Abolition of annual driving experience for CEs: what it means for drivers

11 September 13:38

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a resolution abolishing the mandatory one-year work experience requirement for driving a truck with a trailer (category CE). This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Ministry of Economy.

“The decree provides for the abolition of the mandatory one-year driving experience requirement. This will allow new drivers to be hired to drive trucks with trailers without wasting time on the formal passage of the period of driving the basic category. At the same time, the requirements for professional training, education and examinations remain unchanged,” the Ministry of Economy said in a statement.

Expected results of the simplification

The Ministry of Economy expects that the innovation will allow

increase access to the profession for young people under 25 and for women;
strengthen the logistics capacity of the state;
promote the development of road transportation in accordance with European standards;
optimize training programs in vocational education and training centers.

“This is an important step to make the profession of a truck driver more accessible and modern,” the Ministry of Economy said.

Harmonization with European legislation

The ministry emphasized that the document also aims to harmonize national legislation with EU law in the field of road transport, which will make it easier for Ukrainian drivers to work abroad and increase the competitiveness of the industry.

What is the CE category?

The CE category gives a driver the right to drive a truck equipped with a trailer. For example:

trucks with semi-trailers;
tractors with trailers.

It is worth noting that the open category CE does not give the right to drive vehicles of category C1E.

Documents for obtaining a CE category driver’s license

To obtain a driver’s license with an open category CE, you need to go to a driving school. To become a student of a driving school, you need to:

Submit an application form indicating your place of residence and the category you want to open.
Provide a copy of your passport and identification code (TIN).
Provide 4 photographs of 3.5×4.5 size.
Undergo a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate of satisfactory health.