Ukraine eases CE truck license rules amid acute lack of drivers

The Cabinet of Ministers has simplified the procedure for obtaining a CE (truck with trailer) driver's license by abolishing the mandatory requirement to have a C category with one year of truck driving experience. This was reported by Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

"This will allow us to quickly attract new drivers to drive trucks with trailers without spending additional time waiting for the formal completion of the basic category driving period. At the same time, the requirements for professional training, education and examinations remain unchanged," the Ministry explained.

The main purpose of the changes is to address the shortage of truck drivers.

The Ministry expects that simplified procedures will increase access to the profession for young people under 25 and women.

To obtain the CE category of a driver's license in Ukraine, you must be 19 years old, attend a driving school (theoretical and practical classes) and pass exams at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The category gives the right to drive trucks with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg.

• Due to the war and the exodus of part of the population, Ukraine is facing an acute shortage of CE truck drivers, which, according to estimates by the Ministry of Infrastructure, is around 30,000-40,000 people. Due to this shortage, approximately 30% of trucks are idle, which creates problems for logistics, the defense sector, and the economy as a whole.