EU citizens who hold adriver’s license issued by any EU country (including Switzerland) do not need to change their driver’s license to a Czech one and can drive on their current driver’slicense during the entire assignment in the Czech Republic.

Holders of a driver’s license fromnon-EU countries that do fulfill the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) can use their driver’s license if their stay (their visa) is for only one year. Those with long term stay or with a long term visa of more than one year are required to exchange their driver’s license fora Czech one within three months of receiving their visa.

For example a Russian or Ukrainian driver’slicense can be exchanged (only those issued in theLatin alphabet). Japan and South Korea enjoy a special regime with thepossibility to exchange thedriver’s license.

If your driver’s license has been issued by a foreign country that does not comply with the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) you cannot drive a car in the Czech Republic based on that licensenor can you simply exchange it for a Czech driver’s license. If this is the case, you must apply for a Czech driver’s license. This involves going to a driving school and passing a driving examination.

The USA is one of the countries whose citizens must apply for a Czech driver’s license.

Please contact us at CheckPoint Relocations to discuss your specific obligations upon moving to the Czech Republic. Remember that the type of driver’s license you’re currently holding and length of your assignment in the Czech Republic affect the requirements on your driver’s license. Let us advise you on your specific case so that you can be sure to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the road!