Public consultation on proposal to extend validity of Ukrainian driving licences

A public consultation has been launched to seek views on a proposal to extend the validity period of Ukrainian driving licences in Northern Ireland.

One area where Ukrainian arrivals seeking temporary residence in Northern Ireland have to adapt is in motoring. Their ability to get around is vital in helping them to integrate, access healthcare, work and socialise during their time here.

In line with the temporary nature and length of stay granted under the three official visa schemes for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK, our proposal would extend the length of time a Ukrainian driving licence holder is able to drive cars in NI on that licence from 12 months to 36 months.

This will improve Ukrainian licence holders’ ability to get around and adapt to living in NI as they will not need to exchange their licence or take a further test during the extended period in order to continue driving a manual car including any such vehicle they brought with them to NI.

We are not seeking to allow them to drive on their Ukrainian licence indefinitely and the extension would only apply to category B (car) licence holders. Licences in other categories are not being considered at this time.

The consultation will be open for four weeks and will close at 23.59 on 3 October 2023.

• Documents are available at:  Citizen Space: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/ukrainian-driving-licence-exchange-extension
• https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/extending-validity-period-ukrainian-driving-licences-northern-ireland

Notes to editors: 

1. Amending Regulation 55 (persons who become resident in Northern Ireland) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (NI) 1996 is the most effective method of implementing the change.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800 hrs and 0800 hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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