Age in Spain
Age in Spain ’ s new guide is the green light to driving in Spain !
42.6 % of UK nationals responding to an online poll * by Age in Spain have yet to acquire a Spanish driving licence .
The main reason given for not doing so was lack of clarity in the law and confusion over what was needed before a licence could be exchanged ( 61 %). But the prospect of taking the test in Spanish , the cost of lessons and the licence application process , as well as concern about the theory were put forward as the greatest obstacles to beginning the process .
From May 1st , UK nationals resident in Spain have not been permitted to drive if they do not have a Spanish driving licence , although there is a six month period of grace for newly arrived residents ( from the UK and other non-EU countries ).
The results of the poll have prompted Age in Spain to produce a Guide to Driving in Spain , which was launched last month .
The guide , available free online , is comprehensive . It covers all aspects of driving , from bringing your car to Spain , to how to register it , change the number plates and keep it on the road with an ITV test .
“ Our Guide to Driving in Spain will be extremely useful to anyone who has still to acquire a Spanish driving licence , and also to many of those who have done so and who want to make sure they comply with regulations for driving here .
“ The poll was conducted anonymously on the social media platforms used by English-speaking nationals living in Spain , including the Age in Spain website and Facebook page , and gave us insight into what has been deterring people from either exchanging their licence whilst it was possible , or applying for the test .”
Age in Spain volunteer Fiona Hulme from Denia , Valencia , said : “ This guide is vital for everyone - visitors and people coming to live in Spain . There are some important differences in the Spanish driving rules , such as how to enter and exit a roundabout - that we all need to know in order to drive legally and safely in Spain .”
Detailed guidance on how to apply for and take the test is also included , with information on booking a medical exam , studying for the theory test , and the importance of the driving school for the practical part of the test .
There ’ s a section on what to do if you infringe the law – and how the penalty points system in Spain differs from that in the UK .
https :// www . ageinspain . org / post / driving-in-spain-a-guide
The information in the guide is backed up in case-study interviews with people who have gone through the process , including a former UK driving instructor who explains the differences between the UK and Spanish tests .
Speaking as a trustee of Age in Spain , Marijke Cazemier living in Andalucia , who designed the poll said :
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