British Drivers Forced To Take Tests In Spain

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British Drivers Forced To Take Tests In Spain.  New driving tests will be introduced for expat drivers and British tourists in Andalucia.

British Drivers Forced To Take Tests In Spain

British Drivers Forced To Take Tests In Spain

The Junta De Andalucia are set to introduce mandatory driving tests for all British drivers in the province, as they work to increase road safety and reduce the number of crashes on the Costa Del Sol.  The announcement today has already been met by harsh criticisms from expats and businesses which rely on tourism.

The new measures will mean that every British expat or holiday maker who wishes to drive in Andalucia will have no option but to sit an independent driving test in Spain.  Upon passing the test, a temporary license will be issued by the Andalucian Road Safety Executive.  This license will remain valid for a period of 12 months.

Expat Drivers

“We have no choice” – Marco Aletas De Barro

Increasing Road Safety

Senor Marco Aletas De Barro is the chief executive of the regional governments British Expat Drivers Persecution Committee.  He says “We have had no choice but to introduce mandatory tests for British drivers here on the Costa Del Sol.  There are too many accidents every year on our roads, and nearly all of them involve British drivers”.

“Everyone knows that Spanish drivers are the safest in Europe” Sr. Aletas De Batto continued.  “We don’t blame the Brits for their dreadful driving, the fault lies with the DVLA and their terribly low standards.  By introducing these tests, we can teach British drivers how to behave on our roads, and increase safety for everyone”.

Spanish road Sign

Drivers will need to understand Spanish road signs. This one signals that only red and black cars may drive side by side, vehicles of other colours must drive in single file.

Driving Test For Expats And Tourists

The new test for British drivers can be taken at any town hall in the province, by appointment only.  It will comprise a theory element which covers everything from traffic light systems, driving on the right side of the road, local speed limits, and vehicle maintenance.  The practical part of the test will include motorway driving, roundabout navigation, and town centre driving skills.

Spanish Roundabouts

British drivers will need to learn how to navigate roundabouts in Spain

Roundabouts In Spain

Fernando Tablero from the Fuengirola Andalucian Road Testers says that roundabouts are a huge problem for British drivers.  “Last year the Spanish government issued advice to explain how roundabouts work, but it hasn’t sunk in  With these tests we will be able to ensure that British drivers are as capable as Spanish drivers.”

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You can see the Government advice for using roundabouts in Spain here.

Prices For The New Tests

The mandatory tests will be introduced on the 1st of September 2018.  Residents will need to make an appointment at their local town hall to sit the theory test, which will cost €199.  Upon completion of this, an appointment can be made to sit the practical test.  This will cost between €321 and €329 depending upon the location.  When this has been successfully completed, the driver will be issued with a license which will permit driving in Spain.  This annual license will cost €30.

Tourists who wish to hire a car will have to follow a different procedure.  Upon arrival at Malaga Airport or the new Malaga Merida Airport, visitors must present themselves at the driving test registration desk where they will be able to sit the theory test followed by a fast track practical test.  The total cost for this, including the license, will be €520.

Police Checkpoints

Checkpoints will be set up to catch British drivers who don’t have the new licence.

Police Checkpoints

National Police and the Guardia Civil will be on the lookout for British drivers who haven’t passed the new tests.  They will have the power to seize vehicles and impose on the spot fines to anyone caught without the correct license.  Car hire firms will also be subject to fines if they are found to be leasing vehicles to unlicensed drivers.

Fierce Opposition

The news of these tests has been met by fierce opposition from British expats on the Costa Del Sol.  Anne Fernandez represents a Facebook group of expats who express their outrage on everything from standardised European carrot sizes to Brexit.  She told Costa Del Sol Update “My members will be outraged, of course.  This is a disgrace.  It’s a rip off, lining the pockets of the local government at  the expense of hard working expats who rely on benefits being sent over from the UK.  This is clearly a response to Brexit, and we will fight it.  If we get enough likes and shares”.

Nigel Mainsail

Nigel Mainsail (not from Birmingham) says it’s the Spanish drivers who need more tests.

Nigel Mainsail lives in Estepona but is originally from Birmingham.  He told us “I’m from Upton On Severn actually, not Birmingham.  This is a disgrace, there is nothing wrong with British drivers.  It’s the Spanish who should be taking more tests.  Are you still listening to me? Are you awake? It’s my accent, it sends people to sleep”.  

Are you happy to be taking the new driving tests? Have your say in the comments section below.

Written by Justin Sider, Costa Del Sol Update, 06.06.2018

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15 comments

  1. Whats the rule if we want to hire 2 wheeled vehicles for a week, and i don’t mean pushbikes.

  2. It should reciprocal,any Spanish citizen working,or on holiday in UK should do the driving test as well.

  3. This is bloody absurd, absolutely rediculous. So the only way I can visit my father in a care home in Malaga is to take extra time out, make arrangements for a test and pay €520. This surely is a joke. I think the first thing that will happen is that all the car rental companies will have to substantailly increase their fees to counteract the lost revenue from tourists who can’t afford to pay that kind of money. The persons who have dreamt this up, are clearly anti-British, and must have all undergone recent lobotomies.

  4. This is absolutely absurd, as for the Spanish being the safest drivers in Europe, would love to see the statistics.

  5. This is surely a bad joke, Spanish drivers are definitely the worst. If I am to be forced to take a test in Spanish, knowing the bias that will be against me, I shall simply give up driving.

  6. Oh the British since of humour, where has it gone. Some people just make you want to give up. READ THE STORIES and understand them before getting on your hobby horses…… DOAH!

  7. I can no longer drive, as the tears (from laughter) are making my vision blurry…. a very well written masterpiece 😉

  8. hilarious…and even more so judging from the number of expatriates that have fallen for this hook line and sinker.. for the record if any local civil administration attempted to introduce a driving test, they would be hauled up in front of the European Court of justice on a charge under the ECHR. In irons!!.. Very droll however,,,

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