The government has changed the rules for issuing driver’s licenses: who will be affected by the innovations

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved amendments to the rules for issuing driver’s licenses and admitting citizens to drive vehicles. The innovations are aimed at harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with the norms of the European Union and introduce new terms of validity of licenses depending on the category of vehicle.

This was announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

Licenses for passenger cars will be valid for 15 years

According to the new rules, drivers of motorcycles and passenger cars will receive driver’s licenses for a period of 15 years.

The new term will apply to licenses of the following categories:

A1;
A;
B;
B1;
VE.
For professional drivers – only 5 years

For drivers of freight and passenger transport, the term of validity of the license is reduced to five years.

This applies to licenses of the following categories:

C;
C1;
CE;
C1E;
D;
D1;
DE;
D1Е;
T.

The government explains that this approach is in line with European practice and should contribute to improving road safety.

Medical examination will become mandatory

After the restoration of mandatory medical examinations, their passage will become a prerequisite for exchanging a driver’s license.

It is assumed that:

drivers of categories A and B will undergo a medical examination once every 15 years;
drivers of freight and passenger transport – every five years.

Thus, confirmation of health status will become one of the key elements of admission to driving vehicles.

Is it necessary to change existing licenses

The Cabinet of Ministers emphasizes that driver’s licenses issued before the new rules come into force remain valid until the expiration of the term specified in the document.

During a planned exchange of a certificate, it is not necessary to retake the theoretical or practical exam, unless otherwise provided by law.

The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers will enter into force on the date of its official publication.