Driving Schools Demand Urgent Reforms

Driving schools across the country are sounding the alarm, urging authorities to implement urgent reforms to the driver training and licensing system. Industry participants describe the current situation as critical, pointing to systemic bottlenecks that affect everyone from civilian commuters to military personnel.

The call for change comes as the system grapples with a shortage of examiners and lengthy retake periods. These issues are creating significant delays in the issuance of driver's licenses, impacting the mobility of thousands of citizens and the readiness of specialized military drivers.

For the average citizen seeking a driver's license, the path to the road is becoming increasingly protracted. A primary issue is the severe shortage of examiners responsible for conducting practical driving tests. This deficit has created a significant backlog, leaving candidates in limbo.

As a result, civilian applicants are now forced to wait several months just to have their practical skills assessed. This extended waiting period not only delays personal mobility but also places a financial and logistical burden on driving schools and their students, who must maintain their skills over a longer period.

The situation highlights a critical infrastructure gap within the licensing system. Key challenges include:

• Insufficient number of certified examiners
• Long queues for practical test appointments
• Administrative delays in scheduling and processing

The challenges are particularly acute for a specific group: future drivers of military trucks. The ДОСААФ (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Navy) has formally appealed to the ГИБДД (State Traffic Safety Inspectorate) to address this issue.

The society is requesting a reduction in the mandatory waiting period between exam retakes. Currently, the lengthy interval is preventing prospective military vehicle drivers from obtaining their licenses in a timely manner. This delay directly impacts the Минобороны (Ministry of Defense), which is waiting to onboard these qualified personnel.

The inability to secure licenses quickly creates a bottleneck for military readiness. The Ministry of Defense relies on a steady stream of trained drivers, and the current system's constraints threaten to disrupt this essential pipeline.

Beyond logistical hurdles, industry experts are raising concerns about the quality of instruction provided by some driving schools. Reports suggest that the standard of preparation for new drivers is, in some cases, subpar, potentially compromising road safety.

To address both the quality of training and the issue of exam retakes, a new proposal has been put forward. Experts suggest implementing a state fee for each attempt at passing the driving exam.

The rationale behind this measure is to create a financial incentive for candidates to be better prepared before their test. By introducing a cost for each attempt, the system aims to:

• Encourage more thorough study and practice
• Reduce the number of unprepared candidates
• Alleviate the backlog of repeat test-takers

The collective call from driving schools and industry participants represents a significant moment of advocacy for systemic change. The proposed reforms—ranging from reduced retake periods for military drivers to the introduction of exam fees—are aimed at creating a more efficient and effective licensing system.

Addressing the critical shortage of examiners remains a central challenge that will require coordinated action. The situation underscores the delicate balance between ensuring public safety through rigorous testing and maintaining a system that is accessible and responsive to the needs of all drivers, civilian and military alike.

As authorities consider these proposals, the future of driver training in the country hangs in the balance, with potential reforms poised to reshape the journey from learner to licensed driver.