Moldovan Driving Licence Holders Can Now Exchange for UK Licences—No Tests Needed
Starting from the 1st of August 2025, a major change will come into effect that’s set to benefit thousands of Moldovan citizens living in the UK. Thanks to a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and the Republic of Moldova, a reciprocal agreement has been put in place that will allow Moldovan driving licence holders to exchange their licence for a UK one—without needing to take a theory or practical driving test.
This agreement was signed on behalf of Moldova by Ambassador Ruslan Bolbocean and on the UK side by Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for the Future of Roads. Behind the scenes, technical teams from both countries have worked together to smooth out the administrative details, and now everything’s ready to launch.
Under this new arrangement, Moldovans who have taken up residence in the UK will be able to apply for a British driving licence through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), as long as they meet a few conditions. Most importantly, the application must be submitted within five years of becoming a UK resident. If someone has been living in the UK for more than five years, they unfortunately won’t be eligible under this simplified exchange system.
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Moldova now joins a select group of countries—including EU nations and 22 other non-EU states—that the UK recognises for a streamlined licence exchange. This means that Moldovan nationals will avoid the usual hassle of retaking driving tests, which saves not only time and stress, but also money.
And it’s not a one-way deal—Moldova will also recognise UK driving licences, even those obtained by Moldovan citizens while living in the UK. This mutual recognition is part of a wider effort by Moldova to strengthen mobility for its citizens abroad, as they already have similar agreements in place with countries like Spain, Greece, and Israel.
This agreement is more than just a bureaucratic update. It sends a positive signal about the UK’s relationship with Moldova and recognises the role Moldovan citizens play in British society. Officials have praised the move for cutting red tape and making life a bit easier for immigrants who’ve already gone through the process of settling into a new country.
While some voices have raised concerns about driving standards, the UK government has reassured the public that driver training in Moldova is considered on par with British requirements. Ultimately, the decision has been made to trust the standards of Moldova’s licensing system—just as has been done with many other countries before.
So, if you’re a Moldovan citizen living in the UK and you’ve got a valid driving licence, from August 1st you’ll be able to apply for a UK licence without needing to hit the books or book a test—just check your eligibility and get your documents ready.
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