For first-time pass rates in practical driving exams have dropped significantly
Recent reporting indicates a sharp decline in the share of citizens who clear the practical driving test on their first attempt. In the latest figures, only about 12% succeed on the initial try, a decrease that doubles the rate seen in 2020. The data are attributed to changes that took effect on April 1, 2021, when a single practical exam was introduced for new drivers. The previous system, which featured separate sites and cities and published training routes, was replaced, and as a result those routes can no longer be studied in advance for the exam.
In parallel, theory test results have also worsened. The proportion of candidates passing on the first attempt has dropped from 40% to 35%, even though the rules governing the theory portion stayed the same. Analysts cited by the source point to a surge in online courses that spread a form of self instruction for traffic rules, a practice that was banned back in 2013. In short, the established framework is seen as faltering under the new testing approach.
Officials from the traffic police indicate that driving schools have struggled to adapt to the unified practical exam. On the other side, school representatives argue that the regulation itself contains several inconsistencies and ambiguous standards that lead to avoidable mistakes during testing. This friction highlights a broader challenge in aligning training with the reformed exam format.
A national association representing driving schools has sent a detailed letter to the head of the traffic police outlining arguments for rule revisions. The document also proposes concrete changes and suggests returning the option for learners to practice on a dedicated site that mirrors real driving conditions. It calls for the removal of a pool of previously asked questions as new exam regulations are developed, with the aim of reducing guesswork during the test.
- Notably, the difficulty shift began right after the new regulation took effect, with 13% of practical test-takers passing on their first attempt in 2021.
- For further updates, the topic is being discussed in popular messaging channels used by many learners.