The President noted that the old system was prone to corruption, and reforms in this area are extremely necessary. “The lack of control and corrupt schemes were characteristic of both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Registration Service, and changing leaders did not solve the problem,” Japarov said.
“When we started the reforms, we took on the functions of issuing license plates, driver's licenses, and technical passports. Previously, we purchased these documents from abroad. Despite the criticism, we implemented this project. Now all data is in a unified database, and the system is digitized. It is important to note that now only driving schools remain,” he added.
— Is it possible to reform private driving schools without closing them?
— “Unfortunately, many private driving schools did not strive for quality driver training. Their main goal is profit. Citizens received certificates of course completion without proper training, and then went to 'Unaa' for driver's licenses without even taking exams,” the president emphasized.
The president noted that corrupt schemes existed in tandem with the state institution 'Unaa'. “Now we have brought order to this enterprise and are exercising strict control. Graduates of private driving schools often fail exams because they did not receive proper education,” he added.
According to Japarov, more than 900 deaths occur every year in Kyrgyzstan as a result of traffic accidents, and in some years this figure exceeds 1,000. “This is a real tragedy. We are losing hundreds of people due to corruption in the driver training system and poor quality education,” he stated.
— What advantages do state driving schools have?
— “State driving schools offer modern training conditions, including updated equipment and qualified instructors. Textbooks are developed independently, and attention is paid not only to driving but also to technical aspects, traffic rules, and safety,” the president noted.
— Private driving school owners say their business is closing. What will you say to them?
— “We warned them in advance about the need for reforms. But many continued to operate without changing their practices. We cannot leave this area with such an irresponsible approach. However, we will try to employ specialists from private schools in state ones,” Japarov stated.
— Many complain about the length of training, claiming that 10 months is too long.
— “These statements are made in an attempt to save their business. We do not plan to set high prices for training, and the safety of students is our priority. We cannot afford to train drivers hastily,” he added, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.
— Will driving lessons be included in the school curriculum?
— “Starting this September, schools will begin lessons on traffic rules. Graduates will be ready for exams without additional training,” the president concluded.
Japarov urged the public not to succumb to manipulation, promising that over time everything will fall into place.
