Updates to the Driver’s License Examination Process Implemented on April 1, 2024
The State Traffic Authority has announced important updates to the driving license examination process that began on April 1, 2024. Observers have noted these changes in regional reporting, highlighting efforts to simplify the test while tightening controls that safeguard road safety. The overall effect is to make the exam more accessible in certain respects while establishing clearer boundaries and checks to prevent past misuse.
A key change centers on how the exam is scored. The maximum penalty points a candidate can accrue during the test has been increased from five to seven. This adjustment grants applicants room for two small mistakes without automatically failing the exam. For example, a delayed start or a minor signaling hiccup at a moment that does not affect overall control may now be tolerated within a defined margin. The issuing authority says these allowances reflect learning curves while still upholding essential safety standards.
Procedural changes to the examination format were also introduced. Beginning with the April 1 rollout, the examiner will sit behind the applicant rather than to the right during the assessment. This seating arrangement is paired with a rule that the examiner will not intervene during the actual operation of the vehicle. The goal is to observe the candidate’s independent decision-making and vehicle control under more natural conditions, free from direct hands-on guidance from the examiner.
Vehicle safety and monitoring were strengthened as well. The test vehicle must carry not only a camera but also a signaling device for any additional pedals that could be used during the examination. This setup ensures that all actions are observable and recorded, creating a transparent process that discourages tutoring or in-cabin interference. Practically, the instructor seated beside the student cannot influence the vehicle’s operation during the test, reinforcing the fairness and rigor of the assessment. [Attribution: State Traffic Authority]
On eligibility, inspectors clarified that individuals with recent DUI records or those who have evaded compulsory military service are ineligible to take the driving test. These restrictions form part of a safety-first approach aimed at reducing road risk and preserving the integrity of the licensing system. The policy supports ongoing anti-drunk-driving initiatives and civic obligations that shape public safety licenses and the broader driving ecosystem. [Attribution: State Traffic Authority]
Historically, exam administration has faced controversy. In one notable instance cited by inspectors, an examiner faced disciplinary action following a bribery-related incident involving a bribe of 150,000 rubles, with the officer later assigned to a corrective colony. This context highlights the ongoing push to strengthen oversight, accountability, and procedural safeguards across licensing examinations, ensuring that assessments reflect merit and safety rather than corruption. The current reforms are presented as a direct response to these concerns, aiming to reduce opportunities for unethical influence and to improve public trust in the licensing process. [Attribution: State Traffic Authority]
These reforms align with broader efforts to modernize driver testing in English-speaking regions as well, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and consistent safety standards for all applicants. The changes are intended to ensure that the licensing process remains credible and reliable, preparing new drivers to manage real-world traffic scenarios with competence and responsibility. [Attribution: State Traffic Authority]