Driving in Great Britain: Ukrainian driving licence exchange
Driving licence requirements for Ukrainians living in Great Britain on a Ukraine visa scheme.
Driving licence requirements in Great Britain
If you are a Ukrainian national living in Great Britain (GB) on one of the Ukraine visa schemes, you can drive in GB without exchanging your Ukrainian driving licence for up to 3 years after becoming a resident.
This applies to licences that permit the driving of:
- cars up to 3,500kg
- motorcycles
This law came into effect on 7 July 2023.
If you have already exchanged your Ukrainian driving licence for a GB licence, you can continue to use your GB licence under its current terms and conditions.
If you stay in GB for more than 3 years, you will need to exchange your Ukrainian driving licence for a GB licence.
If you have transferred to a different visa
You can use your Ukrainian driving licence for 3 years from when you became a resident in GB if you entered:
- on a Ukraine scheme visa, but within 3 years transfer to a different visa, such as a skilled worker visa
- after February 2022 and transfer onto a Ukraine visa scheme
How to exchange a Ukrainian driving licence
You must exchange your Ukrainian licence within 3 years. You can do this at exchange a foreign driving licence.
Your licence should arrive within 3 weeks if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA needs to make additional checks.
If you passed your driving test before 28 December 2021
You can only exchange your driving licence for a UK licence that allows you to drive automatic vehicles. You will need to take a driving test for manual cars to keep driving these vehicles.
If you passed your driving test on or after 28 December 2021
If your current licence allows you to drive manual cars, you can exchange it for a UK licence that allows you to continue driving manual cars.
Driving licence requirements in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, you need to exchange your Ukrainian licence for a Northern Ireland licence within 1 year. You can do this at exchanging your foreign driving licence.