New driving licence changes have been introduced following a major consultation in January which could see thousands of motorists have their licence extended.
From March 3, 2025, the Government will roll out an extension to the Ukraine driving licence exemption after overwhelming support from drivers and businesses.
Ukrainian nationals living in Great Britain on a Ukraine visa scheme and who hold a non-GB licence can drive in Great Britain and do not need to exchange their Ukrainian licence for a GB licence.
The length of time they can continue to drive on roads across Great Britain will depend on when they successfully applied for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK.
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The new driving licence rules will be introduced on March 3
PA
Motorists can drive in Great Britain for up to four years and six months (54 months) after becoming a resident if they applied for permission to stay or entry clearance.
This could be done through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme or the Ukraine Family Scheme before 3pm on February 19, 2024, or the Ukraine Extension Scheme on or before May 16, 2024, provided they became a GB resident on or after March 2022.
To be eligible for the 54-month extension, drivers must also apply to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme before their existing leave to remain in the UK expires.
The consultation, which ran from January 6 to January 19, recorded overwhelming support with 98 per cent backing proposals to extend the Ukraine scheme.
Only two per cent or 17 people responded to the consultation saying that the new laws shouldn’t be introduced, with the main concerns regarding road safety and not passing a UK driving test.
Others suggested that it was “unfair” to people of other nationalities who are required to exchange their licences for a GB licence within 12 months.
Ukrainian nationals are also able to drive in Great Britain for up to three years or 36 months if they became a resident through the Ukraine Extension Scheme on or before May 16, 2024, and you became resident in GB before March 3, 2022 or the Homes for Ukraine scheme at or after 3pm on February 19, 2024.
When applying online, the licence should arrive in three weeks and permit the driving of cars up to 3,500kg, motorbikes and mopeds.
Anyone who passed their driving test on or after December 28, 2021, and allows them to drive manual cars, they can exchange it for a GB licence that allows them to continue driving manual cars.
Rules are slightly different in Northern Ireland, where they need to exchange their Ukrainian licence for an NI licence within one year.
The new measures have been backed by Minister for Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood, who praised the Government’s efforts to help Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
She added: “My department has been actively engaged in making the transition to life in the UK as seamless as possible for those arriving here under such difficult circumstances, and initiatives such as the Free Onward Travel Scheme have all made it easier for Ukrainians to travel and settle into UK life.
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Ukrainian drivers will be required to follow certain rules when exchanging their licence
PA
“We recognise, however, that continuing this transition is not always straightforward, and one area where Ukrainian arrivals must adapt, is in motoring.
“The continued ability of Ukrainians to get around is integral to integrating, socialising, accessing healthcare and working during their time in the UK.”