New driving licence changes could soon be introduced following the introduction of a new consultation which could see motorists exchange their licences more easily.
Proposals have been put forward in a new DVLA consultation which would designate the European nation of Moldova for driving licence exchange purposes.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have assessed and confirmed driving licensing and testing standards in Moldova.
The DVLA is proposing to allow car licences issued in Moldova to be exchanged for the GB equivalent without the need for a further driving test.
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The consultation on the Moldovan driving licence exchange will run until the end of March
PA/DVLA
If the changes were to be given the green light, individual licence holders would be able to exchange their Moldovan licence for the GB equivalent without needing to take theory and practical tests.
The consultation outlines that there are not expected to be any significant costs or savings for the DVLA and any costs for a licence exchange application would be met through the relevant fee.
Data from the DVLA between January 2018 and November 2024 shows 33,472 GB provisional car licences were issued with applicants born in Moldova.
The consultation states: "As holders of a car licence from Moldova will have passed a test of an equivalent standard to those in GB, we do not believe there will be a negative impact on road safety.
"Moldova driver licensing processes, documents and the information displayed on them have been considered to identify any issues that might lead to GB licences being issued inappropriately and with unacceptable risks to road safety. No issues have been identified."
Terms of the agreement would also ensure that GB licence holders in Moldova would benefit from the same arrangements, which remains under review.
The consultation asks: "Are you aware of any reason why the DVLA should not exchange car driving licences issued in Moldova for the equivalent GB licence?"
Drivers are encouraged to give their feedback to the consultation before 11.59pm on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The summary of responses will be published within three months, which could detail whether law changes would be introduced.
It comes as the Government confirmed that an extension would be rolled out for the Ukraine driving licence exemption scheme, with rules being introduced on March 3, 2025.
Motorists with a Ukrainian driving licence can drive in Great Britain for up to 54 months after becoming a resident if they applied for permission to stay or entry clearance.
The Moldova consultation and Ukraine verdict apply only to England, Scotland and Wales, as Northern Ireland has different rules in place for licensing issues.
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There are separate driving licence exchange laws for Northern Ireland
PAOther countries (outside the European Economic Area) currently designated for driving licence exchange include:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Zimbabwe
