How to Convert a Foreign Driver’s License in Russia (2025 Requirements)

New Laws, Driving School Requirements, and GIBDD Exam Rules for Residents and Citizens

🇺🇸 American Inside Russia

Exploring Life Beyond the Narrative

🗓️ Published June 16, 2025

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⚠️ Note: Many of the articles referenced in this article are in the Russian language. We recommend the Yandex Browser with auto-Translate ability to read such documents.

🚨 April 1, 2025 Law Update – What’s New?

As of April 1, 2025, Russia implemented stricter requirements for foreigners and new residents seeking to legally drive in the country. The new rules apply to both temporary residence permit (TRP) holders, permanent residents, and newly naturalized citizens. Foreigners can no longer simply swap their foreign license for a Russian one — and driving school plus exams are now mandatory in most cases.¹

But not all license holders are treated equally — read on.

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🛂 Who Must Convert Their Foreign License in Russia?

Under Federal Law № 313-ФЗ, effective from April 1, 2024, foreign citizens are required to convert their foreign or international driver’s license within one year of obtaining either:

• ✅ Permanent Residence Permit (Вид на жительство – ВНЖ)

• ✅ Russian Citizenship²

• ✅ Returning Russian Citizens: Must convert their foreign license within 1 year of re-entering Russia for permanent residence.³

• ✅ Exemption: Belarusian licenses remain valid indefinitely due to bilateral agreements.⁴

🧾 This is outlined in amended clauses 12.1⁵and 18.3⁶ of Article 25 of the Federal Law “On Road Safety” (ФЗ-196), which state that a foreign license becomes invalid one year after receiving a residence permit or citizenship.

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⚠️ Legal Gray Area: What About Temporary Residence (РВП)?

A Temporary Residence Permit (РВП) — Разрешение на временное проживание — is usually the first step toward full residency in Russia.

However:

• The law does not mention RVP (РВП) in its wording.

• It explicitly names only “вид на жительство” (VNZh) and citizenship as status changes that start the 1-year license countdown.

📌 Side Note:

🔍 This creates a legal ambiguity: Despite the omission, some regional GIBDD offices do enforce the license conversion requirement for RVP holders, based on internal directives or administrative interpretations⁷.

If you have an RVP, it’s safest to assume the 1-year deadline may still apply. Be prepared to take the theory exam and exchange your license accordingly.

Always verify with your local GIBDD office or migration lawyer, especially if you’re progressing toward VNZh or citizenship.

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🌍 Conventions Matter: Which Countries Qualify for Simplified Conversion?

Russia follows international road‑traffic agreements that affect conversion eligibility:

• Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) and prior 1949 Geneva Convention govern license exchange rules.⁸

• Only citizens of countries that are contracting parties to these conventions, plus Belarus, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria, are eligible for simplified conversion (theory-only) for license categories M/A/B.

• Drivers from non‑signatory countries (e.g., USA, Canada, China, Malaysia) must complete full practical and theory exams, even for passenger car or motorcycle categories.⁹

• International Driving Permits (IDPs) allow temporary use of a foreign license (up to 6 months) but do not exempt you from conversion rules once you obtain residency or citizenship.¹⁰

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✅ Categories M, A, A1, B, B1 — NO Practical Test Required (For Eligible Countries)

Holders of foreign licenses in the car and motorcycle categories (M, A, A1, B, B1) only need to:

1. Pass the GIBDD theoretical exam (20+ randomized questions - see below)

2. Provide a valid medical certificate

3. Present a certified translation of the foreign license

🎓 Driving School NOT Required (for signatory-country citizens only)

They do NOT need to take a practical driving test or attend driving school — but only if their country is a signatory to the conventions Russia recognizes.¹¹

You can prepare independently for the theory test. However, many choose to study through licensed schools or online tools to ensure passing the exam.

🚫 Special Note for U.S., Canadian, and Other Non-Signatory Nationals

Even if you hold a valid Russia M/A/B equivalent license, you must complete both theory and practical exams in Russia. Driving school is also usually required.

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🛑 Categories C, C1, D, D1, CE, DE — Practical Test & Driving School Required

If your license includes any of these higher commercial categories, you must:

• Complete an accredited driving school course in Russia

• Pass the GIBDD theory exam

• Pass the GIBDD practical exam, which includes both autodrome exercises and on-road evaluation¹²

These rules apply to all applicants converting foreign licenses, regardless of nationality.

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🔓 Want the Full License Conversion Toolkit?

The sections above gives you the overview—now unlock the full step-by-step support.

By becoming a paid subscriber, you’ll get immediate access to the rest of this guide, including:

✅ Printable GIBDD Verbal Command Cheat Sheet (Russian–English)
🎧 Audio Companion File to practice your spoken test phrases
🛣️ Practical Test Walkthrough with examiner tips
🧾 Downloadable PDF of the required commands to learn
📋 Expanded License Category Comparison Chart (USA, Canada, EU, Russia)
📎 Online theory prep
📌 Migration-Sensitive Rules and how driving violations may affect TRP/visa status
🚫 What can lead to your license being revoked, and how to restore it

👉 This guide could save you months of stress and fines—subscribe to unlock it all.