Russia to change driving licence exam rules from March 2027
In short
Russia will change the rules for driving licence exams from 1 March 2027 under a government decree, RBC reported. Meduza reported that candidates sitting the theoretical exam will be photographed and the process audio- and video-recorded, and that a paper medical certificate will no longer be needed if its data is in a unified database. Some restrictions on the theoretical exam have already applied since May 2026.
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Russia will change the rules for taking driving licence exams from 1 March 2027, according to a government decree cited by RBC. RIA Novosti reported earlier that exam conditions in the country would change. The documents do not give the full text of the decree. [ 1 , 2 ]
Meduza reported that candidates sitting the theoretical exam will be photographed and that the process will be recorded in audio and video. The recording will be done by an automated system in real time, and the frame must include the workplaces of both the examinees and the examiners, according to the report. [ 3 ]
Under the same changes, candidates will no longer need to bring a paper medical certificate to the exam if the information is held in a unified database, Meduza reported. The exam can be completed even if the certificate has already expired, but the licence will not be issued until a new medical conclusion is obtained. [ 3 ]
Some rules for the theoretical exam were already changed from May 2026, Meduza reported. Alexander Kholodov, a member of the Public Chamber commission on security and cooperation with public monitoring commissions, told RIA Novosti that the use of photo, audio communication and computing devices is already prohibited, while photo fixation of candidates will apply only from 1 March 2027. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The decree changes procedures for anyone seeking a driving licence in Russia, adding automated photo and recording requirements to the theoretical exam and linking medical certification to a state database. Because the documents are mostly procedural and no cost, contractor or enforcement detail is given, the practical effect on testing centres and candidates is not yet clear.
Key facts
- Driving licence exam rules in Russia will change, according to a government decree. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The changes take effect on 1 March 2027. [ 2 , 3 ]
- During the theoretical exam, candidates will be photographed and the process will be audio- and video-recorded. [ 3 ]
- An automated system will record in real time, and the frame must include the workplaces of both examinees and examiners. [ 3 ]
- Candidates will no longer need to bring a paper medical certificate if the information is in a unified database. [ 3 ]
- The exam can be completed even if the certificate has expired, but the licence will not be issued until a new medical conclusion is obtained. [ 3 ]
- Some theoretical exam rules changed from May 2026, including a ban on photo, audio communication and computing devices; candidate photo fixation applies only from 1 March 2027, according to Alexander Kholodov of the Public Chamber commission on security and cooperation with public monitoring commissions, who spoke to RIA Novosti. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The full scope of the changes to driving licence exams. RIA Novosti's report was available only as a headline, and RBC provided a brief summary; only Meduza gave procedural detail, focused on the theoretical exam.
- Whether the practical driving exam is affected by the recording and photo requirements. Meduza attributes the photo and recording measures to the theoretical exam; the documents do not describe rules for the practical test.
- Which body will operate the automated recording system and what it will cost. No document gives this information.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti reports that driving licence exam conditions in Russia will change. [ 1 ]
- RBC reports, citing a government decree, that the rules change from 1 March 2027. [ 2 ]
- Meduza reports that candidates will be photographed and the theoretical exam audio- and video-recorded, and notes that some theory exam rules changed from May 2026. [ 3 ]