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The rules for issuing driving licences have been updated in Ukraine

The rules for issuing driving licences have been updated in Ukraine

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

08 July 2026, 20:00

The rules for issuing driving licences have been updated in Ukraine — Driving licences will be issued for different periods depending on the category of vehicle.

The Cabinet of Ministers has amended the rules governing the issue of driving licences and the authorisation of citizens to drive vehicles. From now on, the validity period of the licence will depend on the category: for cars and motorbikes, licences will be issued for 15 years, and for goods and passenger transport, for 5 years.

Driving licences will be issued for varying periods depending on the category of vehicle.

Motorcyclists and drivers of passenger cars will receive licences valid for 15 years. These are categories A1, A, B, B1 and BE.

Licences valid for 5 years will be issued to drivers of goods and passenger vehicles. These are categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E and T.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs explains that the changes are intended to gradually bring Ukrainian regulations into line with European standards and improve road safety.

Who will have to renew their licences more frequently

The changes will most significantly affect professional drivers — those who drive goods or passenger vehicles.

For them, licences will be valid for five years. When renewing their licences, such drivers must undergo a compulsory medical examination. The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasises that this is due to the higher level of responsibility involved in goods and passenger transport.

What will happen to medical examinations

Following the reintroduction of compulsory medical examinations when renewing licences, regular confirmation of a driver’s state of health will become part of the requirements for being authorised to drive.

For drivers of cars and motorbikes, this will be once every 15 years. For drivers of goods and passenger transport, it will be once every 5 years.

Do I need to replace my old licence?

Previously issued permanent driving licences remain valid until the date stated on the document.

This means that drivers do not need to rush to replace their old licences simply because of the new rules. The document can be used until its expiry date.

Do you need to retake the tests?

When renewing a driving licence every 5 or 15 years, there is no need to retake the tests.

Exceptions are possible only in cases where this is expressly provided for by law. Therefore, for most drivers, this is simply a matter of renewing their licence, rather than retaking training or sitting exams.

When will the new rules come into force?

The resolution comes into force on the day of its official publication.

In effect, Ukraine is moving towards a model where a driving licence regularly confirms a person’s right to drive. For ordinary drivers, this period will be 15 years; for professional drivers, 5 years.

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