Driving licences in Latvia for Ukrainians
Moved to Latvia and want to drive? Here's the clarity: whether you can drive on a Ukrainian licence, whether you must exchange it, and how to adapt calmly to Riga's roads.
Key point: the agreement is signed but not yet in force
On 24 April 2026 Latvia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the mutual recognition of driving licences. Until it enters into force, exchange follows the general rules — with the CSDD (the Road Traffic Safety Directorate, Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija) driving exam (plus a medical check, documents and a translation). Once the agreement takes effect, exchange will be exam-free — check the current status with CSDD.
Do you need to exchange your licence?
Check in a minute with the licence-exchange checker.
What's worth knowing
Driving on a Ukrainian licence
For a short stay you may drive on a valid Ukrainian licence. For permanent residence the licence must be exchanged.
Exchanging your licence
The exam-free exchange agreement was signed in April 2026 but is not yet in force. For now the general procedure applies: the CSDD driving exam.
Adapting to Riga
Different junctions, trams, winter roads — we'll help you drive confidently in Latvian conditions.
If you haven't driven for a while
A diagnostic lesson shows your real skills and weak spots — and gives you a clear plan of where to start.
Frequent questions
Can I drive in Latvia on a Ukrainian licence?
For a short visit — yes. For permanent residence the licence must be exchanged for a Latvian one. Until the mutual recognition agreement enters into force, the exchange requires the CSDD driving exam — check the current status at csdd.lv.
Do I have to sit a CSDD exam?
For now — yes: until the agreement signed in April 2026 enters into force, the exchange includes the CSDD driving exam. Once the agreement takes effect, exchange will be exam-free. A medical check, translation and documents are also required.
What language are lessons in?
In Russian, Latvian and English — whatever is most comfortable for you.
I haven't driven in a long time — where do I start?
With a diagnostic lesson: Roman assesses your skills and builds a plan to get you back behind the wheel.
This information is for orientation and may change — always confirm the current rules at csdd.lv.