Lithuanian Interior Minister delays ban on Russian-Language driving tests

Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič has signed an order postponing by a year the planned abolition of Russian-language driving exams. Originally scheduled to take effect in January 2025, the change will now be implemented in 2026 to allow additional preparation time, according to a press release from the Interior Ministry.

The decision to restrict driving tests to Lithuanian and other official EU languages was introduced by former Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė, with an exception granted for Ukrainian citizens. Kondratovič emphasized the need for a longer transition period and broader discussions to ensure a smooth implementation of the policy.

“This additional time and dialogue with stakeholders are crucial for achieving an effective transition,” Kondratovič stated.

The minister’s decision followed a meeting earlier this week with representatives from the Transport and Economy Ministries, Regitra (Lithuania’s state driving test and licensing agency), driving schools, and haulage companies. The discussions highlighted enforcement challenges with the January 2025 deadline, prompting the extension.

Starting in 2026, theoretical driving tests will only be offered in Lithuanian or other official EU languages. For practical exams, candidates who do not speak Lithuanian will be permitted to bring an interpreter.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from Bilotaitė, who described the delay as “unjustified and incomprehensible.” She noted that her original plan aimed to reduce the use of the Russian language in public life and address hybrid threats, aligning with the policies of the previous government.

Bilotaitė also cited data from Regitra showing a rise in the number of candidates opting to take their theory tests in Russian—more than 11,000 in the first 11 months of this year, compared to over 10,000 in 2023.

The delay underscores ongoing debates in Lithuania over language policy and its implications for public life and national security.