Talk Quesada forum

Hi, just got back from holiday to be informed that anyone with an english driving licence now has to change to a Spanish licence, we have spoke to numerous people who have all conflicting info. Is this a definite, you must have if you are a resident in Spain, which we are. Do we need a medical we are 39 and 49 years old. If so where is the nearest medical, we are in Quesada. Does this include a driving accuracy test, and does this need to be done. Then do we need to go to traffico in alicante, and if so with what paperwork. Cheers Ems

If you look at the rules for changing the license then it applies to those that have no run out date until you are 70, that is the old paper ones or ones issued before the photocard came in. If you have a photocard EU license that lasts for 10 years, exchanging it is voluntary. However ,it should be registered at trafico where they imprint it with your NIE number.
I would recommend changing it, though, as the rigmarole for getting it registered is just as bad as exchanging it and you would have to do it when it runs out after 10 years anyway.
Yes, it has to be done at trafico in Alicante. You need to make an appointment first and take along your license (both parts), passport, residencia (you don't need the NIE certificate as this is on your residence card), two colour photos and the application form. The fee is a little over €26 which you also need to pay. We also provided the padron but they didn't seem interested in that.
Regarding the medical, we changed ours a year ago and were told we only needed the medical if there was less than one year to go on the license so we didn't need one. However, other people have said they do.
If you want someone to do it for you, I can highly recommend Nick Bateman who has an office in Benijofar and along the Calle Arcos in Quesada. It will cost a bit more, though not excessive.
If you do it yourself it will take a couple of trips to trafico. The first to apply and, when they have confirmation from DVLA, another trip to hand your license in and get a temporary one. The photocard will come in the post a couple of weeks later.

I have a lady who does this for you so it saves a lot of hassle. If you are a Resident then it is best to comply to having a Spanish Licence. She is quite cheap and she is always at the ITV centre on the way to Torrevieja.

I changed my licence a year ago. My UK licence was due to expire in April (so only 3 months until it expired) I went to Trafico in Alicante myself and a medical was not required. I was 61 at the time. I believe a medical is only required at 70.

I know a lady who pretty much does this full time and will be able to give you all the correct and non conflicting information and also get your new Spanish licenses for you. She is currently in the process of doing mine and my husbands and we have been very pleased with her services. Her name is Paula Smith on 660 508 233 or [email protected].

Hi Ali, how much does she charge to sort out a driving licence?
Chrissie

Hi Chrissie,

Give Paula a ring re the price as i am not sure if they are the same as i paid re all of the new changes and laws.