Ukrainian refugees residing in Germany have been given the opportunity to exchange their national driving licenses for German ones without the need to take theoretical and practical exams. The corresponding decision was made during the 1067th plenary session of the German Bundesrat, the results of which were published by RBC-Ukraine.
Ukraine and Montenegro on the list of countries with simplified exchange
Important changes have been made to the rules for issuing and exchanging driving licenses in Germany. Ukraine and Montenegro have been included in the list of countries whose licenses can be converted without additional testing. This means that citizens of these states will be able to obtain German licenses simply by presenting a valid Ukrainian license — without retaking the theory and driving tests.
New languages for taking exams
In addition to simplifying the exchange, the list of languages on which the theoretical driving exam can be taken in Germany has been expanded. Ukrainian and Kurmanji have now been added — this is especially important for migrants who have not yet mastered the German language but want to legally drive a car.
Recognition of licenses exchanged in other EU countries
Another significant innovation: driving licenses from third countries that have already been exchanged in another European Union member state will now be automatically recognized in Germany. This eliminates bureaucratic barriers for those moving between EU countries.
Opticians are allowed to check the vision of truck and bus drivers
According to the new rules, optical salons now have the right to conduct vision tests for truck and bus drivers — previously, this function was limited to medical institutions. This simplifies the procedure for obtaining or renewing licenses for professional drivers.
How are things now?
Recall that Ukrainian driving documents are already recognized in Germany for the entire period of temporary protection — they do not need to be translated into German. In addition, the digital version of the license via the «Diia» app is also accepted: government authorities can verify its authenticity through the Ukrainian registry.
Previously, Ukrainians in the FRG with temporary protection status could drive with their own licenses without exchanging them. However, those who arrived on other grounds — for example, on a work visa, Blue Card, or student visa — were required to exchange their licenses within six months of registration.
What does this mean for Ukrainians?
The new rules significantly ease the lives of Ukrainian drivers in Germany. There is no longer a need to spend time and money taking exams if you already have a valid Ukrainian license. This is a step towards integration that reduces the administrative burden and increases the mobility of refugees.
