I have literally just got my TIE, I have a house in AEG but my main residence is in the UK and I split sort of 6months here and 6 months there. I am aware that this month the laws change for residents driving with a UK licence. I spoke to my solicitor about this and she said that she thinks that I could still drive when I come out here as long as I had an international driving licence relevant to Spain. I have also spoken to a hire car company that I regularly use and they came to the same answer. I’m concerned about breaking laws so does anyone know if this information is correct. FYI I am now studying to take the Spanish driving test but this won’t happen for a while. Many thanks.
Posted: Tue Oct 5, 2021 12:04am
Very helpful member
"I have literally just got my TIE"
That means you are a "resident of Spain", (also for tax) the law here being you need a 'Spanish driving licence', until a swap deal is done with UK the government, (if ever) you could apply for an exchange 'while an EU citizen' which ceased end of 2020. Many of us are Brits stuck with this problem and do not wish to take a 'Spanish driving test'. (I shipped my own car back to UK because once you have a Padron or TIE you can no longer drive a UK plated car) IDL is of no help, facts link, https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/after-brexit-do-i-need-an-international-driving-licence-in-spain/ Only short stay Brit tourists can drive a Spanish plated car, 'I suspect many might ignore the law', however, if people have an accident 'will not be insured' & damages could be substantial in the case of personal injury.
Note only drivers from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominical Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Macedonia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela can exchange their licences for Spanish ones within their first six months of residency. All EU citizens can drive for two years if resident, but not British now, only short stay tourists.
Posted: Tue Oct 5, 2021 7:55am
Holaitsdavid wrote on Tue Oct 5, 2021 12:04am:
"I have literally just got my TIE"
That means you are a "resident of Spain", (also for tax) the law here being you need a 'Spanish driving licence', until a swap deal is done with UK the government, (if ever) you could apply for an exchange 'while an EU citizen' which ceased end of 2020. Many of us are Brits stuck with this proble...
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...m and do not wish to take a 'Spanish driving test'. (I shipped my own car back to UK because once you have a Padron or TIE you can no longer drive a UK plated car) IDL is of no help, facts link, https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/after-brexit-do-i-need-an-international-driving-licence-in-spain/ Only short stay Brit tourists can drive a Spanish plated car, 'I suspect many might ignore the law', however, if people have an accident 'will not be insured' & damages could be substantial in the case of personal injury.
Note only drivers from Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Dominical Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Macedonia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela can exchange their licences for Spanish ones within their first six months of residency. All EU citizens can drive for two years if resident, but not British now, only short stay tourists.
Many thanks for your response.
Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:35pm
Nigel999 wrote on Mon Oct 4, 2021 3:50pm:
I have literally just got my TIE, I have a house in AEG but my main residence is in the UK and I split sort of 6months here and 6 months there. I am aware that this month the laws change for residents driving with a UK licence. I spoke to my solicitor about this and she said that she thinks...
Read more...
... that I could still drive when I come out here as long as I had an international driving licence relevant to Spain. I have also spoken to a hire car company that I regularly use and they came to the same answer. I’m concerned about breaking laws so does anyone know if this information is correct. FYI I am now studying to take the Spanish driving test but this won’t happen for a while. Many thanks.
We are in a similar tion to you and the answer is an International Driving Permit from a UK Post Office but you have to get the correct one.
Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 1:12am
Very helpful member
Catsandowls wrote on Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:35pm:
We are in a similar tion to you and the answer is an International Driving Permit from a UK Post Office but you have to get the correct one.
Below link about an IDL, sadly not the answer for resident Brits driving in Spain.
Question "With an IDL, can I extend that period of 6 months"?
Answer -"No".
So, where does the confusion about the IDL from?
Probably from the assumption that all "non-EU driving licences need to be accompanied by an IDL to be valid to drive in Spain". Not taking into account that UK licences meet the criteria under point 2, so are valid to drive in Spain on their own.
CAB Spain (citizensadvice.org.es)
(Take care or you will find with incorrect advice will be uninsured, if people did not apply before the end of Dec 2020 it's a major problem, the temporary extension only applies to them)
This is a link news on driving in Spain, talks are taking place, so far nothing positive,
.
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Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:43am
Catsandowls wrote on Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:35pm:
We are in a similar tion to you and the answer is an International Driving Permit from a UK Post Office but you have to get the correct one.
Many thanks
Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 2:41pm
Very helpful member
Nigel999 wrote on Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:43am:
Many thanks
More on IDP
If you’re from outside the EEA you may drive in Spain using your
existing foreign driver’s license for up to six months after you have
registered for residency in Spain. After six months of residency, your foreign driving license will no
longer be valid in Spain and you must get a Spanish driving license. An IDP is not the answer for people whose driving period expired in Spain, neither does it replace the official licence, it's really a translation document for some countries.(If you do not feel unsure check with your insurance company you are covered)
https://www.expatica.com/es/living/transportation/spanish-driving-license-107661/
Posted: Thu Jan 6, 2022 10:08am
Nigel999 wrote on Mon Oct 4, 2021 3:50pm:
I have literally just got my TIE, I have a house in AEG but my main residence is in the UK and I split sort of 6months here and 6 months there. I am aware that this month the laws change for residents driving with a UK licence. I spoke to my solicitor about this and she said that she thinks...
Read more...
... that I could still drive when I come out here as long as I had an international driving licence relevant to Spain. I have also spoken to a hire car company that I regularly use and they came to the same answer. I’m concerned about breaking laws so does anyone know if this information is correct. FYI I am now studying to take the Spanish driving test but this won’t happen for a while. Many thanks.
Can I ask why you got a TIE card, and why you are studying to get a Spanish licence - if your main residence is in the UK ?
You know that you can't have both, right? Now that you have a TIE you are technically no longer a resident of the UK. And if you get a Spanish licence, you have to hand in your English one.
Posted: Thu Jan 6, 2022 10:10am
Catsandowls wrote on Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:35pm:
We are in a similar tion to you and the answer is an International Driving Permit from a UK Post Office but you have to get the correct one.
Erm.. no. If you live in spain, you need a Spanish licence.
If you didn't apply before the end of brexit, and you get pulled over, you are now technically driving without a licence, and the fine is 3000€.
The idp only applies for visitors.
If you haven't already applied, you are now obligated to re-take your driving test, in Spanish. There is no 'swapping' agreement.
Posted: Thu Jan 6, 2022 1:03pm
Very helpful member
James Jupp wrote on Thu Jan 6, 2022 10:08am:
Can I ask why you got a TIE card, and why you are studying to get a Spanish licence - if your main residence is in the UK ?
You know that you can't have both, right? Now that you have a TIE you are technically no longer a resident of the UK. And if you get a Spanish licence, you have to hand in your English one. ...
Read more...
...
I think he has it all wrong, if has a TIE now a resident of Spain not UK, also the driving information he has been told is not correct.
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