Ukrainian commercial licences: guidance

Ukrainians have been given special visa status to live and work in the UK. This means that immigration restrictions have been lifted in respect of the occupations they are able to do.

However, other driver licence restrictions still stand and therefore it’s important to understand what logistics roles are immediately available.

Ukrainians who hold a current driver licence are legally allowed to drive cars and vans within the UK. They will need to exchange this for a UK licence after 12 months if they wish to continue driving in the UK.

Not able to exchange

For those Ukrainians who hold HGV/ Bus and Coach licences that were issued in Ukraine, they are not able to automatically exchange this licence. There is no agreement in place with Ukraine that enables this.

Those commercial drivers who would like to continue to drive an HGV, Bus or Coach within the UK will need to take the UK equivalent test including the Initial Qualification (DCPC).

The test requires a good understanding of the English language, therefore if there are any language barriers we would recommend completing an ESOL (English Speaking for Overseas Learners) course first.

Route

The route to train as a commercial driver is the same as a UK licence holder.

Pass a Driver Medical

Apply for Vocational entitlement for Cat C, CE, D or DE

Sit and Pass Module 1a Vocational Theory Test

Sit and Pass Module 1b Vocational Hazard Perception Test

Sit and Pass Module 2 DCPC Theory Test

Train for and Pass Module 3a off road manoeuvres test (Reverse & Couple / Uncouple)

Train for and Pass Module 3b on road driving test

Train and Pass Module 4 DCPC Practical test

To take the UK commercial test, they must have been resident in the UK for 185 days in the past 12 months. This will delay the process in applying to take the test.

After this point and dependent on location, it will take 18-26 weeks to complete the test and cost approximately £3,000.