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Mobility and Transport

Questions and Answers: new temporary EU rules on Ukrainian driving documents

The EU has adopted new rules on driving licences and professional driver documents, in support of people fleeing Ukraine, following the Russian aggression. Find the frequently asked questions – and answers – below.  

When will the new rules enter into force?

The new rules will enter into force five days after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU.  

 

I have a Ukrainian driving licence and am receiving temporary protection in the EU. Is there anything I have to do regarding my driving licence?

Thanks to the new EU rules, driving licences issued by Ukraine will be recognised within the EU for the whole duration of the temporary duration. In that context, no action is required. Under certain conditions, you may also be able to prove your driving rights with the DIIA digital driving licence.

 

I have a Ukrainian driving licence and am receiving temporary protection in the EU. I have an old driving licence in Cyrillic script and I can’t go back to Ukraine to obtain an international driving permit (IDP). What can I do?

Once the new rules are in force, it will no longer be necessary to hold an International driving permit or a certified translation for the duration of the temporary protection. Your Ukrainian driving licence will be sufficient. Law enforcement may however require an additional document to verify the identity of the holder.

 

The administrative validity of my driving licence issued by Ukraine has just expired and I can’t go back to renew it. What can I do?

The validity of official documents is the responsibility of the issuing authority. Therefore, should Ukraine take appropriate actions to extend the administrative validity of driving licences, the Regulation ensures that this extended validity will be recognised by the EU.

 

I have a Ukrainian driving licence and am receiving temporary protection in the EU. My driving licence has been lost or stolen and I can’t go back to Ukraine to obtain a new one. What can I do?

The new Regulation allows Member States to issue temporary driving licences valid for the duration of the temporary protection, as well as to recognise Ukrainian digital driving licences (DIIA).You would need to contact the authorities in your country of residence to request a temporary driving licence.

 

I am a professional driver receiving temporary protection in the EU. Can my Ukrainian professional qualification be recognised in the EU?

The new Regulation allows Member States to issue Certificates of Professional Competence to professional drivers, valid for the duration of the temporary protection. Drivers need to have successfully obtained the qualification required to engage in international carriage of goods and of passengers, followed by a short additional training and test in the EU. For more information, contact the authorities in your country of residence.