Brexit: Driving Licences

Updated 2pm: One aspect of the concerns about driving after Brexit relates to those British nationals who are resident in the EU and who have exchanged their UK licences for Spanish ones. I’ve had several enquiries now from people who are worried about their rights to drive in the UK on a Spanish licence after Brexit, especially should there be no deal. There is no need to worry at all, however, because the UK itself has said:

From 29 March 2019, in the event that there is no EU Exit deal, arrangements for EU licence holders who are visiting or living in the UK will not change.

Visitors with EU driving licences will not need an IDP to drive in the UK.

EU licence holders can drive in the UK on their EU licence:

• until it expires or until they turn 70 – which ever comes first.
• for up to 3 years when coming to live in the UK

For EU licence holders who passed their test in the EU or EEA, the UK will continue to exchange their licence.

EU licence holders who passed their test outside the EU or EEA have restrictions on licence exchange. As such, they may need to take a test to obtain a UK licence.

The official information from the British Government on all aspects of driving throughout Europe after Brexit is HERE.