Just a reminder that the changes to driving licence regulations come into effect on December 9th 2011. This new regulation is designed to bring all drivers into line with the requirements in Spain of periodic physical competence checks. It also means that, just as in the UK, your licence will be linked to your address
If you are a EU national and you hold a driving licence from a country other than Spain, by this date you must either register (inscribir) your driving licence with Tráfico or change (canjear) to a Spanish licence.
If your licence has more than a year to run there is no problem. However, if your licence has less than a year to run you will need to undertake a competence test before you can register or change.
The driving school in Pinoso will make the arrangements for you. Registering costs about €50 and a change costs about €75. You will need to provide a copy of your passport, your (green) residency paper, your Padrón (less than 3 months old) and your licence. Some people have been to the Notary to get a certified copy of their licence, which costs about €10, in the event that it may need to be sent off to Tráfico.
If you fail to do this then you can expect a significant fine if you are stopped and found wanting.
