Extension to validity period of Ukrainian driving licences in Northern Ireland
The Department for Infrastructure has announced plans to take forward legislation to extend the validity period of Ukrainian driving licences in Northern Ireland from 12 months to 36 months (three years).
This follows a recent consultation exercise and is in line with the temporary nature and length of stay granted to those Ukrainians who have arrived in the UK under one of the three official schemes (the Family, Sponsor and Extension visa schemes).
The change in legislation will be an additional measure in the support and delivery of key services aimed at those Ukrainians who have arrived here.
It is co-ordinated by The Executive Office, working in partnership with the UK Government, NI Departments, other devolved administrations, statutory agencies and the voluntary and community sector.
The move will improve the ability of Ukrainian driving licence holders to get around and adapt to living in NI.
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.
The change will not allow them to drive on their Ukrainian licence indefinitely and the extension will only apply to category B (car) licence holders. Licences in other categories are not being considered at this time.
Any Ukrainian who stays in NI beyond the time period of their Ukraine scheme visa and who had passed their test in Ukraine before 28 December 2021 would still be expected to undergo a manual practical test, should they want a manual entitlement licence.
A full summary of responses to the consultation is available on the DfI website.
