The National Assembly has approved amendments to the Driving Licence Act. Holders of valid driver’s licenses issued in North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo or Serbia who have registered their residence in Slovenia will be able to exchange their license for a Slovenian one without taking the practical driving test. They must complete the exchange within one year of registering their residence. They will also be required to provide proof of physical and mental fitness.

This reform removes an administrative barrier that has slowed hiring and increased costs for many foreign workers and their employers. A driver from Austria or Germany could already exchange a license without any additional steps. A driver from Northern Macedonia or Serbia needed a practical test and a new medical certificate, even if he had decades of experience. The new regulation eliminates this imbalance.

The security framework remains in place. Only valid licenses will be accepted. No new categories will be added. Medical fitness remains a requirement.

Opposition parties expressed concern. They argued that the change only applies to selected non-EU countries. They believe it could raise questions about equal treatment and safety. They also noted that many EU countries have stricter training standards. Their proposals to remove the new content from the law were not adopted.

The full legislative background and the earlier debate are explained in our previous post. Link: https://sibiz.eu/slovenia-to-simplify-drivers-license-exchange-for-some-foreign-residents/

Why this matters

  • It simplifies the onboarding of foreign workers with long driving experience.
  • It reduces delays for sectors that depend on mobile staff such as logistics, construction and facility services.
  • It improves clarity for residents who move to Slovenia and need their licence recognised.
  • It keeps safety checks through medical certification.

How Customers of SIBIZ Benefit
With our cross border mobility and compliance services at SIBIZ, we help clients:

  • Understand the new licence exchange rules.
  • Complete the administrative steps for the exchange.
  • Manage links between licence status, employment contracts and residence registration.
  • Align work permits and mobility documentation for drivers hired from abroad.

About SIBIZ
SIBIZ Business Services Ltd, based in Ljubljana, provides integrated legal, tax, accounting and business advisory services for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, digital nomads, business professionals and corporate clients. We support clients with clear and practical guidance on company formation, relocation, compliance and HR processes.For more information: www.sibiz.eu