Under the announced reforms, a driver’s medical certificate will not be required to pass traffic police examinations. The medical check remains part of the process, but the health information is now accessed electronically by traffic authorities from the Ministry of Health. In addition, the health data will not be the sole source of information about a driver’s fitness. This shift aligns with efforts to streamline testing while maintaining safety standards.
For instance, if a driver experiences a serious decline in health during a medical assessment that signals a driving contraindication, or if a previously issued medical certificate has been revoked and the driver fails to return for a follow-up appointment, the certificate will be deemed invalid. These safeguards ensure that dangerous conditions do not go unchecked and that the licensing process reflects current health status.
Other innovations
In another change, a candidate who fails one of the exams on the third attempt will be offered the next attempt no sooner than six months later and no later than nine months after the failure. Previously, re-examinations could occur after shorter intervals, which created periods of repetitive resits. The Interior Ministry expects these adjustments to reduce excessive testing cycles and alleviate workload pressures on examination units. The aim is to balance fairness to examinees with the practical capacity of the testing system.
The updated rules expand the list of grounds for both suspending exams and granting privileges. Notable additions include the expiration of a passport or other identity documents, as well as the validity of medical reports. These criteria help ensure that credentials and identity verification stay current and that license eligibility reflects up-to-date documentation.
Another notable provision states that each time the examiner uses the dual pedals, a light will illuminate and a sound will be emitted. All teaching and testing sessions are recorded on video and audio. This measure is designed to prevent instructors from coaching students during the driving test. While the cabin is under video surveillance, the accuracy of monitoring remains crucial, and the system provides objective records of the examination process. The goal is transparency and accountability in the certification procedure.
Additionally, the new framework tightens the process for exchanging foreign licenses for Russian ones. Traveling truck and bus drivers will need to present documentation to traffic authorities confirming formal training and successful completion of the required examinations at a registered driving school. This policy aims to maintain consistent standards for professional drivers and ensure that foreign credentials align with domestic training and assessment requirements.
Across these changes, authorities emphasize that the core objective is to protect road users while preserving a fair, efficient licensing system. The reforms acknowledge the diverse needs of candidates and emphasize rigorous verification of health, identity, and training credentials. The approach combines electronic health data access, clearer grounds for exam actions, extended reexamination intervals, robust monitoring, and strengthened recognition of foreign qualifications. In practice, applicants and driving schools will adapt to the updated workflows, and officials will review implementation to determine ongoing improvements. The reforms reflect a shift toward integrated health information, standardized testing practices, and stronger verification protocols in the road safety framework.