A government decree issued by Ukraine indicates that, effective January 1, 2024, the costs for issuing driver licenses, taking exams, and registering vehicles will rise dramatically. The document outlines a substantial price increase across the Ministry of Internal Affairs services, affecting both new and existing processes. The price to obtain a driver’s license is set to climb from 26 hryvnia to 230 hryvnia. The theoretical examination fee will jump from 13 hryvnia to 250 hryvnia, and the practical driving test will see a similar escalation from 13 hryvnia to 420 hryvnia. Vehicle registration, re-registration, license plate assignment, and deregistration fees are also slated to move from 200 hryvnia to 350 hryvnia, representing a notable shift in the overall cost structure for vehicle documentation and compliance.
Observers should note that these adjustments translate into higher outlays for motorists and applicants seeking licensing services. The decree clarifies that the price increases encompass the full range of administrative steps involved in issuing and maintaining driving credentials and vehicle records, affecting both new applicants and those renewing or updating their documentation. The date when these changes take effect is set for the start of 2024, aligning with broader policy changes under discussion in government circles.
There are also announcements regarding the validity of driver licenses for the 2024 to 2025 period. Reports indicate that licenses will no longer have a long automatic expiration window, signaling a move toward re-evaluating license longevity and renewal cycles in the near term.
Industry observers have offered commentary on the proposed changes. A former leader of the National Association of Automobile Tourism and Caravanning suggested that Russia might resist extending the license issuance period, opting to keep it in the range of a decade rather than extending to twenty years. While this perspective reflects one viewpoint, the official Ukrainian policy under discussion concerns administrative pricing adjustments rather than cross-border licensing practices.
Previous guidance notes that in some cases, residents previously permitted certain vehicle categories to operate under specific licensing provisions. These historic allowances have been part of the broader regulatory landscape and are being re-examined in the context of new pricing and renewal policies that affect everyday mobility for residents and visitors alike.