UK Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott posted a video on social media on Tuesday which he said he hopes will be his “last update to you on driving licences”.
The video was shared by the top diplomat after the Spanish Interior Ministry announced that the cabinet had finally approved a deal with the UK on driver’s licenses and traffic information sharing.
The announcement puts an end to more than 10 months of hell for British license holders residing in Spain, legally unable to drive on Spanish roads since May 1 last year.
“I am pleased to confirm that the agreement to allow UK license holders residing in Spain to exchange their licenses for a Spanish one without taking a driving test was approved by the Spanish Cabinet today,” Elliott said in his message.
“Tomorrow there will be a formal exchange of notes between the UK and Spain, and the next day, Thursday, you will be able to drive again in Spain with your UK license for six months, during which time you must exchange your license for a Spanish one as soon as possible,’ he continued.
The ambassador then explained the next steps for UK license holders to take. “As soon as the reservation system is available on the DGT website, the first thing to do is make an appointment at a Headquarters or Traffic Office, to make the exchange,” he explained.
He also reminded the victims of the situation that they will have to take an aptitude test known as the psychotechnicalan essential step that must be taken before the exchange of documents.
“If you don’t change within the six-month window, you will no longer be able to drive on your UK license, but you will still be able to change your license after that time without taking the Spanish test,” Elliott said. .
The ambassador also had a few words of thanks. “I know this process has taken much longer than we all would have liked, and it has been very difficult for many of you,” he said.
‘I’m really grateful for your patience during that process. And to all of you who have been courteous to us in your criticisms, which we have understood through the strength of our feelings in the face of this very difficult situation,’ he continued.
He concluded by thanking both sides of the negotiation, as well as members of his team at the embassy in Madrid.
UK license holders resident in Spain who did not or were unable to exchange their documents by the December 2020 deadline were unable to drive on May 1 last year as the latest in a series of extensions expired.
Since then, these victims have been unable to legally take to the roads as Spain and the UK negotiated post-Brexit deals.
A situation that was expected to last only a few weeks has extended for more than 10 months, causing serious problems for the victims, many of whom were in a situation of vulnerability.
With today’s Home Office announcement, victims will finally be able to legally return to the roads from Thursday.
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