Today, the United Kingdom and Portugal have joined hands to forge an agreement that reaffirms our commitment to recognizing and exchanging driving licences between our nations.
This pivotal agreement ensures the continued recognition of UK driving licences in Portugal. Moreover, it grants the privilege of exchanging a UK driving licence for a Portuguese one without the need for a test. His Majesty’s Ambassador to Portugal, Chris Sainty, and the Portuguese Ambassador to the UK, Nuno Brito, convened at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London to sign this historic accord.
Once in effect, this agreement will enable residents with driving licences issued in the UK and Gibraltar to continue driving in Portugal using their existing licences, provided they register their Portuguese address with the licensing authority. Additionally, it offers the opportunity for UK and Gibraltar licence holders to exchange their licences for Portuguese equivalents without the necessity of a theory or practical test. Provisions are also made for the exchange of expired licences, as long as the licence expired within the last 2 years before being presented for exchange. Furthermore, lost and stolen licences will be addressed according to domestic procedures.
This agreement builds upon existing arrangements to provide consistent treatment for all UK licence holders, as well as those issued in Gibraltar. In the spirit of reciprocity, Portuguese licences will be recognized for driving in the UK and Gibraltar and can be exchanged without the requirement of a test if the holder becomes a resident.
The agreement will now progress to the ratification stage in both the UK and Portugal, with the aim of taking effect at the start of 2024.
British Ambassador to Portugal, Chris Sainty, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "I am delighted that we have reached an agreement with Portugal that will mean UK licence holders resident here can use their UK licence for the duration of its validity and, if and when necessary, exchange it for a Portuguese one without needing to take any driving test. This allows a level playing field for all UK and Gibraltar licence holders to continue driving lawfully and guarantees recognition and exchange rights for all."
This agreement is the result of extensive technical negotiations between London and Lisbon, backed by the active cooperation of the Portuguese Government and the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT). It simplifies driving requirements for UK and Portuguese licence holders traveling, working, and residing in each of our countries, showcasing our shared commitment to our enduring people-to-people links.
