22. 10. 2026

A licence at 17 with an accompanying driver and new rules for licences: what bill No. 16170 proposes

On 20 October 2026, bill No. 16170 on amendments to the Law “On Road Traffic” concerning driver’s licences and mutual recognition of decisions on disqualification from driving was registered in the Verkhovna Rada. It proposes, in particular, to allow obtaining a category B licence from the age of 17 — but only for driving accompanied by an experienced driver. Important: this is still a bill, not rules in force.

In short:

• category B licence — from 17, but until 18 you may drive only with an accompanying driver;
• for new drivers — two years of novice driver status and a zero alcohol limit;
• licence validity — 15 years for motorcycles and cars, 5 years for professional categories;
• physical and mobile licences have equal force;
• Ukraine will recognise decisions of EU countries on disqualification from driving for serious offences;
• current licences will remain valid until they expire.

A licence at 17 — only with an accompanying driver

The bill proposes to allow obtaining the right to drive a category B car from the age of 17 — after training, a medical examination and passing the exams. Until 18, such a driver may drive only in the presence of an accompanying driver. The accompanying driver must be at least 24 years old, have at least five years of experience in this category and not have been disqualified from driving during the previous five years.

Two years as a novice driver

For new drivers, a two-year period with novice driver status and a zero alcohol limit (taking measurement error into account) is proposed. For serious or repeated offences, additional training or other measures may be applied.

Licence validity

The bill proposes a validity period of 15 years for motorcycles and cars and 5 years for professional categories — trucks and buses — with different medical requirements.

For comparison: similar periods have already been set by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 889 of 8 July 2026. The right to drive categories A1, A, B1, B and BE is granted for 15 years, categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE and T — for 5 years, and a right obtained for the first time — for 2 years.

Mobile and physical licence

It is proposed to give physical and mobile driver’s licences equal legal force. The paper licence may be kept.

Recognition of EU driving bans

The bill provides for a mechanism to enforce in Ukraine decisions of EU countries on disqualification from driving for serious offences — in particular, driving under the influence, significant speeding, or offences that resulted in death or serious injury. It provides for a check of the decision’s legality, identification of the driver, grounds for refusal and the right to appeal. This mechanism is to start from the day of Ukraine’s accession to the EU or from another date set by an international treaty.

What happens to current licences

A transition period of 12 months is proposed. Licences already issued will remain valid until they expire — there are no plans to force early replacement.

What’s next

The bill has only been registered. To become law, it must be considered by the relevant committee, adopted in the first and second readings, and then signed by the President. Until then, the current rules apply. We will follow its consideration and update this news.

FAQ

Can I already get a licence at 17?

No. This is a proposal of bill No. 16170, registered on 20 October 2026. Until it is adopted, the current rules apply.

Will I have to replace my current licence?

Under the bill — no: issued licences will remain valid until they expire.

Who can be the accompanying driver?

Under the bill — a driver aged 24 or over with at least five years of experience in the relevant category who has not been disqualified from driving during the previous five years.

Source: “Holos Ukrainy”, 21.10.2026, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 889 of 08.07.2026 (in Ukrainian)