New Driver’s License Categories Proposed in Ukraine: Key Changes Ahead

Overhaul of Driver’s License Categories

According to Главком: Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has submitted Draft Law No. 15200 to the Verkhovna Rada, aiming to reform driver’s license categories and vehicle registration rules. The initiative aligns with EU Directive 2025/2205 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is the driving force behind this legislative proposal. This move is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to harmonize its transport regulations with European standards, a key step for integration.

The draft law has been forwarded to the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, along with seven other specialized committees. The proposed amendments target the Law of Ukraine 'On Road Traffic,' introducing new articles 15-2 through 15-5. Key highlights include:

• An updated license category system featuring AM, A1, A2, C, D, CE, and DE;
• Separate categories for trams and trolleybuses.

The legislation introduces a phased-access principle for operating vehicles in more complex categories, designed to ensure safer licensing for new drivers. Additionally, the reform allows for vehicle registration and driver’s license issuance through local self-government bodies, streamlining bureaucratic processes for citizens.

Shifts in Driver’s License Rules

It is worth noting that Ukraine already updated driver’s license rules in July 2025, including longer waiting periods between retaking the practical driving test and stricter technical inspections for vehicles. The timeline for parliamentary debate on Draft Law No. 15200 remains unset, leaving the reform’s future uncertain.

The proposed legislative changes aim to adapt Ukrainian law to European norms, potentially enhancing road safety and simplifying procedures for the public.

By introducing gradual access to driving higher-category vehicles, the reform could reduce risks tied to insufficient training for novice drivers. However, without a confirmed date for the Rada’s review, its implementation hangs in the balance.

As Ukraine moves forward with these proposed changes to driver’s license categories, it is essential to consider how these reforms intersect with ongoing discussions about age restrictions and safety checks for older drivers. For a deeper understanding of the implications for various age groups, including potential new regulations for senior motorists, see our detailed coverage on age limits and proposed checks for older motorists.