By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-06 11:52:56 | Updated at 2025-01-07 21:59:11
1 day ago
New driving licence rules could be introduced within months as the Department for Transport launches a new consultation on new motoring proposals.
Today, Monday, January 6, the Government has launched a new open consultation on new proposals about whether the extend the Ukraine driving licence exchange scheme.
The proposals would see an additional extension of 18 months, beyond the current 36-month timeframe to help Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
The policy allows Ukrainian driving licence holders to be treated as holding a GB driving licence across Great Britain.
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The new proposals include an 18-month extension to the current licence rules
PA
The Department for Transport consultation outlines that the time of use of the GB driving licence will begin when the holder becomes a resident.
It follows policy changes originally proposed in May 2023, and agreed in June 2023, which gave the green light to a three-year extension.
This consultation saw over 3,000 responses with 99 per cent backing an extension and 89 per cent saying the extension should be for 36 months.
Ukrainian nationals living in Great Britain on one of the Ukraine visa schemes can drive in Great Britain without exchanging their original driving licence for up to three years after becoming a resident.
The law, which came into effect on July 7, 2023, applies to licences that permit the driving of cars up to 3,500kg and motorcycles.
The reasoning behind the consultation is to bring driving licence eligibility in line with the planned 18-month extension under the planned Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.
People who are driving on non-UK, non-European Economic Area (EEA) driving licences and become residents are able to use their existing licences for 12 months before they are required to exchange them, if eligible, or take another test.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Future of Roads, said the UK would continue to support Ukraine and its citizens until the conflict is resolved, highlighting initiatives that make it easier for those people to settle in the UK.
The new rules aim to make the transition for Ukrainians living in the UK more streamlined
PA
Following the conclusion of the consultation, the Government will publish a summary of responses and next steps within three months.
The open consultation is available on the Department for Transport website and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
