Driving In Belarus: Legal Age And More

If you're planning on driving in Belarus, there are a few things you should know. First of all, the minimum driving age in Belarus is 18 years old, and you must be in possession of a full valid driving licence. For visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required, and this will only be valid for three months from the date of entry into the country. If you're planning on staying longer, you'll need to obtain a Belarusian driving licence, which involves taking a computer-based multiple-choice test on Belarusian driving rules and a practical driving test, all in Russian.

Driving age in Belarus

The minimum driving age in Belarus is 18 years old. This applies to both locals and tourists, although tourists must be at least 19 years old to rent a car. For those under 24 years old, rental companies will usually add a young driver surcharge.

To drive in Belarus, you must have a valid, full driving licence. If you are visiting the country, you can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for three months. After this, you must obtain a Belarusian driving licence. This involves passing a two-part test in Russian, including a computer-based multiple-choice test and a practical driving test. You must also complete a medical exam, which includes a general physical, an eye exam, and approval from various specialists.

If you are driving your own car to Belarus, you must have original documents confirming your ownership of the vehicle. You will also need to purchase car insurance and declare the temporary importation of your car on a customs form.

It is important to note that driving laws are strictly enforced in Belarus, and police checkpoints are common. Failure to comply with driving laws can result in on-the-spot fines.

Driving with a foreign licence

If you are visiting Belarus and want to drive, you can do so with a foreign or International Driving Licence for three months. After that, you will need to obtain a Belarusian driver's licence.

To drive in Belarus, you must be 18 or over and have a full, valid driving licence. If you are from the UK, you will also need an up-to-date International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a translation of your local driver's licence and must always be carried with it. You can obtain an IDP from your country's postal service before you travel.

If your driver's licence is not in one of Belarus's state languages (Russian or Belarusian), you will need to get it translated and notarized at a Belarusian notary office.

When driving in Belarus, you must carry certain documents with you. These include your driver's licence, IDP, passport, visa, and other travel documents. You will also need valid medical insurance, which you can purchase at the border if you don't have it already.

If you are driving your own car, you will need to provide documents showing that you are the owner of the car. These must be originals, not photocopies. You will also need to purchase a car insurance certificate at the border.

It is worth noting that checkpoints are common on roads and border crossings in Belarus. The traffic police, known as GAI in Russian and DAI in Belarusian, wear uniforms with yellow fluorescent stripes. You must pull over when they wave a striped wand or show a red retro-reflector. If you are pulled over, you will be expected to show your driving and insurance documents.

Driving with an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national driving licence, allowing you to drive in foreign countries. If you are visiting Belarus, you can drive with an IDP, but it must be the 1968 version, as the 1948 version is no longer valid in the country. You must carry your IDP with you at all times, along with your national driving licence.

If you are a UK citizen, you can obtain an IDP from the Post Office before you travel. For other nationalities, you can apply for an IDP from the national IDP provider in your country and follow their instructions.

Your domestic driver's licence or International Driving Permit allows you to drive in Belarus for up to three months. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to obtain a Belarusian driver's licence. This requires you to attend a three-month course at a driving school in Belarus or another CIS country and pass the knowledge and driving skills tests administered by the State Traffic Inspection (traffic police).

When driving in Belarus, it is important to carry the necessary documents, including your driving licence, registration certificate, proof of insurance, and a permit to participate in road traffic. Police checkpoints are common, and you may be asked to present your papers.

In addition to the documents mentioned, there are some legally required items you must carry in your vehicle when driving in Belarus. These include headlamp converters if your headlights cannot be adjusted, and a warning triangle in case of a breakdown. It is also recommended to have spare bulbs, a fire extinguisher, and a Green Card as backup for your insurance documents.

It is important to note that traffic rules and regulations in Belarus may differ from those in your home country. For example, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving. Familiarise yourself with the local traffic rules and always follow them to ensure a safe and pleasant driving experience in Belarus.

Driving tests in Belarus

To drive in Belarus, you must be 18 or older and have a full, valid driving licence. If you're a visitor, you can drive in Belarus with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for three months. After that, you'll need to obtain a Belarusian driver's licence.

To get a Belarusian driver's licence, you must pass a two-part test in Russian. The first part is a computer-based multiple-choice test on Belarusian driving rules, and the second part is a practical driving test. You must also complete a medical exam at a special medical clinic, which includes a general physical, an eye exam, and approval from a neuro-pathologist, a surgeon, and an EENT specialist.

If you're planning to rent a car in Belarus, you'll typically need to be at least 19 years old and have a valid driving licence for a minimum of one or two years. Some companies may also require a passport or other proof of identification.

When driving in Belarus, it's important to follow the local traffic laws and regulations. For example, driving under the influence is illegal, with a zero-tolerance policy and authorities having the right to stop, test, and apprehend anyone suspected of driving drunk. It's also prohibited to use handheld cell phones while driving, and all drivers and passengers in the front seats must wear seat belts.

Additional Information

• Most road signs in Belarus are in Cyrillic script only, not in Latin.
• Checkpoints are common on roads and border crossings, and you may be asked to present your papers.
• Winter tires are not compulsory but are highly recommended during the winter season.
• Belarus has toll roads, and you can pay the toll using an electronic device that you can pick up at the border.

Driving schools in Belarus

In Belarus, you must be 18 or older to drive. If you are planning a long stay in Belarus and intend to drive, you should be aware that an international driving licence is only valid for a three-month period. After this, you will need to obtain a Belarusian driving licence, which requires you to attend a three-month course at a driving school and pass the relevant tests.

There are driving schools in Belarus where you can take these courses, and it is also possible to take the course in another CIS country. However, the exams are administered by the State Traffic Inspection (the traffic police) and are only available in the local language. This means that, for foreigners, language can be a significant barrier to obtaining a Belarusian driving licence.

There are a number of driving schools in Belarus, and educational courses are a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience. Courses can be booked online, and it is usually recommended to book car hire in advance.

Driving in Belarus comes with specific requirements and challenges. Traffic is lighter than in most European countries, but police checkpoints are common, and you will be expected to show your driving and insurance documents if you are pulled over. Most road signs are in Cyrillic script, and knowledge of the local language would be beneficial for navigating the roads.

Frequently asked questions