Driving test

if you didn't apply to exchange your licence before 31 dec 2021 then you can't drive on a UK licence even when you get residency.  the 6 months grace period  is still being talked about by the people in charge and until then the only way to get a Spanish licence is to pass the theory test and driving test after taking lessons with a qualified school. 

So can I still drive on my UK licence up to the time I get my residency 

You have 6 months validity on your UK licence from date of arrival in country or date of residency, whichever is the earliest - for you I'd say thats date of arrival in country.  Once you have your TIE, it will be incumbent upon you to make arrangements to take theory test / practical test as soon as possible.

I know there are discussions ongoing, and HMA Hugh Elliott is being very upbeat; in fact saying that he envisages a deal in a matter of weeks, rather than months .... it should be noted he has been saying that for a number of weeks already, so I'd be planning on taking a test and if a deal is signed befoire that, you're in luck - but don't go holding out for a deal as you may find you've run down the clock so to speak.

I think you will find it was 31/12/2020 not 2021.

 stand corrected

Hi, Dariomartin has this spot on.

As an update: The latest statement from Hugh Elliot was that he said that all the main points for exchanging the licence had been agreed and just some minor items are expected to be agreed in the next week or so. However once agreed there will be legal stuff and the agreement will need to be ratified so he is expecting end of July.

Hopefully in the interim, they will give some sort of amnesty, as quite a few people are in limbo, they cannot drive, live in remote areas and driving lessons in some locations are difficult to book and a considerable waiting list for tests. The theory is more straightforward as you can download an app and learn the test requirements.