ICT Ministry suggests changes to procedure for obtaining driver’s license

16.05.2016 13:51
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The driver’s license could be issued to future drivers at the age of 16.5 years, while the number of theoretical lessons on driving could be reduced. These and other proposals were formulated by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in the context of the reformation of the training and testing of drivers of motor vehicles, IPN reports.

ICT Minister Vasile Botnari told a news conference that the persons aged between 16.5 and 18 who will get a driver’s license will be obliged to drive assisted by a person older than 25, with a driving experience of at least five years. The reduction in the age ceiling for future drivers is aimed at offering the drivers the possibility of gaining more experience in traffic, by implementing assisted driving.

Also, the beginner drivers who will be assisted when driving will face particular restrictions in traffic. The speed limit for them will be 70 km an hour. They will be unable to carry passengers, except for the person who will assist the driver. Another condition is zero tolerance of alcohol while driving, stated Vasile Botnari.

According to the minister, the training program of a driving school must be compact. The number of theoretical classes will be reduced from 144 to 30, according to the European standards. The number of practical lessons will remain the same – 40.

Vasile Botnari said corruption is the biggest problem faced when testing future drivers. Therefore, the authorities aim to create more automated grounds for practical lessons. These will completely exclude the human factor from the testing process and will allow objectively assessing the real capacities of the applicants. The vehicles used in driving tests could be outfitted with video cameras so that the testing could be broadcast live.

The minister also said that if the measures are implemented, these will not generate larger costs for studying driving. On the contrary, they could be reduced. The proposals are to be subject to public debates during the next 30 days. Amendments to legal acts and regulations will be worked out afterward.