British expats in Spain are reportedly facing a driving ban after the government failed to reach a post-Brexit deal on license rules.
As of Sunday, UK citizens who have lived in the EU country for more than six months will no longer be able to use their DVLA-issued licences.
British residents will need to obtain a Spanish license to get behind the wheel and may need to retake a driving test until an agreement is reached.
The change will not affect visiting tourists, who can still use their UK driving licence.
A UK government source told the Mail on Sunday that the situation was thought to be temporary, while the Foreign Office said it was pushing to “speed up talks” with the Spanish government.
“This could go on for a week or more. It should be temporary, but we don’t know how temporary,” the source said.
‘Despite the best efforts of the Government, an agreement has not yet been reached’
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Despite the best efforts of the UK government, no agreement has yet been reached to switch UK driving licenses to Spanish licences.
“From May 1, UK card holders who have resided in Spain for more than six months and have not redeemed their card during the transition period will no longer be able to legally drive in Spain.
“This does not affect visiting or tourist drivers from the UK or Gibraltar.
“We have agreed to rapidly accelerate the talks and urge the Spanish government to present provisional measures.
“We remain committed to reaching an agreement and the UK already has similar agreements with 24 other EU countries.”
Until now, British residents in Spain have been able to use their DVLA-issued licenses to move around.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, lamented Spain for the delay, telling the newspaper it was a case of “tomorrow, tomorrow” and saying it was “time for them to do what they agreed on”.
–
