The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/741) introduces a further extension to the period during which holders of a relevant Ukrainian driving licence may legally drive motor bicycles, mopeds, and cars in Great Britain. This legislative update amends the principal Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2864), building upon previous temporary measures enacted in response to the conflict in Ukraine. The Regulations extend the driving eligibility for certain Ukrainian nationals by an additional 24 months, aligning with the Home Office’s Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. This aims to provide continued practical support and ease of integration for displaced Ukrainians residing in the UK, allowing them to drive for up to 60 or 78 months from their date of residency, depending on their initial visa scheme and previous extensions.

The United Kingdom has consistently adapted its legal framework to support Ukrainian nationals displaced by the ongoing conflict. A significant aspect of this support involves facilitating their ability to drive in Great Britain, which is crucial for employment, accessing services, and general integration. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/741) represents the latest iteration of these adaptive measures, providing a further extension to the validity period of Ukrainian driving licences for specific vehicle categories. This instrument directly amends the foundational Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2864), which governs driver licensing in Great Britain.

The general rule in Great Britain for non-EU/EEA driving licence holders is that they may drive for a period of 12 months after becoming resident, after which they must either exchange their licence for a Great British (GB) one or pass a GB driving test to continue driving. However, in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the UK government introduced special provisions for Ukrainian nationals arriving under various visa schemes, including the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, and Ukraine Extension Scheme. These initial measures, first implemented in 2023, extended the 12-month driving eligibility to 36 months for eligible Ukrainian licence holders. A subsequent amendment in March 2025 further extended this period to 54 months for some Ukrainian licence holders, particularly those under the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. These extensions were designed to align with the duration of their immigration leave, acknowledging the temporary and exceptional circumstances of their residence in the UK.

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 builds directly upon these preceding amendments by introducing a further 24-month extension to the driving eligibility period for holders of relevant Ukrainian driving licences. Specifically, the Regulations amend the 1999 Regulations to allow Ukrainian licence holders, who are currently under the UPE scheme and apply for its 24-month extension, to continue driving for an additional two years. This means that individuals previously granted 36 months of eligibility will now be able to drive for a total of 60 months (5 years) from their date of residency, while those previously on a 54-month entitlement will see their eligibility extended to a total of 78 months (6 years and 6 months). The scope of this amendment covers permits to drive motor bicycles, mopeds, and cars. A crucial aspect for practitioners is that Ukrainian licence holders are permitted to drive while their application for the UPE scheme extension is pending. However, this permission ceases if their application is withdrawn, rejected, or refused. This provision is vital for maintaining continuity of mobility during the administrative processing period. It is important to note that these Regulations do not alter the existing rules regarding the exchange of Ukrainian licences for GB licences. While the extensions allow continued driving on the Ukrainian licence, the long-standing issue concerning manual versus automatic vehicle entitlements upon exchange remains. Ukrainian licences issued before 28 December 2021, when exchanged for a GB licence, typically only grant automatic vehicle entitlement, as the Ukrainian licensing authority did not record transmission type information prior to this date. However, for the purpose of driving on the Ukrainian licence itself, this restriction only applies if explicitly indicated on the licence.

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 provides much-needed clarity and continuity for Ukrainian nationals residing in Great Britain, extending their driving privileges in line with their immigration status. For legal practitioners, particularly those advising Ukrainian clients, employers, or insurers, understanding these extended periods is critical. Advisers must ensure clients are aware of their specific eligibility based on their visa scheme and application dates, and the conditionality tied to their UPE scheme extension application. While these measures offer significant relief, the distinction between driving on a Ukrainian licence and exchanging it for a GB licence, particularly concerning manual vehicle entitlements for older Ukrainian licences, remains a key consideration for those planning longer-term residence. Practitioners should continue to monitor further developments in this area, as the government's approach remains responsive to the evolving circumstances of Ukrainian displacement.