Alarming Pass Rates Spark Driving School Reforms in Moldova
The Ministry of Education and Research announced that a mere 23% of driving licence candidates passed their first attempt at the practical test, while only 50% passed the theoretical test.
This concerning data prompted the Ministry, in collaboration with the Public Services Agency, to conduct the first-ever study on the quality of instruction provided by driving schools in Moldova. The analysis focused on data collected between January 1, 2023, and April 2024.
As a consequence of the study's findings, the authorities will be reviewing the accreditation process for driving schools. The report, presented by the Ministry of Education's State Secretary, Galina Rusu, revealed that roughly 80,000 individuals enrolled in driving schools over the past year and a few months, but only 52,000 successfully graduated.
"The data is troubling," said Rusu. "A government mandate requires at least 50% of candidates to pass the theoretical test on their first attempt. However, our analysis of 119 category-B driving schools, those that train drivers for standard licences, revealed that only 64 met this requirement. Furthermore, none of the schools met the requirements for practical test results."
Education Minister Dan Perciun announced a series of upcoming reforms. The Ministry will be reviewing the accreditation process for driving schools, the professional training requirements for instructors, the evaluation procedures at the Public Services Agency, and will introduce sanctions for schools that fail to comply with regulations.
"Sanctions are necessary for driving schools that essentially function as diploma mills," stated Perciun. "The system-wide average for passing the theoretical test on the first attempt is 50%. Yet, among graduates, and consequently, driving schools, the pass rate is significantly lower than 10%. This raises serious concerns about the quality of education provided by these schools and creates the potential for further corruption at the Public Services Agency, as individuals who haven't properly learned might seek alternative means to pass the exams. Ultimately, the issue revolves around the quality of the education being delivered."
The Minister of Education also specified that a meeting with representatives of driving schools has been scheduled for next week. There are currently 65 driving training units in the Republic of Moldova, with 63 offering programs solely for obtaining a category B licence.
It is important to note that due to the high number of road accidents in recent years, the government approved new regulations for driving school operations last year. These regulations mandated that driving schools and institutions training personnel in the field of road transport operate based on programs accredited only by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. The new provisions aim to eliminate corruption from the driver training system and ensure international recognition of driving licences issued in Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
