In Lithuania, driving tests in Russian are canceled, but an exception is provided for Ukrainians
With the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania became one of the countries that most actively helps Ukrainian refugees. As of today, Lithuania has accepted more than 80,000 Ukrainians, providing them with temporary protection, social guarantees and access to education, employment and medicine.
One of the important issues for many Ukrainians has become obtaining or confirming a driver’s license, which is key for employment in areas such as transport and logistics. Lithuania continues to adapt its laws, taking into account the needs of Ukrainian citizens. From January 2025, new rules regarding the conduct of driving tests, which have aroused considerable interest among the Ukrainian community, will enter into force in the country.
New rules for driving tests
As reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania, starting from 2025, Lithuania will introduce new standards for passing driving tests. According to the new rules, theoretical and practical exams will be conducted only in Lithuanian or one of the official languages of the European Union (EU). These changes are part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ comprehensive plan to strengthen the position of the state language, integrate foreigners and ensure national security.
However, an exception is made for Ukrainians who are under the temporary protection of the EU. They will be able to take exams in their native language or in Russian, the language they previously studied. This decision is designed to help Ukrainian citizens adapt to new conditions, taking into account their difficult life situation.
Why was this decision made?
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania, headed by Agne Bilotaite, explains these changes with the need to strengthen the state language and reduce the influence of Russian as the language of the aggressor country. In her statement, the minister emphasized:
“We must minimize the influence of the language policy of the aggressor state. Services in Lithuania must be provided in the Lithuanian language or the official languages of the EU. At the same time, we understand the uniqueness of the situation of Ukrainians who received temporary protection. An exception for them is part of our support and solidarity.”
In addition, the innovation is aimed at the integration of foreigners into Lithuanian society, stimulating their learning of the state language and improving the quality of interaction with local authorities.
How the exams will be held
According to the new rules, the theoretical exam can be taken in Lithuanian or any of the official languages of the EU. The practical exam will provide for the possibility of involving an interpreter if the candidate does not speak the specified languages. The translation will be made from or into an official EU language.
For Ukrainians who have received temporary protection, it remains possible to take exams in their native language. This greatly simplifies the adaptation of citizens of Ukraine who seek to obtain a driver’s license in Lithuania.
Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania actively use the opportunity to obtain driver’s licenses. For many, this is the key to employment in the transport sector. The introduction of the new rules preserves the availability of exams for them, which helps to avoid additional barriers during the adaptation period.
This is also an important gesture of support from Lithuania, which emphasizes its desire to help Ukrainians in a difficult period of their lives. At the same time, it motivates Ukrainians to learn the Lithuanian language, which contributes to their integration.
Features of the transition period
The Lithuanian government also provided for a transition period for those who started preparing for the exams under the old rules. This will allow them to complete the process without having to switch to new language requirements. The transition period will last several months after the new rules are introduced.
According to the Regitra company, in 2022, exams in Russian were taken more than 10,000 times, and in 2023 – already 11,500 times. Most of the candidates are foreigners who want to get categories B (passenger cars), C (trucks) and A (motorcycles). These figures highlight the importance of adapting the new rules to ensure fair conditions for all.
In addition to changes in the field of driving tests, the Ministry of Internal Affairs recommended that state institutions provide all services exclusively in Lithuanian or official EU languages. This includes processing documents, providing consultations and other services for citizens and residents.
Lithuania demonstrates an example of a balance between supporting national interests and helping Ukrainian refugees. The new rules for driving tests reflect the country’s desire for linguistic independence, but at the same time take into account the needs of those affected by the war. This approach ensures both integration and adaptation, creating conditions for a comfortable life of foreigners in Lithuania.
