Proposed driving licence changes could affect 30,000 Ukrainian motorists in the UK

Thousands of drivers in the UK could be impacted by proposed changes to driving licence rules affecting Ukrainian nationals.

The Government has launched a consultation on plans to extend the period Ukrainian licence holders can drive in Great Britain, increasing the current allowance by an additional 24 months.

Under the proposals, the existing eligibility period would rise from 36 months to 60 months for some drivers, while others could see their entitlement extended from 54 months to a total of 78 months, depending on their circumstances. The timeframe would be calculated from the date an individual becomes a UK resident.

Data from the DVLA shows that between May 2021 and November 2025, more than 30,000 Ukrainian licences were exchanged for UK licences, highlighting the scale of those potentially affected.

The Department for Transport said previous changes had already extended the standard 12-month driving period for Ukrainian licence holders under specific visa schemes, reflecting the temporary nature of their stay in the UK.

The latest consultation proposes allowing individuals to continue driving while applications under the extension scheme are being processed. However, this permission would end if an application is withdrawn or refused.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said the proposals are intended to support Ukrainian nationals living in the UK by allowing them to continue driving without needing to immediately exchange their licence.

He added that the Government is seeking feedback on the length of the extension and any potential road safety implications before making a final decision.