DVLA to launch new driving licence changes within months that will impact thousands of motorists

There were more than 1,000 responses to the consultation, which the Government said was "much higher than usual for this type of consultation".

There was overwhelmingly positive support for the changes, given that many Moldovan licence holders reside in Great Britain.

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The proposal acknowledged that licensing and testing standards in Moldova were equivalent to similar tests taken in Great Britain, as assessed by the DVLA and DVSA.

The DVLA suggested that car licences issued in Moldova be exchanged for the GB equivalent without the need for a further driving test.

Estimates suggest that the volume of Moldovan licence holders who are residents of Great Britain who applied for a provisional licence is around 4,300 per year.

One consultation respondent said: "This process would reduce bureaucracy and contribute to the easier integration of Moldovan citizens into British society."

The majority of responses to the consultation were Moldovans living in Great Britain, with most noting that the change would "avoid unnecessary expense" and reduce "delays".

Others noted that the law change would help motorists make the transition to roads more easily, ensuring that the driving test backlog would not worsen.

Another said: "Recognising the skills and experience of Moldovan drivers is a practical and fair step that would positively impact many people in similar situations. I sincerely hope this proposal moves forward, as it would greatly benefit individuals, families, and the wider community."

After assessing the responses to the consultation, the DVLA said it would amend the law at the earliest opportunity.

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Prior to this, people from the Republic of Moldova who have recently become residents of Great Britain can continue to drive on the strength of their domestic licence for up to 12 months.

The Government response continues: "To ensure continuous driving entitlement beyond that 12-month period, a GB driving licence must be obtained by passing a GB driving test.

"To take a driving test, a provisional GB driving licence must be obtained, although provisional licence conditions would not apply until the expiry of the initial 12-month period."

DVLA figures between January 2018 and November 2024 show that 33,472 GB provisional licences were issued to applicants with Moldova as their place of birth.

There were a handful of negative responses to the consultation, with some fearing that testing practices in Moldova were not as good as the UK.

One motorist claimed that any change to the licensing system would not make roads safer and that the proposal was "downright dangerous".

They went as far as to say "this cannot be allowed to happen" since there are "dangerous drivers" who do not keep up to date with the Highway Code or road traffic rules.

A fearful haulage company also responded to the consultation, stating: "As a person that has been to Moldova, I can speak from experience that driver ability and safety are very low priorities to Moldova despite the increase in spending on road safety."