Thousands of Ukrainian drivers in Great Britain will benefit from a new DVLA rule change extending the period they can drive on their Ukrainian licences. The Labour government proposes adding up to 24 months to the current validity periods, affecting 30,293 motorists who exchanged their Ukrainian driving licences for GB licences between May 2021 and November 2025.
Extension Details for Ukrainian Licence Holders
The proposed changes would extend driving eligibility from 36 months to 60 months for some Ukrainian licence holders, and from 54 months to 78 months for others. This move aims to address ongoing safety concerns while recognising the equivalence of Ukrainian driving standards.
The Department for Transport stated: "Without a GB test or licence, there is a continued risk from unfamiliarity with GB roads (driving on the left, using a right-hand drive car) and road signage, particularly from road signs which are written in English (rather than pictograms). However, we can advise that Ukraine's driving test and licensing standards have been assessed as equivalent to those in GB."
Current Rules and Application Process
Currently, Ukrainian drivers can drive in GB for up to 4 years and 6 months (54 months) after becoming resident, provided they successfully applied for entry clearance or permission to stay under the Homes for Ukraine scheme or the Ukraine Family Scheme before 3pm on 19 February 2024, or the Ukraine Extension Scheme on or before 16 May 2024 – and became resident in GB on or after March 2022.
Drivers must also apply to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme before their existing leave to remain expires. While the UPE application is being processed, they can continue to drive. If the application is withdrawn or unsuccessful, driving eligibility ends immediately. If the UPE application is not processed after 18 months, the driving period is capped at 4 years and 6 months.
Exchanging Licences
After the extension periods, drivers must exchange their Ukrainian licence for a GB licence to continue driving. This must be done before the extension period ends. Those who have already exchanged their Ukrainian licence for a GB licence can continue using their GB licence without further action.
