Ukrainian driving licence in Latvia: exchange rules, CSDD exam and temporary protection
Information as of June 2026. Rules for Ukrainian documents have changed — verify the current status on the CSDD website or directly with CSDD. This article is not a substitute for an official answer.
"What do I do with my Ukrainian driving licence in Latvia?" does not have a single answer — it depends on your status. Let's look at the two main cases.
Under temporary protection
Under the EU temporary protection regime, Ukrainian driving documents are recognised in EU member states. No additional action on your licence is generally required — for as long as the regime is in force. Monitor the timeline: the regime may be extended or amended. Check current conditions on the CSDD website.
As a permanent resident or with a different status
In this case the standard Latvian rule applies: a driving licence from a non-EU country can be exchanged only after passing the CSDD practical test — unless a specific bilateral agreement is in place.
This is exactly why what happened in April 2026 matters.
What changed in 2026
In January 2026 the Latvian government approved concluding a mutual driving licence recognition agreement with Ukraine. On 27 April 2026 the agreement was signed by the Latvian Ministry of Transport and the Ukrainian side. Once it enters into force, it will allow Ukrainian licence holders to exchange their licence in Latvia without sitting an exam.
The key caveat: as of June 2026, the agreement is signed, but the date of entry into force has not been officially confirmed. Do not treat exchange without an exam as an already active rule — verify with CSDD before submitting documents.
What you will need for exchange: the original Ukrainian licence + a certified translation + a medical examination per Latvian requirements. The responsible authority is CSDD.
For more on the general rules for non-EU foreign licences: foreign driving licence in Latvia (non-EU).
When lessons are still worth it
Even if your licence exchange goes through without an exam, that does not mean driving in Riga will feel comfortable straight away. Ukrainian and Latvian traffic differ — especially in the details.
One to three adaptation lessons help you get comfortable with roundabouts (they work differently here), city-centre parking, typical Riga intersections, and right-of-way logic. Not for paperwork — for confidence.
How Latvian traffic differs
- Roundabouts: in Latvia, traffic already on the roundabout generally has right of way — this needs to become instinctive.
- Density and pace: central Riga traffic is compact; reaction times need to be quicker.
- Winter conditions: snow and ice are a regular part of the season; behaviour on a slippery surface requires separate practice.
- Road markings and signs: some markings may differ from what you are used to.
If an exam is required
If your status means you need to sit the practical CSDD exam, you can prepare for it methodically. More on what the exam consists of and where people most often go wrong: how to prepare for the CSDD driving test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with my licence only in the Diia app? Driving requires a physical document or a legally recognised equivalent. Diia is a mobile app, not a physical licence. Check with CSDD whether Diia is accepted as a document during checks in Latvia.
Is a translation of my licence needed for exchange? Yes — a certified translation is required. This is the standard requirement for documents not in the Latin alphabet.
What if my licence has expired? An expired document is not recognised. If the expiry date has passed, you first need to resolve the licence status through Ukrainian authorities, or go through the licensing procedure in Latvia.
I have years of experience but feel uneasy in Riga — is that normal? Yes, and it is common. Driving experience in one country and familiarity with a specific city are two different things. A few adaptation lessons remove the discomfort quickly — no exam, no theory, just real Riga routes.