Medical for driving license change?.

[Gommar Goffer]

BigSal - do you know the criteria for needing a medical or not? I've been told everyone had to take a medical for driving licence exchange.

 

[Deanscroft]

Everyone who drives in Spain must have taken the required medical test at an approved centre. The test lasts for 10 years up to the age of 65 and for 5 years after 65. My understanding is that this also applies to visitors and those driving on a non-eu license but it is hard to see how if ever this could be applied.

 

[Big Sal]

Gommar Goffer, I believe it comes down to whether your application is for an exchange or renewal.

According to CAB Spain (https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/change-foreign-driving-licence-spanish/), exchange conditions: '..EU licence meets the 2 year resident protocol requirements. A canje/exchange doesn't involve a medical'.

In my scenario, my EU licence was valid for 10 years. I did not need a medical.
I believe my application was treated as an exchange/canje.

My husband EU licence was valid for 7 years and he required a medical. I believe his application was treated as a renewal/renovacion.

 

[lollipop]

We had a medical when we exchanged our licences and also when renewing.

 

[Gommar Goffer]

Gommar Goffer, I believe it comes down to whether your application is for an exchange or renewal.

According to CAB Spain (https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/change-foreign-driving-licence-spanish/), exchange conditions: '..EU licence meets the 2 year resident protocol requirements. A canje/exchange doesn't involve a medical'.

In my scenario, my EU licence was valid for 10 years. I did not need a medical.
I believe my application was treated as an exchange/canje.

My husband EU licence was valid for 7 years and he required a medical. I believe his application was treated as a renewal/renovacion.

As usual it appears to be a bit hit and miss!!