Where can you exchange your Ukrainian driving licence abroad without taking a test: list of countries

Ukrainians who have moved abroad can exchange their driving licences for local ones without retaking exams thanks to international agreements. Find out where and under what conditions you can exchange your licence

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Ukrainian citizens who have moved abroad can exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for a foreign one without having to take theoretical and practical tests. This opportunity is provided by international agreements on mutual recognition and exchange of national driving licences, which have already entered into force.

Where can you exchange your licence without taking tests?

The relevant international agreements are already in force with the following countries:

▪️ Spain – since 2010

▪️ Italy – since 2016

▪️ UAE (United Arab Emirates) – since 2021

▪️ Turkey and Lithuania – since 2023

💡 If you are planning a trip abroad by car, obtain a Green Card in advance at Visit Ukraine. This is compulsory insurance for travelling by car, which is valid in all countries that are parties to the Green Card agreement.

This means that Ukrainian citizens who have moved to these countries for temporary or permanent residence can contact the local competent authorities and exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for the corresponding document of the foreign state without taking theoretical and practical exams.

The list of categories of driving licences subject to exchange is specified in each specific international agreement.

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The DSS of the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to expand cooperation

The Main Service Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to work actively in the field of European integration and expanding cooperation with foreign countries on the mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences.

Currently, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, by its Order No. 403-r of 29 April 2025, has approved a draft agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on the mutual recognition and exchange of national driving licences.

During the visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine to the French Republic in June 2025, the parties signed a Declaration of Intent, which will form the basis for a future agreement.

What Ukrainians in the EU need to know

Due to the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine, the European Union has introduced temporary special rules for Ukrainian drivers. Thus, Regulation (EU) 2022/1280 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2022 has been in force since 28 July 2022, which provides for:

▪️ the possibility to use a Ukrainian driving licence without exchanging it if a Ukrainian citizen is under temporary or subsidiary protection in an EU member state (for the entire period of protection);

▪️ in the event of loss or theft of a licence, the possibility of obtaining a temporary EU-style driving licence without taking a test (for the period of protection);

▪️ driving licences issued for the first time, which expired after 31 December 2021, remain valid if Ukraine has officially extended their validity and notified the European Commission thereof. The relevant information was provided in a note from the Embassy of Ukraine to the EU dated 29 July 2022 No. 3111/22-300-55584).

The list of international agreements in force in the field of recognition and exchange of national driving licences and all official information can be found in the section ‘European Integration and International Cooperation’ on the website of the Main Service Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Legal assistance in exchanging driving licences abroad

If you need assistance in obtaining or exchanging a driving licence, Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers will help you complete the procedure in the country of your choice. We advise on requirements, accompany you when exchanging licences in Poland and other EU countries, and also help you to obtain documents remotely in Ukraine — for example, a certificate of accident-free driving, which is often required abroad.

Reminder! Ukrainians in Israel can exchange their driving licences without taking a full test, but under certain conditions. Find out who is eligible, what documents are required and how to complete the procedure in 2025.

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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