New Rules for Driver's License Exams in Ukraine: What Do We Know?

Ukraine is preparing new rules for driver's license exams. Find out how the procedure will change, when exams in English will be introduced, and what the new candidate identification system entails

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is preparing major changes to the procedure for taking driving tests. The changes will affect both Ukrainians and foreigners, with the main focus on making the tests more accessible and strengthening controls over candidate identification. The draft order has already been published for public discussion on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website.

How will the procedure for obtaining a driver’s license change?

This involves updating the instructions for taking theoretical and practical exams, as well as issuing driver’s licenses. After the public discussion concludes, the document must be approved by several ministries—the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Only then will it be registered with the Ministry of Justice, and the new rules will take effect at service centers throughout Ukraine.

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Exams in English: What Will Change for Foreigners

One of the key changes will be the option to take the theory exam in English. Currently, the traffic rules test is available only in Ukrainian, which creates difficulties for foreigners.

Under current rules, foreigners moving to Ukraine for permanent residence must exchange their driver’s licenses within 60 days. To do so, they must pass both the written and practical exams. At the same time, the language barrier often complicates the process—especially due to specific terminology.

The new approach involves professional translation of the tests. The translation will be organized through a public procurement process, which is intended to ensure the quality and compliance of the materials.

Strengthening identification during exams

Another important set of changes concerns the verification of candidates’ identities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to align the identification procedure with the requirements of the Cabinet of Ministers. Specifically, before the start of both the written and practical exams:

● candidates will be required to have their photo taken;

● if there is no digital photo in the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ registry, one will be taken on-site;

● the image will be immediately entered into the database.

These steps are aimed at combating impersonation and increasing the transparency of the exam process.

For those planning to obtain or renew a driver’s license, this means clearer and more controlled procedures. And for drivers who already own a vehicle, the issue of documentation remains no less important—specifically, timely registration of auto liability insurance. This is a basic requirement for all drivers, and it can be quickly processed online via Visit Ukraine to avoid fines and problems on the road.

For now, the changes are still under discussion. Once approved by the relevant agencies and registered with the Ministry of Justice, the new rules will take effect nationwide.

We remind you! Ukraine plans to introduce mandatory vehicle inspections for all cars by 2027. Read why this is necessary, how the new inspection system will work, and what will change for drivers.

Photo: hsc.gov.ua

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