The UK government has announced that it will be extending the period of time during which Ukrainian driving licences are valid in the UK. Currently, Ukrainian driving licences are only valid for 12 months in the UK and after this time, Ukrainian drivers must either exchange their licence for a UK licence, or take a UK driving test. The new regulation changes will extend this period to 36 months, which is the same length of time as the Ukraine visa schemes.
These changes are being introduced to help Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their country due to the ongoing war, and will allow Ukrainian drivers to continue driving in the UK without having to worry about exchanging their licence or taking a driving test.
The new regulation changes are due to come into effect on July 7th 2023. In the meantime, Ukrainian driving licences that were issued before 28 December 2021 can be exchanged for a UK driving licence without the need to take a test.
Here are some of the key details of the new regulation changes;
- Ukrainian driving licences will be valid in the UK for 36 months after arrival.
- Drivers who took their driving test in Ukraine before 28 December 2021 will be able to exchange their Ukrainian licence for a UK driving licence without the need to take a test.
- Drivers who took their driving test in Ukraine after 28 December 2021 will need to take a UK driving test if they want to continue driving in the UK after 36 months.
- The government has said that it is committed to supporting Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their country. These new regulation changes are a further step in that commitment.
What do the new regulations mean for Ukrainian drivers in the UK?
If you are a Ukrainian driver in the UK, the new regulation changes will mean that you can continue driving in the UK for up to 36 months without the need to exchange your licence for a UK one. This will give you more time to settle into your new life in the UK and to decide whether you want to exchange your licence or take a UK driving test.
If you passed your test in an automatic car, you will be able to drive a manual car for the first 12 months. After this time, you will need to exchange your licence for a UK one or take a UK driving test.
How do I apply for an extension to my driving licence?
The government has not yet announced how you will be able to apply for an extension to your driving licence. However, you can keep an eye on the government website for updates.
What if I want to exchange my driving licence for a UK one?
If you want to exchange your driving licence for a UK one, you can do so at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office. You will need to bring your Ukrainian driving licence and a passport or other identity document.
What if I want to take a UK driving test?
If you want to take a UK driving test, you can do so at a driving test centre. You will need to apply for a driving test and pay the relevant fee.
If you are a Ukrainian refugee who is driving in the UK, you should be aware of the new regulation changes. You should also check with your local driving authority to see if there are any other requirements that you need to meet.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
GOV.UK: Ukraine driving licence exchange: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ukraine-driving-licence-exchange
Ukrainian Refugee Help: Driving Licences: https://ukrainianrefugeehelp.co.uk/driving-licences/
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