WARNING: Under two months left for expats to exchange UK licence and avoid driving test in Spain

EXPATS in Spain have under two months left to exchange their UK driving licences.

Those who apply after December 31 may have to take a driving test in order to receive a valid document.

According to official UK government advice, expats will first need valid residence paperwork before the exchange can take place.

Appointments can then be booked at the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT).

Drivers seeking to swap to a Spanish licence can also book their appointment over the phone by calling 060. However, this phone line is only available in Spanish.

Those whose licence is due to expire in the coming months should choose ‘renovacion’. Expats who have lost their licence should select ‘sustitucion’.

All other drivers can select the appointment option ‘canje’.

Government advice suggests photocopying the British licence before handing it over to authorities.

Transfers may take time to be processed, with delays exacerbated by COVID-19 and a rush of requests before the upcoming deadline.

Many expats choose to have a gestor deal with the paperwork on their behalf, with some offering the service for as little as €100.

For any questions, applicants may contact the British Embassy in Madrid via their Facebook page.