Armenia to introduce mandatory driving school attendance, Interior  Ministry announces

ArmInfo.  Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan held a meeting on August  18 with representatives from driving schools and organizations  involved in driver licensing services to discuss sweeping reforms to  the country's driving education and examination system.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the discussions  focused on improving the current driver's license issuance process,  boosting the efficiency of examination services, and aligning  industry standards with international best practices.

Emphasizing that building a culture of road safety begins with  education, Sargsyan stated that the planned reforms aim to go beyond  preparing students merely to pass the theoretical exam. Instead, the  overhauled system is designed to cultivate safe, responsible driving  behavior among future motorists.

A central point of the meeting was the proposed introduction of  mandatory driving school attendance.  Industry representatives  welcomed the initiative, agreeing that formal training will  significantly enhance both the theoretical knowledge and practical  skills of learner drivers.  Licensing requirements for driving  schools were another key topic on the agenda. Participants put  forward proposals to ensure that schools meet strict standards  regarding proper training conditions, technical equipment, and  safety.

Additionally, attendees exchanged views on streamlining the licensing  process, drawing on international experience. Proposals included  expanding the theoretical exam question pool and developing a unified  textbook.

Sargsyan noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue  intensive discussions with stakeholders to build a more effective,  professional, and secure driver training system. The meeting  concluded with an agreement to hold further professional  consultations to finalize the reform proposals.