Do you need an International Driving Permit in Ukraine?
Yes. Ukraine is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.
- Convention
- 1968 Vienna Convention
- Permit valid up to
- 3 years
- In force since
- 12 July 1974
Ukraine and the road traffic conventions
| Convention | Status | In force since | Permit validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 Vienna Convention | Ratified | 12 July 1974 | 3 years |
| 1949 Geneva Convention | Not a party | — | — |
Which vehicles your permit covers in Ukraine
Ukraine applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- BE, CE, DE
What to carry when you drive in Ukraine
An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.
Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- German
- Russian
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Thai
- Vietnamese
What the road rules say in Ukraine
The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Ukraine.
- Blood alcohol limit
- Zero tolerance
- Emergency services
- police 102, ambulance 103, fire 101
The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Ukraine, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.
Common questions about driving in Ukraine
- How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Ukraine?
- Up to 3 years. Ukraine joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 12 July 1974 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
- Can I drive in Ukraine on my national licence alone?
- The UK Foreign Office states: "You must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence to drive in Ukraine." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Ukraine's road authority before you travel.
- What do I dial in an emergency in Ukraine?
- Reach police on 102, ambulance on 103, fire on 101. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Ukraine. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
- What is the drink-drive limit in Ukraine?
- Ukraine operates zero tolerance, so do not drink at all before driving. Penalties are typically far heavier than a fine.
- Does the permit replace my driving licence in Ukraine?
- No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.
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- Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
- Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.