Code 95 in Ukraine: new requirements for international drivers and integration with EU standards
Starting August 20, 2025, new rules come into effect in Ukraine for drivers engaged in international cargo and passenger transportation. Anyone planning to cross the border with vehicles of categories C, D, or E is now required to have a qualification driver card so-called “Code 95”. This is not just another document, but an important prerequisite for working in Europe and a guarantee of road safety.
What Is “Code 95” and Why Is It Important
“Code 95” is a certificate of a driver’s professional competence. This system has long been in place in the European Union (CPC, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) and is aimed at ensuring that drivers are not only experienced but also regularly update their knowledge in safety, emergency response, and modern road regulations.
In Ukraine, this standard is being introduced as part of fulfilling international obligations to harmonize legislation and adapt the transport industry to European standards (Ministry of Infrastructure, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 604).
According to a government resolution, from August 20, 2025, the presence of “Code 95” is mandatory for all drivers engaged in international cargo and passenger transportation. Without it, it will be impossible to work in the EU border and control authorities check the card on every trip. The card is valid for 5 years. To obtain it, one must complete training, pass both theoretical and practical exams, and receive a European-style plastic card.
How Training and Certification Work
A transitional period has been in effect since 2024. During this time, thousands of drivers have already completed the required training and obtained their cards. More than 20 officially accredited centers operate in Ukraine in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other regions (Official List of Centers).
The duration of training depends on the driver’s experience. For those with many years on the road, the course may last a week. For those who obtained their licenses after 2021, training takes 1–2 months. Theoretical modules are often available online, while practical work and exams must be completed at an accredited center.
The cost of training varies by region and school:
- The national average is from 5,000 to 7,500 UAH for the full package (training + card issuance)
- Periodic (renewal) certification costs from 4,750 UAH every five years (eurodrivers.com.ua)
To register, you will need: a driver’s license, a copy of your passport with place of registration, your tax identification code, and a photo.
How Ukraine’s “Code 95” Compares to the European CPC
The CPC system (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence), in effect across the EU since 2009, is almost identical to the new Ukrainian requirements:
- Mandatory initial course (35-42 hours of theory plus practice)
- Periodic certification every 5 years (35 hours of refresher training)
- Unified certificate format (plastic card with number and QR code)
- Course cost in the EU €200 to €400
The Ukrainian “Code 95” is recognized in Europe as a full equivalent, and drivers can pass border controls without issues in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Germany, and other countries (EU Directive 2003/59/EC).
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What Benefits and Opportunities Drivers Receive
- Legal access to the EU transport market without “Code 95”, working in international transport is impossible.
- Increased safety training includes modern techniques for handling non-standard situations, working through emergency scenarios, and knowing what to do in case of road incidents.
- Simplified border and inspection procedures EU border officers recognize the Ukrainian card as equivalent to the European one.
- Competitiveness the new requirements enable Ukrainian drivers to find employment with European logistics companies.
What Problems Remain
- Not all drivers have yet completed training, so a surge in applicants is possible in August, with queues at training centers likely to grow.
- Some of the market still operates unofficially risks exist for those who buy fake cards or attend unlicensed schools.
- Periodic recertification every 5 years incurs costs, so carriers should plan for these expenses.
The introduction of “Code 95” is not just bureaucratic paperwork, but part of a large process of integrating Ukraine’s transport sector into the European market. Drivers receive equal rights with their EU counterparts, and the entire system of international transport becomes more transparent, safer, and competitive. The success of this reform depends on the transparent work of training centers, the responsibility of drivers themselves, and effective state oversight. This is another important step on the path to European integration concrete, practical, and tangible for thousands of people every day.
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