Another Spanish U-turn for British tourists

David HollandYes, reality always has a funny way of sorting things out. It already has done so in the matter of Brexit. Naturally, the UK doesn't like the reality of it, but the UK wasn't operating on realism in the first place, and set unrealistic expectations. So, you just have to live with reality now. Although it seems it's still everybody else's fault. For now. For what it's worth, here's a bit of advice; Underpromise and overdeliver. It works elsewhere in the world. You ought to try it.

Ulla JacksonNothing at all Ulla. Nothing at all. I know you are a responsible person from the tone of your posts. So expect no Brits exceptionalism critique from you. But in context to James final sentence. In the same way a dispute over fishing licences between jersey and France ! Became a threat to stop energy from France to Jersey. Was that not a ransom. Plus a mob invasion of jersey’s port Is that not intimidation. Both supported by European Union apparatchiks. Would the U.K. limit gas to Europe and ROI, no , we are not that kind of people, unless supply shortages happen here, but that would be a whole new ball game . Some of the great wits of the ERG have bandied it about. But in the context of the NIP negotiation. Brexit happened, as James say things if left alone things will sort themselves out, and float all boats. But constant friction will not achieve that.

David HollandAnd what has that to do with Spanish driving licences?You mean you like to hold people at ransom? If you don't do what we want, you can't have ......

@james donovan This is a perfect example of the irony of English exceptionalism. You eloquently demonstrate how the UK behaves in petulance and demands special treatment, then blames the EU for it. As if nobody would notice. This has been going on since before the referendum, and explains much about why the UK is increasingly viewed with roll eyes 🙄 Indeed, the farce is strong on fantasy Island.

Used to work with some Norwegian lads good crew. Well if the European Commission and certain other European politicians grow up that will be a start. Until then don’t hold your breath. And of course Norway and U.K. have the gas. Manufactured some of those taps below the waves. So know where the bodies are buried. And where the pipe go.

Morgan WilliamsWell if that offer was made, I agree, that’s their inaction nay stupidity that they have to live with now. Well my mate from Bombay via Singapore to U.K. drove on a Indian driving licences for many years. And Indian driving tests are not quite as demanding as the U.K. version. He has a U.K. license now. The USA test varies as much as that nation does. The legal question is complex as the U.K. licence should be matched to a current residence. Third party Insurance is mandatory in U.K. if the vehicle is registered here.. If people use uninsured and none valid driver addresses then that is illegal.

I am a British passport holder, resident in Norway with a Norwegian wife. I have never read so much rubbish on driving licences. The rules are the same over Europe and UK. After a standard period., around 6 months, one must exchange your home licence to your hosts. Has been like that for ever, before UK was in the EU even in Algeria. As for passports and border checks, prior to UK joining the eu passports were checked and stamped. The chaos, currently, Started as the EU was unprepared and not all airports have E gates. When they do it will sort itself out. The EU must grow up and stop acting in a childish manner towards the UK.

Spain offered exchange to all residents carrying British licences. Had several years to do it after Brexit. It wasn't difficult. Apparently, many just didn't bother, yet are screaming "unfair" now. I've heard that in the UK, you can drive on any licence, whether you're a legal resident or not. I'm not sure if that's really true (a lot of that stuff is just made up on social media), but it begs the question of what happens when you get a ticket? Or cause an accident? How do they penalise you for it? You don't have a UK driving licence, it's from some other country... Is it therefore simply ignored? And if so, is that what's to be expected of all other countries, because that's what the UK does? Even if it's nonsensical? If you want to drive legally in any country (except maybe the UK) then perhaps it might be wise to get a licence issued in the country you live in? In Spain, you've had years to exchange it. A bit late now. Take the test. Everybody else does. Or are Brits exceptional in some way?

Morgan WilliamsWell that sort of answers the question. Germany considers U.K. driving licences as equivalence. Germans being thorough people, I know that I lived in Frankfurt for a while, I expect someone has accessed the U.K. test and deemed it as rigorous and demanding as the one in Germany. If you live in Germany and the U.K. driving license expire you get a German one as replacement. So, if as you say the German test is much more demanding than the Spanish test. Then the assumption can be made that so is the U.K. driving test. But hey Spains a independent ish country and can set its own rules. The Irish test is similar to the U.K. just more steering around potholes. Although we are catching up on that part.

German driving tests are much more demanding than Spanish driving tests. I can't speak for Ireland.