Driving in the Russian Federation with your home country license is not enough to drive in the country. In addition to your native driver`s license, you must obtain an International Driving Permit or IDP as a prerequisite document before you can drive in Russia. For example, if you have a U.S. driver`s license in Russia, that foreign driver`s license must be accompanied by the IDP. The International Driving Permit basically grants you the right to drive a car throughout the country. Every holder of a foreign driving licence should have an IDP. While it may still be a good idea to read all over, here are the most important things for rental car drivers: You need insurance documents proving that you can drive in Russia under the terms of your policy. It is recommended to have comprehensive insurance and not just a third party, so check with your insurer before you go. Foreigners can drive from home in Russia for up to six months with their driver`s license, but all foreign drivers must also hold an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation of your bachelor`s degree into nine languages that must accompany your national license. Driving in Russia is on the right side of the road. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts, and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to travel in the front of the car unless they are in a child seat.
Using a mobile phone while driving in Russia is illegal if you don`t have a hands-free kit installed, as is driving a dirty car (especially if the license plate is covered). Do you want to drive in Russia? Before you get behind the wheel, go with our guide to acquire a Russian driver`s license. An IDP is an important requirement for those planning to drive in a foreign country. The license is crucial because it allows local authorities to assess your skills as a driver. You must obtain an IDP, and this must always be accompanied by your local license from your home country. Your regular driver`s license is also one of the most important documents you should have when applying for the IDP. In addition to complying with the law, it is worth being very vigilant when driving. Many sources suggest that Russian traffic behavior isn`t always predictable, so make sure you give yourself enough leeway to respond to unexpected maneuvers. It is also illegal to drive a dirty car, especially if the license plate is covered in dirt. Besides the above documents, there are some legally required items that you need to bring with you to drive in Russia. Driving a car in winter conditions can be a real challenge without proper training and experience. The golden rule for driving on snow, ice and mud: don`t rush.
The braking distance increases significantly, increasing the distance to the car in front of you from the norm from 3 seconds to 5-6 seconds or more. Inexperienced drivers should drive very carefully until they get used to the conditions and the car. Experienced drivers always “feel” the contact between the tires and the road. Powerful acceleration or hard braking quickly tells you how slippery the road is, do a “brake test” frequently to get accurate information about the road surface. When driving, this is something travelers should think about recognizing which side of the ride is right in Russia. As in most countries, you have the option to continue if you drive on the right side of Russian roads. It is precisely when people come across a passerby that priority is given today. If there are no traffic lights, hikers have priority.
Since most drivers in the country have a bad reputation, driving in Russia is supposed to be dangerous, and you should always be on your guard and be as defensive as possible before deciding to hit the road. Exchanging your foreign driver`s license for a Russian driver`s license is a relatively simple process in most cases. However, for some foreigners, obtaining a Russian driver`s license can be a lengthy process. If you move permanently, you will have to take a theoretical driving test in Russian, even if you have already passed the test in another country, and in some cases also a practical driving test. In order to obtain a tractor driver`s licence, the applicant must pass the theoretical and practical examination of the program approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. If the applicant does not have a driving license, he must also pass the theoretical examination of the program approved by the General Road Safety Administration of the Ministry of the Interior (knowledge of the highway code). If you plan to go to Russia, it is important that you are well prepared in advance, as driving there has many differences compared to the UK. To get a driving license in Russia, you must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old for a motorcycle license. Foreign driving licence holders – including those from the UK – are not allowed to rent a car unless they are 18 or older, and most rental companies require a minimum age of 21. Similarly, a 17-year-old who is considering leaving the UK will break the law across the Russian border. The right to drive off-road vehicles is granted by the tractor-machinist driving license [2] issued by state inspectorates to monitor the technical condition of self-propelled machines and other machines [3] (these state inspections are part of the regional governments of federal subjects of Russia and may have different names).
The Ministry of Agriculture approves the form of the licence and the procedure for issuing it. An obstacle to the practical test for foreign drivers is that it is not possible to take the exam in English or bring a translator during the test. You can also try to take the driving test in your home country before coming to Russia, which means you may only need to take the theoretical Russian driving test. According to Russian authorities, to drive in Russia, you must: It is a good idea to learn road signs and symbols before driving in Russia. The police have the power to collect fines on the spot. This practice is quite common. To avoid Russian traffic and harsh winters, pay attention to the best driving time. Always be familiar with the routes you want to travel. Russia is a huge country and parts of it can experience freezing conditions while other parts are bathed in sunshine. The most important thing you can do is drive according to the weather conditions and take into account the variations you are likely to encounter along the way.