How to get a Russian driver’s license

To drive legally in Russia, foreigners can use their home country license with an International Driving Permit for the first 6 months. After 6 months of residence, you must obtain a Russian driver's license by passing a theoretical test in Russian (RUB 2,000 fee). If your country has reciprocal agreements with Russia, you may be exempt from the practical driving test.

Do you need a Russian driving license? Are you going to be able to pass the driving test? This comprehensive guide explains requirements, laws, driving schools, and international driver's licenses in Russia. Discover more expat guides and tips on our platform.

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Driving in Russia as a Foreigner

Exchanging your foreign driver's license for a Russian driving license is a reasonably straightforward process in most cases. However, for some foreigners, getting a Russian driving license can be a long-winded process; if you're moving permanently, you'll need to take a theoretical driving test in Russian, even if you've already passed the test in another country, and in some cases a practical driving test as well.

Tourists and expats in Moscow can drive using their existing driving license for the first six months after arriving in Russia. However, if you are driving in Russia you must have your license translated and notarized by an official translator and it is advisable to also purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Can I Use My Driving License in Russia?

If you're older than 18 (for a car) or 16 (for a motorcycle), you can generally apply for a Russian driving license in Moscow. Different rules apply, however, depending on whether you're visiting for a short-term or have moved to the country.

As the legal age for driving in Russia is 18 years, you will be unable to drive on Russian roads until that age. This is also the case even if you have a full license at a younger age in your home country.

Foreigners can drive in Russia using their license from home for up to six months, however, all foreign drivers need to additionally carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation of your license into nine languages, which must accompany your national license.

Who Needs a Russian Driving License?

Once you're in Russia, whether you need to exchange your foreign driving license depends on your residency status.

• Temporary visitors: Won't need to exchange their foreign driving license but will need to obtain an official Russian translation of it (which is what the IDP provides, for example)
• Residence permit holders: Must exchange your foreign driving license into a Russian driver's license within 60 days after getting your residence permit
• Diplomatic staff: Can be exempt from requiring a Russian driving test or medical certificate

How to Exchange Your Driver's License in Russia

The steps involved in getting a Russian driving license include:

• Driving lessons for a required amount of hours (usually 50 hours)
• A practical driving exam, driving on a test track and on city roads
• A theoretical driving test (on a computer), with questions on road regulations

If you have already passed a practical driving test in your home country and if your country has an agreement or recognized conventions with Russia, you may be exempt from driving lessons and the practical exam. In such cases, you will only need to take an electronic Russian driving exam and then exchange your foreign driver's license for a Russian one.

The Theoretical Russian Driving Exam

The theoretical Russian driving test consists of 20 multiple choice questions about traffic rules in Russia. You can make two mistakes, after which an additional five questions will be added. All five additional questions must be correct, otherwise it will result in a fail.

Exam fees: Around RUB 2,000 (or RUB 1,400 with 30% online booking discount)

Language barrier: All tests are in Russian and you won't be able to bring a translator along with you.

Getting Your Russian Driver's License

If you pass the theoretical Russian driving test, you should be issued with a Russian driver's license immediately at the test center. Driving licenses in Russia are provided in the form of plastic cards that look similar to an EU driving license.

Required Documents

• A completed application form
• Your passport
• Proof of passing a driving course
• A valid Russian residence permit
• A medical certificate from your doctor saying you are fit to drive
• A color photograph
• Your original foreign driving license
• A photocopy of your driving license with a notarized translation

Russian Driving Laws and Requirements

Speed Limits

The general speed limits for motorcycles and cars in Russia under 3.5 tonnes are:

• Built-up areas: 60km/h
• Expressways: 110km/h
• Other roads: 110km/h
• Sign-posted residential areas: 20km/h

Drinking and Driving

Russia operates a zero-tolerance attitude to drunk driving and you could face a jail term if found guilty. If you're stopped and are found to be over the limit, you'll need to give a blood sample for further investigation.

Required Items in Vehicle

• Warning triangle
• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Headlight beam deflectors
• Spare light bulbs