How to Exchange Your UK Driving Licence for a Spanish One (Without the Stress)

February 7, 2026

To swap your UK licence for a Spanish one, you’ll need to:

Pass the psicotécnico medical test,
Book an appointment at the DGT,
Request a UK licence verification code (DVLA/DVA), and
Bring all required documents to your appointment.

You’ll hand in your UK licence and receive a temporary paper permit while your Spanish licence is processed.
Appointments are limited and documents expire plan ahead!

The Simple Guide to Exchanging Your UK Licence in Spain

Exchanging your UK driving licence isn’t complicated, but it does require timing, organisation, and the right paperwork. Here’s the process broken down into clean, manageable steps.

1. Take the Psicotécnico Test

This is the standard medical test all drivers in Spain must pass.

It checks:

Eyesight
Coordination
General health

If you wear glasses, they’ll test you with and without them.

You’ll need:

ID or passport
TIE/residency proof
Payment
Validity: 90 days so don’t do it too early.

2. Book Your DGT Appointment

You must go in person to a Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) office.

Appointments can be hard to get in busy areas, so:

Check regularly for cancellations
Consider booking in a quieter nearby office

3. Request Your UK Licence Verification Code

To validate your UK licence, Spain requires a verification code:

DVLA → for England, Scotland, Wales
DVA → for Northern Ireland

Validity: 21 days time it carefully so it’s valid on your DGT appointment date.

4. Attend Your DGT Appointment

Bring:

Application form
Verification code (DVLA/DVA)
Psicotécnico certificate
Passport
UK driving licence
TIE or proof of residency
Proof you weren’t a Spanish resident when the UK licence was issued
Passport photo (32×26 mm)
Payment or proof of payment

You’ll hand in your UK licence and receive a temporary driving permit (valid only in Spain).

5. Receive Your Spanish Licence

Your Spanish licence arrives by post or is collected from the DGT.

It will show:

All validated vehicle categories
A starting balance of 12 licence points (Spain’s points system)

You can view your licence digitally by installing the MiDGT app.

Helpful Extras

Extra categories (motorbikes, HGV, PSV) must be explicitly checked—don’t assume they transfer.
Points increase with clean driving:
- +2 points after 3 years
- Up to a maximum of 15 points