35.58. Drivers with more than 10 years of driving experience may use a mobile phone while driving, holding it in their hand:
UAВодії із досвідом водіння понад 10 років можуть під час руху користуватись телефоном, тримаючи його в руці:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety and driver distraction while driving. Using a phone held in the hand at the wheel reduces control over the vehicle, forces the driver to operate with one hand, and takes attention away from the road, which increases the risk of accidents even in simple situations in traffic, at intersections, or near pedestrian crossings.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties and prohibitions for drivers, specifically the requirement of clause 2.9(f). The rule directly prohibits using communication devices while driving if they are held in the hand, and driving experience does not matter here: having more than 10 years of experience does not create exceptions. The only special condition concerns drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official tasks, but even for them, the obligation to ensure road safety remains.
The analysis of answer options in the tickets for the theoretical exam is straightforward: the statement that it is "allowed" due to long driving experience contradicts the traffic rules and is therefore incorrect. The correct approach is as follows: communication is permitted only without holding the device in the hand, that is, via a headset, speakerphone, or built-in hands-free system, so that the driver can control the vehicle with both hands and not be distracted from the road situation.
Clause 2.9 [d]
It is prohibited for the driver: f) to use communication devices while driving a vehicle, holding them in their hand (except for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties).
This clause directly establishes a prohibition on using a phone (as a means of communication) while driving if the driver is holding it in their hand; driving experience (including more than 10 years) is not an exception to this prohibition. It remains permitted to use communication devices without holding them in the hand (hands-free), as well as the exception — for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is prohibited from using communication devices while driving if holding them in their hand, regardless of driving experience.
During the theoretical exam, it is important to remember: the prohibition on using a phone while holding it in your hand while driving is not linked to driving experience in the Traffic Rules. Having more than 10 years of experience does not grant any additional permissions in this matter.
Clause 2.9(f) of the Traffic Rules explicitly states that a driver is prohibited from using communication devices while driving if they are holding them in their hand. The meaning of this rule is simple: when a driver takes a phone in their hand, they are distracted from monitoring the road situation and are essentially driving the car with limited ability, often with one hand. This increases the risk of not reacting in time to braking ahead, the appearance of a pedestrian, or a change in the traffic light signal.
For example, even a brief glance at the screen or an attempt to answer a call in heavy traffic can lead to delayed braking. That is why the Traffic Rules prohibit physically holding a phone while driving, regardless of how confident the driver feels behind the wheel.
At the same time, communication itself is not completely forbidden: if the driver uses devices that do not require holding the phone in their hand (speakerphone, headset, built-in hands-free system), they may communicate without taking their hands off the wheel.
A separate exception is provided only for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties, but this does not apply to ordinary drivers and does not cancel the obligation to act safely.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", because according to clause 2.9(f) of the Traffic Rules, it is prohibited to use a phone while holding it in your hand while driving, and driving experience does not affect this prohibition.