Simplified Conditions for Obtaining CE Category Driving License During Martial Law

Due to martial law in Ukraine, the government has adopted important changes to the procedure for obtaining CE category driving licenses — for operating trucks with trailers or semi-trailers. These changes are aimed at promptly attracting new drivers to the country's critically important logistics infrastructure.

What has changed?
On September 10, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 1122, which simplifies the procedure for obtaining CE category licenses during martial law. The main change is the abolition of the requirement for a mandatory one-year driving experience in category C trucks. Previously, this experience was required for admission to the CE category exam.

What requirements remain in effect?
Despite the simplification, the following conditions remain:
• Category C driver's license: the person must have an open category C.
• Retraining: it is necessary to complete retraining under the standard training and retraining program for vehicle drivers.
• Practical exam: it is necessary to successfully pass a practical exam on vehicle combination driving skills at an MIA service center.
• Medical fitness: it is necessary to undergo a medical examination and confirm fitness to operate heavy vehicles.

Why is this important?
Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of CE category drivers, leading to significant idle time of freight transport. This creates risks for logistics, the defense sector, and the country's economy. Simplified conditions will allow prompt recruitment of new drivers to work with trucks with trailers, reducing the waiting time for gaining experience.

How to obtain CE category during martial law?
1. Have a category C driver's license: make sure you have an open permit to drive trucks without a trailer.
2. Complete retraining: enroll in retraining courses under the standard training program.
3. Pass the practical exam: after completing training, register for the practical exam at an MIA service center.
4. Pass a medical examination: obtain a conclusion about your medical fitness to operate heavy vehicles.

Please note that due to the war, there is a significant increase in the number of people wanting to become drivers. Accordingly, after the adoption of changes regarding opening the CE category, demand for taking the practical exam for this category will also increase. Therefore, we advise planning your visits to MIA service centers in advance.

These changes are part of broader adaptation measures during martial law. Drivers should also monitor other updates, including traffic rules modernization and test question updates.

For practical exam preparation, we recommend familiarizing yourself with practical exam preparation methods and exam procedure details. Simplified conditions for obtaining CE category driving licenses during martial law is an important step to ensure effective operation of the country's logistics infrastructure.