Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licences Now Available to Ukrainian Newcomers

  • Digital Government and Service NL
  • Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

June 10, 2022

An amendment to motor vehicle regulations now allows for the quick exchange of a Ukrainian driver’s licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador licence.

Ukrainian newcomers with a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence, and a record of their driving history will also be eligible for competitive automobile insurance rates. This progressive change allows Ukrainian newcomers to secure jobs faster and settle in communities throughout the province, better ensuring a long-term stay here.

Ukrainian newcomers can have their Class 5 driver’s licences exchanged at any Motor Registration Division office, provided they are can produce:

  • A Ukrainian driver’s licence;
  • Proof that they are at least 17 years of age; and
  • Proof that their driver’s licence is not suspended, cancelled, revoked, or expired more than five years (driving history record).

If required, the Motor Registration Division can provide letters to individuals to confirm their driving history record. These letters can then be presented to insurance companies to obtain insurance rates comparable to drivers with similar experience.

Any valid foreign driver’s licence can be used for the first three months of residency, after which, new residents must apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence and complete the examination process.

Digital Government and Service NL has assessed Ukraine driver’s licence requirements, and has determined that they are similar to the requirements in this province. With the amendment, Ukraine has now been added to a list of countries for which the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can waive examination requirements.

For the time being, examination requirements are waived for Class 5 licences only. The Registrar could exchange other licences in the future, but more information and assessment is required.

Commercial driver’s licence holders who meet the medical requirements will be tested to ensure compliance with the National Safety Code.

More information on the driver’s licence application process for newcomers can be found here.

Quotes
“Given the requirements for obtaining a driver’s licence in Ukraine are similar to those in Newfoundland and Labrador, the safety risk for drivers coming to this province is low. It is important that we make the transition for Ukrainian newcomers as smooth as possible, as they settle into their new home.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Getting a local driver’s licence allows our talented Ukrainian newcomers to secure jobs faster and settle in communities throughout our province, while increasing the likelihood of a long-term stay. The Provincial Government continues to add to the compelling package for Ukrainians to ‘Choose Newfoundland and Labrador’. This approach continues to be a success, as demonstrated by the confirmation of a second Newfoundland and Labrador airlift scheduled to land in St. John’s on June 14.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377, 691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

2022 06 10 10:55 am