A Russian education official explained new rules about exchanging foreign driving licenses for domestic ones. The policy states that foreigners who obtain a driver’s license abroad must swap it for a Russian license within six months after they receive a residence permit or citizenship. The change applies to Russians who hold foreign driving rights as soon as they re-enter the country, with six months counted from their entry date into Russia. This is the practical timeline that people will follow to align their credentials with Russian standards. The rule was set to take effect on April 1, 2024. People who already have a valid reason to change before that date were given a longer window—one year—until April 1, 2025. For those who obtain eligibility only after the date, the six-month period starts from their eligibility moment. The intent behind this measure is to ensure that all drivers in the country have licenses issued under Russian procedures, reducing potential issues related to foreign licensing within the Russian system.
Additionally, reports indicated that a new regulation concerning the driving license examination would be introduced on the same schedule, with preparations underway to standardize testing procedures for residents who need to obtain a Russian license after arriving. The government had signaled a broader push to reform driving-related regulations, aiming to unify licensing standards across the federation.
In earlier statements, there was mention of considerations within the Government of the Russian Federation regarding the elimination of penalties for forgotten driver’s licenses. The discussions suggested a shift toward more predictable compliance requirements for drivers holding foreign licenses, while still ensuring that all drivers meet Russian verification standards. The overall objective appears to be a streamlined, transparent process for license validation and renewal across borders, with clear timelines for individuals transitioning to Russian licensing.