DOC // Published in Official Journal; Moldovan citizens living in UK to be able to exchange driving licenses without additional exams

Citizens of Moldova residing in the United Kingdom, starting from August 1, 2025, will be able to exchange their Moldovan driving license for a British one without taking the theoretical or practical exam. The government decision approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the two states was published in the Official Journal of Moldova today.

To benefit from this simplified procedure, the application for exchanging the license must be submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of the United Kingdom within a maximum of five years after getting the resident status in the UK. This rule applies uniformly to all countries designated by British authorities, according to the specific provisions of the related legislation.

The simplified procedure for exchanging driving licenses became possible with the signing, on July 21, this year, of a Memorandum of Understanding between   Moldova and the United Kingdom. The document becomes applicable as of August 1, 2025.

Thus, the United Kingdom has included Moldova in the list of countries for which the validity of national driving licenses is recognized - a list that includes EU member states and 22 non-EU countries. At the same time, under the agreement, Moldova will also recognize British driving licenses, including the ones got by Moldovan citizens during their time residing in the UK.

Moldova has concluded similar agreements with Ireland, Latvia, Spain, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Albania, Italy and Lithuania. An agreement with France has been initialed and is set to enter into force, and there is a Joint Declaration of Intent between Moldova and Germany in this regard.