My name's Alex and this is my website all about Almería in Spain. Register now for free to talk about Driving, hiring, buying and owning a car in Almería and much more!
Hi
As others have already pointed out, there is, we are told, a deal about to be ratified for the exchange of licences. However, that depends on who you believe (I don't mean on here, rather than from a political perspective) as sadly this is in the hands of politicians on both sides with clearly conflicting agendas right from the outset.
As of me typing this today, the message from the British Government (via their Consulate on the Brits in Spain FB page) is that the deal has been reached and that UK Gov has approved it but that it now needs approval from Spain's Council of Ministers that meet on a weekly basis. These meetings continue to happen but regretfully, there now seems little political motivation or priority for Spain to include this on the weekly agenda (a quick search of the net & the forums will give you a whole host of theories as to why this may be). All of those affected (and btw this will include yourselves as potential re-locators to Spain) are waiting...and waiting...and waiting. The Consulate confidently put out a message nigh on 12 months ago that they were confident they would have us back on the roads "imminently". That proved to be a rather ambitious and optimistic viewpoint that never materialised. Indeed yet again they put out a message 4 weeks ago suggesting that all those looking to exchange should consider going to do their medicals as again, "the deal is imminent". Keep in mind there is a cost to the medical and its only valid for 3 months. All of those folk who have naturally gone and got it based on the Consulate's message are now getting extremely anxious and quite rightly hacked off that either their medicals will have expired or they won't be able to get an appointment with DGT given the sheer flood of folk that will need appointments.
The Consulate's position is sadly now one of "we've done our bit, it's now up to Spain". One may argue that "our bit" should have included a signed and agreed commitment to an absolute date of resolution by both parties before they could confidently announce the deal had been done, but apparently that hasn't happened. It's just been handed over.
What you need to bear in mind is that if you take the Spanish test, as far as the motorbike element goes you will essentially be starting from scratch. That has significant ramifications depending upon the engine (cc) level that your husband wishes to ride and if he is willing to undertake the statutory time period that Spain enforces before progression to obtaining the level of licence that he may need for his desired bike. Spain's progression route is very different from the UK so it's just something to keep in mind.
I'm ever the optimist but also we need to deal in facts, and sadly as of today it is still at the mercy of the political agenda and therefore nothing can be guaranteed. If this is going to be a crucial sticking point for you in your move then you have to carefully consider your options.
And Stop Press as I'm now typing this, news incoming....apparently Spain has just today now signed off the driving licence deal with New Zealand. Ok I applaud it....way to go New Zealand. But I'm sat here wondering now a million questions 🤔🤔
I'll end this by saying Spain is a wonderful country and living here has numerous lifestyle benefits. But self-transport is a major factor in individual's lifestyles so you need to weigh up everything. Yes life is a calculated risk so this is just me hoping to point out some of the factors you may need in reaching your decision.
