How to Obtain an International Transport License in Ukraine?

In December 2020, we were contacted again by a Client who had previously used our services for obtaining a license for domestic passenger transport on order. This time the Client intended to enter the international market with these services. During the legal consultation on the procedure for obtaining a license a number of questions arose:

• What is the essential difference between international transport by order and international transport of passengers by taxi?

• Are there any additional requirements for drivers who transport passengers by bus?

• Is it compulsory to have a domestic transport license for at least three years to obtain an international transport license?

• Can I get a license for international transportation by taxi if I have experience of domestic transportation by order?

In this publication we will provide answers to these questions, which can help when preparing to obtain a license for international transportat in Ukraine.

You may also like: Requirements for Drivers Transporting Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Waste

Lawyer’s answers to frequently asked questions about the license for international transportation of passengers or cargo

A license for passenger transport by taxi or by order? 

Both licenses allow you to transport passengers, but there are certain differences between them, in particular in the organizational aspect. Thus, the passenger transport by taxi provides an opportunity to take passengers through a dispatcher service, at designated parking lots for taxi cars or without a known taxi pickup address, when the passenger catches a taxi on the street.

The appearance of taxi cars is one of the requirements for obtaining a license. The car must have the identification signs, such as:

• an orange-colored cab roof light;

• a green and red signal lamp in the upper right corner of the vehicle’s windshield;

• a composition of squares arranged in staggered order on the side doors of your vehicle, etc.

Another special equipment required in the cab is a valid taximeter.

On the other hand, the license for passenger transport by order gives you the right to transport passengers under transportation service agreements, which can be concluded either for a specific period of time or for a specific transportation.

Large carriers, such as Uber or Bolt, usually use exactly this type of license, entering into electronic service agreements with passengers. There are no special requirements for the appearance of the car, so license holders often hire drivers with their personal cars. In this case, the licensee must obtain temporary coupons for the cars of hired drivers and notify the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety about these changes.

Our lawyers will help you choose the option that best suits your interests and business plan.

Are there any additional requirements for drivers who transport passengers by bus abroad?

The transportation of passengers by buses requires proof of long-term driving practice. In addition to the fact that the driver must be over 21 years old and obtain a license of categories “D”, “D1”, “DE”, “D1E”, the international passenger transportation also requires three years of experience of driving buses for domestic passenger transportation by bus. Before transferring to a new regular route or to a different bus model it is required to pass a training period.

Do you need to have a license for domestic transportation for at least three years to obtain a license for international transportation?

If you want to provide any international passenger transport services - your experience in domestic transportation must be at least three years. The only type of international transportation that does not require experience in domestic transportation is international cargo transportation by trucks (except for transportation of dangerous goods).

A common requirement for drivers is to undergo periodic medical examinations, including pre- and post-trip medical examination. Since our Client was planning to expand its activities, we drew his attention to the fact that the contract for medical care to a large number of drivers is not enough, since the legislation requires the establishment of specialized medical centers for medical control of drivers.

Our lawyers assisted in obtaining a Medical License, so that drivers could undergo all necessary medical examinations in a designated room at the company.

Can I get a license for international transportation by taxi, if I have experience of domestic transportation by order?

According to the Licensing Regulations, a license for international transportation can be obtained only in the field where you have experience of domestic transportation, so in this case it is necessary to obtain a license for international transportation by taxi. However, since the Client planned to establish the vehicle fleet of his company with his own logo, the best solution was to apply for the license for international transport by order, which allowed to create a unique design for vehicles without violating the legislation requirements to the appearance, established, for example, for taxi cars.

Our Client was further assisted by our lawyers in obtaining a license for international transportation on a turnkey basis, which allowed him to quickly start the business of international passenger transportation.

You may also like: Example of Obtaining an International Transport License by Practice

Legal services for obtaining a license for international transportation of goods or passengers

Our lawyers offer you the following services:

• Legal advice on obtaining a license for international transportation in the Client’s situation;

• Assistance with drafting documents for obtaining a license;

• Submission of documents for obtaining license and monitoring of their consideration by the licensing authority;

• Assistance in obtaining a Medical License to conduct examination of drivers;

• Legal assistance in drafting agreements with the road transport operator, etc.

Do you need assistance in obtaining an International Transport License? Don’t hesitate to contact us! Our lawyers will help you get a license for international transportation of passengers and cargo with regard to your wishes.

Didn’t find an answer to your question?

Everything about the procedure and cost of obtaining an International Transport License here.