In his recent address, President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the importance of road safety and the need to reform the driver's license issuance system.
According to him, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, practical driving exams virtually ceased, and since then, 90% of drivers have obtained their licenses illegally. "This is a sad reality that I can confirm," he noted.
Japarov highlighted that most drivers are unable to answer simple questions about their vehicles, which leads to an increase in traffic accidents. Statistics show that from 2014 to 2020, 6,159 people died as a result of traffic accidents, and from 2021 to the present, 3,818 people. The president links the decrease in casualties to the start of measures aimed at improving the situation.
“The situation requires further action. Since 2014, the number of people injured in accidents has reached 121,896. These are not just numbers — they are human lives, and this issue demands our attention,” he added. Japarov also noted that we are not only losing citizens but also facing financial costs for the treatment of the injured.
The president announced that from now on, purchasing a driver's license will be impossible. Drivers caught violating the rules will be required to take exams. “What’s wrong with that? Even those who have forgotten the rules should return to training,” he said.
Japarov recalled a real case where one of the sellers of licenses witnessed a tragedy when his acquaintance, who had bought a license, hit a person. "This should make everyone involved in this practice think," he added.
The president expressed confidence that a system should be implemented where driver's licenses are issued only to those who have undergone comprehensive training. He cited European experience, where training can take up to three years. "The accident statistics in Europe are almost zero. Why can't we achieve the same?" Japarov asked.
He proposed introducing additional traffic rules courses in schools, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Road Safety Administration. The public will be informed about the process by the end of November.
“Why 14 months? This time is necessary for teachers to adapt the program to the age characteristics of the students and ensure quality material absorption,” the president explained.
Practical classes will be conducted taking into account weather conditions, and students will gain knowledge on how to behave behind the wheel in difficult situations.
Japarov also noted that training should be mandatory for everyone, as each of us is a participant in road traffic, whether as a driver or a pedestrian. The technical base for conducting classes is already prepared, and driving schools will be available in all regions.
For adults who have completed schools or universities, training will take place in driving schools, and the training period may be shortened.
“There will be no more corruption! Forget about buying licenses for money. Now driver's licenses will be issued only to those who have earned them through their knowledge and efforts,” the president concluded.
