New driving licence changes could be introduced by the Government in the near future, impacting thousands of drivers around the UK.Labour has launched a new consultation into extending driving eligibility for Ukrainian licence holders amid the ongoing war against Russia.Fresh proposals would see eligibility for Ukrainian licence holders be extended from 36 months to 60 months, or three to five years.The Department for Transport consultation has also set out new guidance for some licence holders to have their eligibility extended from 54 months to 78 months. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The plans to add 24 months would benefit motorists using a Ukrainian licence to legally drive cars, motorcycles and mopeds in Great Britain.Current licensing rules dictate that the extension is measured from the date the individual becomes a resident in Great Britain.Foreign licence holders have 12 months after becoming a resident to exchange their licence or take a driving test to continue using roads.Anyone with a licence issued in the European Economic Area is not subject to the 12-month deadline, as they can use GB roads as long as their licence is valid.The aim of the new proposals is to support mobility and integration by reducing requirements for drivers to switch their vehicles that they may have brought over from Ukraine.Proposals would also apply to some Ukrainian licence holders who were originally granted Leave outside the Rules (LOTR) status.Any of these LOTR residents who have since moved onto the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme and applied for an extension are treated the same as other UPE holders.Ukrainian licence holders who were originally granted a 36-month driving eligibility would be given a further 24-month window to drive.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSElectric car rollout risks failing disabled drivers as charging chaos causes 'real-world constraints'Motorists hit with 26 car insurance hikes over major driving licence issue impacting travel costsRoadworks to be scrapped for Easter as car breakdowns soar across major motorwaysSimilarly, anyone who was granted a 54-month eligibility window will be given a further 24 months if the proposals are accepted.The consultation is open to all key stakeholders and motorists, and will remain open until 11.59pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026.Under Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, emphasised the efforts taken by the UK Government to help Ukrainian people fleeing since the outbreak of the war in 2022.He noted that the DfT had been working to make the motoring transition as seamless as possible to help Ukrainians integrate, socialise and access healthcare and work.He continued, saying: Given the exceptional and temporary nature of Ukrainians' residence in the UK under the Ukrainian Visa schemes, this consultation is on proposals to enable Ukrainians to continue to drive in Great Britain without the need to exchange their licence during the duration of their stay.We welcome views about making this change, the length of time for the extension and whether there are any road safety considerations.The Government previously introduced legislation for Ukrainian licence holders on certain visa schemes to 36 or 54 months.It acknowledged that there may be concerns around road safety, although Ukraine's driving test and licensing standards have been assessed as equivalent to those in GB. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
March 27, 2026