Ukrainians will be able to continue using their driving licenses for the duration of their residence permits in EU countries
As reported on the European Parliament website, Ukrainians who fled to the EU as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and received temporary protection status, which guarantees them the right to asylum and residence, will be able to continue using their Ukrainian driving licenses. For the entire duration of the residence permit, there will be no need to exchange driving licenses obtained in Ukraine for licenses of the respective EU member states or to take a new driving test, the statement says.
In case of loss or theft of a driving license, EU countries will be able to issue new driving licenses to Ukrainians according to EU standards, but on the condition that Ukrainian authorities confirm that the person had a valid driving license in Ukraine, and the person provides a certificate that they are physically and mentally fit to drive a vehicle.
Under certain conditions, Ukrainian refugees who worked as truck and bus drivers will be able to obtain recognition in the EU of their professional qualification certificates issued by Ukrainian authorities after a short training course and test. This will allow them to work in the EU for the duration of their residence permit, the statement on the European Parliament website says.
Now these innovations still need to be approved by the EU Council. The new rules will enter into force five days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
As Deutsche Welle notes, there is currently no unified system in the EU for exchanging driving licenses or driver qualification certificates issued by third countries such as Ukraine. The possibility of exchanging driving licenses may be enshrined either in national legislation or within existing bilateral agreements between EU member states and Ukraine.
Currently, some countries require drivers to have an official translation of their Ukrainian driving license, accompanied by an international driving permit, and to exchange it for the corresponding EU country document after six months of residence.