and Spain delayed the process, creating a bottleneck when the exchange system was finally agreed upon.
  2. High Demand Post-COVID: The pandemic didn’t help matters. Many administrative processes were paused or delayed, creating a backlog that still hasn’t been fully cleared.
  3. Limited Resources: The DGT simply doesn’t have the staff or infrastructure to handle the surge in applications efficiently. Spain is a country of paperwork, and when demand spikes, the system struggles to cope.

The Frustration Is Real

For many expats, this delay is more than just a minor inconvenience. Not being able to exchange your UK licence means not being able to drive legally once your grace period (6 months) expires. This is particularly stressful for those who rely on their car for work, school runs, or everyday errands in areas with limited public transport.

 

car in garage

What Can You Do?

While the situation isn’t ideal, there are a few strategies that might help you secure that elusive appointment:

    1. Keep Checking the DGT Website: Appointments often get cancelled, so slots can open up unexpectedly. Be persistent and check regularly, especially early in the morning.
    2. Try Different Locations: If your local office is fully booked, look at appointments in nearby towns or cities. A bit of travel might save you months of waiting.
    3. Use Simple English Advice: We can exchange UK driving licences without an appointment at DGT.  If you want us to exchange your licence before it’s too late, contact us today.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the lack of appointments at the DGT highlights a broader issue with the Spanish administrative system. While Spain is a fantastic place to live, the bureaucracy can be a headache, especially for newcomers navigating the system for the first time.

That said, patience and persistence will pay off. Once you’ve exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, you’ll have one less thing to worry about—and you’ll be free to enjoy Spain’s beautiful roads without stress.

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