Spanish Driving Licence

My wife and I are currently going through the buying process in Turre. We intend to apply for residencia once we have the keys and have then registered on the Padron. We have sufficient income but are both below state retirement age and we'll have no excess private medical insurance in place at the time of application.

I understand that if I want to drive a Spanish registered car purchased in Spain for longer than 90 days I will have to surrender my UK licence for a Spanish one. I know this will restrict me from getting insurance on a British registered car except a rental when I return to the UK for periods not exceeding 183 days in a year. I understand the cost of importing a UK registered car into Spain can be costly. Do other people have a problem driving in the UK when they return. What would be the best options for me please do you think. We plan to live in Spain hence the application for a residencia. On returning to the UK we would prefer to fly rather than drive a Spanish car with a Spanish licence in the UK. I understand this is allowed for up to 180 days or there abouts in the UK just as driving a UK registered car in Spain on a UK licence. Any advice would be greatly received.