How to get a Russian driving license

In this guide we are going to tell you about the requirements, laws, driving schools, and international driver’s licenses in Russia. If you need a Russian driving license and you want to pass the driving test you should read about this:

• driving in Russia as a foreigner;
• can I use my driving license in Russia?;
• who needs a Russian driving license?;
• how to exchange your driver’s license in Russia;
• driving lessons and Russian driving test;
• the theoretical Russian driving exam and fees;
• getting your Russian driver’s license;
• driving schools in Russia;
• driving in Russia: requirements;
• required documents when driving in Russia;
• russian driving laws;
• speed limits for driving in Russia;
• driving and drinking laws in Russia;
• importing a car to Russia;
• road signs and signals in Russia.

Driving in Russia as a foreigner

Normally it is easy to exchange your foreign driving license for a Russian driving license. But sometimes it can be a long process like you will need to take a theoretical driving test in Russian even if you are already passed the test in another country and sometimes a practical driving test as well.

After moving to Moscow people in Russia can drive with their existing driving license for the first 6 months. In Russia you should have your license translated and notarized by an official translator and you should also purchase an International Driving Permit.

If you want to live in Russia for more than 6 months you will have to take a Russian driving test and get a Russian driving license. There are both theoretical and physical parts of the driving test in Russia. If your driving license is valid in your home country you will take only the theory test. You should know that this test is only in Russian language.

Can I use my driving license in Russia?

The standard requirement for applying a Russian driving license in Moscow:

– be older than 18 for a car;

– be older than 16 for a motorcycle.

This all depends on how long you are going to stay in Russia.

Even if you have a driving license until 18 years you will not be able to drive on Russian roads. If you stay in Russia up to 6 months you will have an option to use the driving license from your home country but all foreigners should carry an IDP International Driving Permit. An IDP is a translation of your license into 9 languages.

It is easy to get IDP if you apply for it up to 3 months before your travel. If you are from the United Kingdom you will have to go though this process:

• fill out a form online or via post;
• provide proof of your current driving license;
• provide a passport photo;

• pay a fee;
• provide a medical certificate ;

• provide a form of identity;

• provide a proof of address.

Who needs a Russian driving license?

Exchanging your foreign driving license depends on your residency status. If you are a temporary tourist in Russia you will not need to exchange your foreign driving license. If you want to drive in Russia you will need to show your license, the Russian translation and an ID or passport.

If you have a Russian work permit or resident visa you must exchange your foreign driving license into a Russian license within 60 days after getting your residence permit.

But if you are diplomatic and consular worker you will not need to pass driving test.

How to exchange your driver’s license in Russia

Getting a Russian driving license may require:

• 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;

• exams are at the State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD).

You may not to pass the theory and practice if you passed a practical driving test in your home country and you country has an agreement with Russia. In this case, you will have to take an electronic driving exam and then exchange your national driving license for a Russian driving license. A theory should be taken at a local branch of GIBDD.

But you must remember that the exam is completely in Russian and you have no option to bring a translator with you.

Driving lessons and Russian driving test

If you need to pass the practical exam you will have to register for driving lessons. You will must to practice for 50 hours between 2 to 6 months. Secondly, choose a provider that is registered with your GIBDD. There is mostly both theory and practice that are offered by many Russian driving schools. In Moscow, you can find practice routes and test routes on the GIBDD website. You can take a Russian driving test in the same place when you live in Russia.

If you want to pass your Russian driving exam you should do it on a test track and on the public roads. The Russian driving test has become stricter for the several years. Now drivers should complete 5 exercises:

• reverse entry into a parking space;

• parallel parking;

• turn in confined spaces;

• turn 90 degrees;

• drive through crossroads.

If you pass the practice test you will have to book the theoretical exam.

It is totally impossible to take the test in English and not bringing a translator during the exam. You can also pass the driving test in your national country before coming to Russia and then you will have to take the theory driving test.

The theoretical Russian driving exam

The theory consists of 20 multiple choice questions about traffic rules and regulations in Russia. There are possible two mistakes and then the additional 5 questions will be added. You should correctly answer the additional questions or else you will fail.

Please book an appointment online or visit your local GIBDD. You will receive an appointed time to take the theory and how to pay the necessary fees in advance.

The cost to issue your Russian driving license is about 2000 rubles. If you book and pay online or electronically you will get a discount and your final fee will cost 1400 rubles. Each different part of driving test may be paid differently.

If you pass the theory exam you will receive your Russian driving license there. A test and receiving your license will require 1 hour.

Getting your Russian driver’s license

If you pass the theory test a test center will issue you a Russian driving license immediately. Driving license in Russia looks like the plastic card that look similar to an EU driving license. The license expiry date is the same on your residence permit. If your residence permit is extended you will have your Russian driving license’s expiry date extended at the GIBDD office for the same period with no need to take another Russian driving test.

In case of applying for a driving license you should provide the following docs:

• 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.

Driving schools in Russia

Courses and lessons are available from a number of authorized Russian driving schools and they are registered with the GIBBD.

The driving courses last from 2to 6 months and you will find a lot of services and fees. You can book a package with costs 15-20000 rubles including the theory and practice.

Please use the list of registered driving schools in Moscow or other regions by changing the area on the website.

Requirements for driving in Russia

Required documents to drive in Russia

When the road police GIBDD inspects you randomly it is vital to have the necessary documents with you.

Or else you will get a high fine. The necessary documents include:

• foreign driving license or Russian driving license;

• international driving permit;

• proof of insurance;

• proof of vehicle ownership;

• vehicle inspection card (if applicable).

According to the road rules and regulations you will need to carry those items:

• warning triangle;

• first-aid kit;

• fire extinguisher;

• headlight beam deflectors;

• spare light bulbs.

Russian driving laws

Russians usually drive on the right side of the road. The driver and the passengers should wear seatbelts and kids younger 12 years can not travel in front of the car. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone when you drive in Russia.

Speed limits for driving in Russia

The 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.

The speed limits for larger cars and vehicles with trailers in Russia are:

• built-up areas – 60km/h;
• expressways – 90km/h;
• other roads – 70km/h;
• sign-posted residential areas – 20km/h.

Driving and drinking laws in Russia

According to the Russian laws driving and drinking are not compatible in Russia and you can be arrested for that. If you got to be drunk you will need to give a blood sample for further investigation.

The severe road regulations are used when it also comes to the drugs. In big cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg police are making saliva tests for drivers having drugs.

Importing a car to Russia

Unless you are a foreign diplomat, import taxes and customs fees can be high when importing a car into Russia. Given this, in some cases it may be wiser to buy a car in Russia upon arrival. You can learn more about buying and registering cars in Russia in our guide to parking and driving in Russia.

Road signs and signals in Russia

1. Warning signs

Warning signs inform drivers about approaching a dangerous section of the road, driving on which requires taking measures appropriate to the situation.

The numbering of road signs corresponds to GOST R 52290-2004.

2. Priority signs

Priority signs establish the order of passage of intersections, intersections of carriageways or narrow sections of the road.

3. Prohibitory signs

Prohibitory signs introduce or cancel certain traffic restrictions.

4. Mandatory signs

Compliance with the requirements of mandatory signs if traffic is not organized by a traffic controller.

5. Signs of special instructions

Signs of special instructions introduce or cancel certain traffic modes.

6. Information signs

Information signs inform about the location of populated areas and other objects, as well as about established or recommended traffic modes.

7. Service signs

Service signs provide information on the location of the relevant facilities.

8. Additional information signs (plates)

Additional information signs (plates) clarify or limit the effect of the signs with which they are used.

9. Identification signs

Identification signs or plates serve to limit or clarify the effect of the sign with which they are used.