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STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
2026 No. 741
ROAD TRAFFIC
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences)
(Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026
Made - - - - 2nd July 2026
Laid before Parliament 6th July 2026
Coming into force - - 27th July 2026
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 88(5)
and (6) and 105(1), (2)(a) and (3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988(1).
The Secretary of State has consulted with representative organisations in accordance with
section 195(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Citation, commencement and extent
1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment)
(No. 2) Regulations 2026.
(2) These Regulations come into force on 27th July 2026.
(3) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland.
Amendment of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999
2. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999(2) are amended in accordance with
regulations 3 to 11.
Amendment to regulation 80ZA (interpretation (regulations 80ZA to 80AF))
3. In regulation 80ZA—
(a) in the heading, for “80AF” substitute “80AH”;
(b) in the opening words, for “80AF” substitute “80AH”;
(1) 1988 c. 52. There are amendments to section 88 but none is relevant to these Regulations. Section 105(2)(a) was substituted by
S.I. 1996/1974, and amended by paragraph 23(a)(i) of Schedule 5 to the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32)
and paragraph 13(2)(a) of Schedule 3 to the Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49). See section 108(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988
for the definitions of “prescribed” and “regulations”, and section 185(1) of that Act for the definition of “motor vehicle”.
(2) S.I. 1999/2864; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2023/666 and 2025/138.Document Generated: 2026-07-06
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(c) after the definition of “Immigration Rules”, insert—
““paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c) leave” means leave to remain of the type described
in paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c) of the Ukraine Scheme;”;
(d) in the definition of “Ukraine Extension Scheme leave”, omit the words from “as” to the
end;
(e) in the definition of “Ukraine Family Scheme leave”, omit the words from “as” to the end;
(f) after the definition of “Ukraine Family Scheme leave”, insert—
““Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial period” means the period of time for
which a person is initially granted Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave, and
accordingly does not include any period of time in respect of which that person has
been granted an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave;”.
Amendment to regulation 80A (modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme: first scenario)
4. In regulation 80A(1), after sub-paragraph (a), insert—
“(aza) applied for that leave before 3:00pm on 19th February 2024,”.
Amendment to regulation 80AA (modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme: second scenario)
5. In regulation 80AA(1)—
(a) omit the “and” at the end of sub-paragraph (c);
(b) after sub-paragraph (c), insert—
“(ca) where the application for Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave was
granted, has not applied for an extension to that leave, and”.
Amendment to regulation 80AB (modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme: third scenario)
6. In regulation 80AB(1)—
(a) omit the “and” at the end of sub-paragraph (b);
(b) after sub-paragraph (b), insert—
“(ba) in respect of Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave—
(i)has not applied for that leave, or
(ii)has been granted that leave, but has not applied for an extension to that
leave, and”.
Insertion of new regulations 80ABA (modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme: fourth scenario) and 80ABB (modification of regulation 80: Homes for
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: fifth scenario)
7. After regulation 80AB, insert—
“Modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: fourth
scenario
80ABA.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person who—
(a) had Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme leave,
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(b) applied for that leave before 3:00pm on 19th February 2024,
(c) has Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave,
(d) applied for that leave on or before the day on which their Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme leave expired,
(e) applied for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave on
or before the day on which their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial
period expired, and
(f) is the holder of a relevant permit within the meaning given by regulation 80(6)
which was issued under the law of Ukraine.
(2) Where this regulation applies, regulation 80(1) has effect as if the reference to the
period of one year after a person becomes resident in Great Britain were to the shorter of
the following—
(a) the period of six years and six months beginning with the day after the day on
which that person becomes resident in Great Britain;
(b) the period beginning with the day after the day on which that person becomes
resident in Great Britain, and ending with the day after the day on which that
person’s application for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension
Scheme leave is withdrawn, rejected or refused.
Modification of regulation 80: Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: fifth
scenario
80ABB.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person who—
(a) had Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme leave,
(b) applied for that leave at or after 3:00pm on 19th February 2024,
(c) has Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave,
(d) applied for that leave on or before the day on which their Homes for Ukraine
Sponsorship Scheme leave expired,
(e) applied for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave on
or before the day on which their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial
period expired, and
(f) is the holder of a relevant permit within the meaning given by regulation 80(6)
which was issued under the law of Ukraine.
(2) Where this regulation applies, regulation 80(1) has effect as if the reference to the
period of one year after a person becomes resident in Great Britain were to the shorter of
the following—
(a) the period of five years beginning with the day after the day on which that person
becomes resident in Great Britain;
(b) the period beginning with the day after the day on which that person becomes
resident in Great Britain, and ending with the day after the day on which that
person’s application for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension
Scheme leave is withdrawn, rejected or refused.”.
Amendment to regulation 80AD (modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Extension Scheme:
second scenario)
8. In regulation 80AD(1)—
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(a) omit the “and” at the end of sub-paragraph (d);
(b) after sub-paragraph (d), insert—
“(da) where the application for Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave was
granted, has not applied for an extension to that leave, and”.
Insertion of new regulation 80ADA (modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Extension
Scheme: third scenario)
9. After regulation 80AD, insert—
“Modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Extension Scheme: third scenario
80ADA.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person who—
(a) had Ukraine Extension Scheme leave,
(b) applied for that leave on or before 16th May 2024,
(c) became resident in Great Britain on or after 3rd March 2022,
(d) has Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave,
(e) applied for that leave on or before the day on which their Ukraine Extension
Scheme leave expired,
(f) applied for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave on
or before the day on which their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial
period expired, and
(g) is the holder of a relevant permit within the meaning given by regulation 80(6)
which was issued under the law of Ukraine.
(2) Where this regulation applies, regulation 80(1) has effect as if the reference to the
period of one year after a person becomes resident in Great Britain were to the shorter of
the following—
(a) the period of six years and six months beginning with the day after the day on
which that person becomes resident in Great Britain;
(b) the period beginning with the day after the day on which that person becomes
resident in Great Britain, and ending with the day after the day on which that
person’s application for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension
Scheme leave is withdrawn, rejected or refused.”.
Amendment to regulation 80AF (modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Family Scheme:
second scenario)
10. In regulation 80AF(1)—
(a) omit the “and” at the end of sub-paragraph (b);
(b) after sub-paragraph (b), insert—
“(ba) where the application for Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave was
granted, has not applied for an extension to that leave, and”.
Insertion of new regulations 80AG (modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Family Scheme:
third scenario) and 80AH (modification of regulation 80: paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c)
leave)
11. After regulation 80AF, insert—
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“Modification of regulation 80: Ukraine Family Scheme: third scenario
80AG.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person who—
(a) had Ukraine Family Scheme leave,
(b) has Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave,
(c) applied for that leave on or before the day on which their Ukraine Family Scheme
leave expired,
(d) applied for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave on
or before the day on which their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial
period expired, and
(e) is the holder of a relevant permit within the meaning given by regulation 80(6)
which was issued under the law of Ukraine.
(2) Where this regulation applies, regulation 80(1) has effect as if the reference to the
period of one year after a person becomes resident in Great Britain were to the shorter of
the following—
(a) the period of six years and six months beginning with the day after the day on
which that person becomes resident in Great Britain;
(b) the period beginning with the day after the day on which that person becomes
resident in Great Britain, and ending with the day after the day on which that
person’s application for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension
Scheme leave is withdrawn, rejected or refused.
Modification of regulation 80: paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c) leave
80AH.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person who—
(a) has never had Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme leave, Ukraine Extension
Scheme leave or Ukraine Family Scheme leave,
(b) had paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c) leave,
(c) has Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave,
(d) applied for that leave on or before the day on which their paragraph UKR 29.3(b)
or (c) leave expired,
(e) applied for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave on
or before the day on which their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme initial
period expired, and
(f) is the holder of a relevant permit within the meaning given by regulation 80(6)
which was issued under the law of Ukraine.
(2) Where this regulation applies, regulation 80(1) has effect as if the reference to the
period of one year after a person becomes resident in Great Britain were to the shorter of
the following—
(a) the period of six years and six months beginning with the day after the day on
which that person becomes resident in Great Britain;
(b) the period beginning with the day after the day on which that person becomes
resident in Great Britain, and ending with the day after the day on which that
person’s application for an extension to their Ukraine Permission Extension
Scheme leave is withdrawn, rejected or refused.”.
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Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport
Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
2nd July 2026 Department for Transport
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2864)
(“the 1999 Regulations”) in respect of holders of a permit to drive a motor bicycle, moped and car
under the law of Ukraine (“a relevant Ukraine driving licence”).
Regulation 3 amends regulation 80ZA of the 1999 Regulations to insert two definitions in relation
to the amendments made by these Regulations.
Regulation 4 amends regulation 80A of the 1999 Regulations to clarify that a person must have
applied for Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme leave before 3:00pm on 19th February 2024 in
order for this regulation to apply. Regulations 5 and 6 insert into regulations 80AA(1) and 80AB(1)
of the 1999 Regulations an additional criterion that a person must not have applied to extend their
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave for those regulations to apply.
Regulation 7 inserts two new regulations, 80ABA and 80ABB, into the 1999 Regulations. These new
regulations provide alternative scenarios in which holders of a relevant Ukraine driving licence who
previously had Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship leave and subsequently have Ukraine Permission
Extension Scheme leave, which they have applied for an extension to, are entitled to drive in Great
Britain for up to five years or six years and six months after they become resident in Great Britain,
depending on which scenario they fall into.
Regulation 8 inserts into regulation 80AD(1) an additional criterion that a person must not have
applied to extend their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave for that regulation to apply.
Regulation 9 inserts a new regulation 80ADA into the 1999 Regulations, under which holders
of a relevant Ukrainian driving licence who previously had Ukraine Extension Scheme leave and
subsequently have Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave, which they have applied for an
extension to, are entitled to drive in Great Britain for up to six years and six months after they become
resident in Great Britain.
Regulation 10 inserts into regulation 80AF(1) an additional criterion that a person must not have
applied to extend their Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme leave for that regulation to apply.
Regulation 11 inserts two new regulations, 80AG and 80AH, into the 1999 Regulations. New
regulation 80AG provides an alternative scenario under which holders of a relevant Ukrainian
driving licence who previously had Ukraine Family Scheme leave and subsequently have Ukraine
Permission Extension Scheme leave, which they have applied for an extension to, are entitled to
drive in Great Britain for up to six years and six months after they become resident in Great Britain.
New regulation 80AH provides an alternative scenario under which holders of a relevant Ukrainian
driving licence who were granted leave of the type described in paragraph UKR 29.3(b) or (c)
of the Appendix Ukraine Scheme of the Immigration Rules, and who subsequently have Ukraine
Permission Extension Scheme leave, which they have applied for an extension to, are entitled to
drive in Great Britain for up to six years and six months after they become resident in Great Britain.
The Appendix Ukraine Scheme was inserted into the Immigration Rules by the Statement of Changes
to the Immigration Rules laid before Parliament on 29 March 2022 (HC 1220, 29 March 2022) and
has been subsequently amended.
A full Impact Assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it is not expected to have
significant impact on the private, public or voluntary sectors. Instead a de minimis assessment has
been prepared as this instrument is likely to entail some costs for businesses, but the net impact is
estimated to be below £10 million per year.
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The de minimis assessment is published alongside the Explanatory Memorandum to these
Regulations at www.legislation.gov.uk.
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