What are the criteria and procedures for driving a car in the UK for Ukrainians who are temporarily staying there, including the conditions for obtaining a driver's license, car registration and maintenance?

In order to drive a car in the UK you need to have:

o  a driving licence; and

o  car insurance policy.

Currently, Ukrainians may not register their car for the first three years of their stay in the country. After this period, the vehicle must be registered with the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency).

Important!

Vehicles require conversion and individual confirmation of the vehicle's compliance with UK requirements, which involves submitting the relevant documents to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

The VCA will assess the vehicle's compliance with UK construction and operating legislation. More information on how to apply can be found on the organisation's website. The DVSA checks the vehicle to ensure that it can be operated in the UK.

If a Ukrainian has a driving licence, he or she can drive for 3 years on the basis of a Ukrainian licence. After 3 years, in order to continue driving in the United Kingdom, it is necessary to exchange the Ukrainian driving licence for a British one (link). You do not need to take the test again. It is important to note that British law allows you to exchange your licence even before the expiry of the three-year period.

Important!

If you received your driving licence in Ukraine before 28 December 2021, you can only exchange it for a licence with the right to drive a car with an automatic transmission in the UK. If you received your licence after 28 December 2021, you can exchange it for a licence of the appropriate category.

In the UK, vehicles that are over three years old must undergo MOT test.

Please note that some localities in the UK may have specific requirements for vehicles entering them (for example, in London, cars that do not meet the operating criteria set by the municipal authorities pay a special fee to enter the city).