Whilst we are on the subject of driving licences this might be useful to some:

DRIVING LICENCES
Until 1 July 1996, if you moved to a different EU country, you were obliged to exchange your driving licence for an equivalent licence issued by that country. This requirement has been abolished and you can now drive on your original licence, as long as it is still valid.
However, the host country will apply its own national rules as regards the period of licence validity, medical checks and tax rules, and may make any necessary endorsements.
Remember to check when your licence expires, so that you can apply for a new one in good time from the relevant authorities in the country you have moved to. Visit http://www.dgt.es to download the forms.

Extensive information regarding driving licences can be found on the following
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/home/drivinglicence/index_en.htm.

Personally I think swopping to a Spanish licence is a very good idea as it also will be another way of having ID given the demise of the beloved Residencia card. However I understand that for some that might be difficult.

Rob I like that idea too, but… Will they keep my other EU driving licence too if I “convert to Spanish”, now that we can keep our original EU ones?
I do not like the idea that I have to EXCHANGE one for the other, and that they will send it back to my country..  What happens if I then want to move back again? Exchange again? Will they accept it?

I found some info here, but in good EU style it is too crazy to read when sober:

http://europa.eu/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2002/c_077/c_07720020328en00050024.pdf

Anyone exchanged to Spanish recently and then back again?

Yes when I swopped for the Spanish licence they took my British one and to be honest I was a bit reluctant to part with it (its a bit like a body part yeah?) anyway thats the deal.

The way round it - well someone told me this - get issued with a 2nd UK licence then you have 2 - give 1 in and keep 1 - this is probably illegal so of course I could not possibly advocate it!

ROBI - 18 September 2007 12:19 PM

Yes when I swopped for the Spanish licence they took my British one and to be honest I was a bit reluctant to part with it (its a bit like a body part yeah?) anyway thats the deal.

The way round it - well someone told me this - get issued with a 2nd UK licence then you have 2 - give 1 in and keep 1 - this is probably illegal so of course I could not possibly advocate it!

I read that the original licenses are sent back to the country of origin, so theoretically they do know you already have another EU licence..

Hi Dan, Yes I think they probably do return them and I guess the good old DVLC update their computer so it is probably best to stick to the law. As I say I think the big advantage of the Spanish licence will be its use for ID with the demise of the good old residencia card.