| Can I keep my UK driving licence?
Yes. Licences issued in any EU member state are valid in whatever other EU state you are resident. However, there is an advantage in exchanging your UK licence for a Spanish one: you will be automatically notified by Trafico when your next medical is due. Is having a medical a legal necessity? The book Motoring in Spain by Brian Deller has been brought to my attention by Phil Chaney (one of our U3A members). In reply to an email from Phil, Deller suggests that if your insurance company inform you that you do not need a medical certificate to accompany your UK driving licence, then you should ask them to state this in writing. (For example my own insurance company have told me over the telephone that they do not |
 |
require me to have a medical certificate in order for them to insure me driving here with a UK licence.)
In his book, Deller states that the law in Spain requires everyone who is resident here to have an official medical certificate to accompany their driving licence. If you have a Spanish licence then the certificate will be retained by Trafico before they issue (or renew) your licence. If you hold a driving licence from any other EU country, you must keep the certificate yourself. If you are resident here and driving with a UK licence and do not have a valid medical certificate, then you are driving illegally and, in the event of you being involved in an accident, the court may decide that your licence has expired due to no medical having been taken here. In his email, Deller writes, "The medical certificate may say valid for 3 months only but that is for the Spanish |
|
issued licences ... For those with foreign EU licences, it is proof that you have taken the medical: carry a copy with you. If the reconcimiento (clinic) tells you that you, as an extranjero, do not have to take the medical, print out a copy of the letter on my website and show them and then watch the surprise on their faces. It is at: www.spainvia.com/drivelicenceletteradsl.htm" How frequently do I have to have a medical? Since 9th December 2009, for ordinary non-commercial cars and motorcycles:  up to age 65 every 10 years
from age 65 every 5 years.
However, if you have a medical problem these intervals may be reduced accordingly. Mike Lawson (Webmaster) Brian Deller's website is at www.spainvia.com |
Back to Home page