The Russian government is taking significant steps to improve the quality of driver training by proposing legislation aimed at assessing driving schools. Announced by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, this initiative intends to address longstanding issues concerning driver education and road safety.
According to the recently reported legislation, which is now under discussion and recorded in the State Duma's electronic database, the assessment will establish specific criteria for evaluating driving schools. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) will be tasked with crafting these metrics, which are expected to include factors such as the percentage of graduates who pass their exams on the first attempt and the number of traffic accidents involving newly-licensed drivers within two years of gaining their licenses.
"The culture of driving directly affects road safety," stated Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, underscoring the initiative's aim to reshape the standards for driving instruction across Russia.
Currently, statistics reveal concerning trends: only 14% of students at driving schools successfully pass their licensing exams on the first try. Experts attribute this low success rate to various factors, including inadequate teaching techniques and instructors' insufficient knowledge of modern vehicle technologies such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). These findings suggest there is much room for improvement within the driver education sector.
Among those voicing concerns about the state of driving instruction is Pyotr Shkumatov, representative of the Public Front (ONF). He remarked, "Frequent accidents among beginners signal gaps in training," advocating for the need to hold driving schools accountable. He asserted, "Driving schools whose graduates regularly wind up in traffic incidents should lose their licenses."
Auto expert Viktor Martynenko echoed these sentiments, indicating the problem is systemic. He emphasized the necessity for instructors who blend technical expertise with pedagogical skills, lamenting, "Many educators are rough and do not adequately enforce the completion of training hours."
Political scientist Alexei Roshchin connected the low quality of driving instruction with the pervasive issue of corruption within the education system. He remarked, "This open rating system could empower consumers, enabling them to choose responsible drivers' schools instead of resorting to avenues for merely obtaining licenses."
The proposed public rating system is meant to create transparency and enable prospective students and their families to make informed choices when selecting driving schools. Data will be readily accessible on designated platforms, allowing users to leave feedback based on their experiences. Such initiatives aim to eliminate poorly performing schools from the market, thereby ensuring safer roads for everyone.
With this new measure set to take effect, it is hoped the quality of driver education will markedly improve, reducing accident rates and fostering responsible driving from the outset. This assessment will encourage driving schools to refine their curricula and promote accountability across the sector. With heightened scrutiny and public engagement, the government aims to cultivate safer roads and more competent drivers throughout Russia.