A significant update to driving licence regulations is on the horizon, affecting thousands of Ukrainian licence holders residing in Great Britain. According to DVLA data, 30,293 Ukrainian driving licences were exchanged for GB licences between May 2021 and November 2025.
The Labour Party government proposes to extend the period during which holders of Ukrainian driving licences can legally operate “relevant vehicles” in Great Britain. The current entitlement, which allows driving for 36 to 54 months depending on the scheme, will be increased by 24 months. Specifically, some drivers will see an extension from 36 to 60 months, while others will benefit from an increase from 54 to 78 months.
The Department for Transport emphasized that although Ukrainian driving tests and licensing standards have been assessed as equivalent to those of Great Britain, unfamiliarity with GB roads remains a concern. This includes driving on the left side and adjusting to right-hand drive vehicles, as well as interpreting road signs written in English rather than pictograms.
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Under existing rules, individuals who obtained entry clearance or permission to stay under the Homes for Ukraine scheme or the Ukraine Family Scheme before 3 pm on 19 February 2024, or the Ukraine Extension Scheme on or before 16 May 2024—and who became residents in GB from March 2022 onwards—may drive for up to 4 years and 6 months (54 months).
Applicants must also submit to the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme before their current leave expires. Those who apply under the UPE can continue driving while the application is processed. Should an application be withdrawn or denied, driving eligibility on a Ukrainian licence ends immediately. Additionally, if processing exceeds 18 months, the driving period after residency will be capped at 54 months.
To drive beyond these extended periods, licence holders must exchange their Ukrainian licence for a GB driving licence before the expiry of their current entitlement. Those who have already exchanged their licences can continue driving under their GB licence without interruption.
This rule change provides vital support and flexibility to thousands of Ukrainian drivers living in Great Britain, ensuring they can maintain their mobility while adjusting to their new environment.