In an interview with the "Kabar" agency, President Sadyr Japarov spoke about the reasons that prompted the government to take control of driving schools. He noted that this is necessary to combat corruption and improve the quality of driver training. According to the head of state, the existing system contributed to an increase in the number of accidents and fatalities on the roads.
- Good afternoon, Sadyr Nurgoyevich. Why are private driving schools closing and state ones being created?
- Good afternoon. I initiated reforms in this area. Note that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were no significant changes in driver training and vehicle registration. This sector was under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Registration Service, but unfortunately, corruption became deeply entrenched. Regardless of changes in leadership, many of them were involved in corrupt schemes.
At the start of the reform, we began to independently issue driver's licenses, registration numbers, and technical passports, instead of purchasing them from abroad. At that time, there were also skeptics who claimed it wouldn't succeed, but we managed. All information is now in a single database, and the system is fully digitized. However, driving schools still remained in the old system.
- Could the reform have been conducted without closing private driving schools?
- Most private driving schools were not interested in quality driver training. Their main goal was profit. Citizens simply submitted documents, received certificates after a while, and went to "Unaa" for licenses without even taking exams.
Corruption schemes were in place with "Unaa," which issued licenses. Previously, no one failed exams; obtaining a license was easy because they were bought. We brought order to the State Enterprise "Unaa," and now graduates of private driving schools face difficulties when taking exams, sometimes having to retake them 10-15 times. The reason lies in insufficient training, as private schools showed no interest in the quality of education. We have many young people who have licenses but do not know how to drive, waiting for the moment they buy a car to learn.
- Do you think the increase in accidents is related to this situation?
- The causes of accidents are varied, and they are difficult to predict. However, it can be asserted that low requirements for driver training are one of the main reasons. In Kyrgyzstan, more than 900 people die in traffic accidents every year; in some years, this number exceeds a thousand. This is a real tragedy, as even in wartime, so many lives are not lost. We lose hundreds of people in ordinary accidents. Corruption in driver training and the purchase of licenses, poor education, and irresponsible attitudes are the main factors behind these tragedies. We must acknowledge this.
- What advantages will state driving schools have?
- State driving schools will have all the necessary conditions. We will provide a modern training base, new equipment, and qualified specialists. We will print the training materials ourselves. Drivers will receive comprehensive training—from understanding the vehicle to traffic rules and road behavior culture. The main priority is not profit but human life. The safety of citizens is our top priority.
- Owners of private driving schools are unhappy with the closure of their businesses. What do you say to them?
- We warned them in advance. We informed them that after 2026, the issuance of licenses to private schools would be stopped and that reform was necessary. However, many continued to operate on old principles. It was profitable for them to conduct training in 10 days and issue certificates, as this brought in money, while the responsibility for training was pushed to the background. Such an approach cannot be allowed to remain in the industry. But we will not leave specialists who worked in private schools without jobs—they will be able to take positions in state driving schools.
- Some express dissatisfaction with the training duration, considering 10 months too long.
- They spread information hoping to preserve their private interests. They say that "the price will be high, and 10 months is too long." In fact, the price will be justified, and calculations are currently underway. Claims of 100 or 150 thousand are just rumors.
A person behind the wheel is responsible for the lives of their loved ones. So, Medер, tell me, would you put your son or daughter in a car with an untrained driver?
- No, I wouldn’t do that.
- You see, the safety of your loved ones is important, right? But private driving schools prioritized their interests above all, issuing certificates without proper training. For us, the safety of every citizen, their knowledge, and driving experience are important. A driver's license is obtained once in a lifetime, so it’s better to study a little longer for the benefit of all. This will help protect not only your loved ones but also other citizens. Those who buy licenses often end up in accidents, taking lives—such cases happen daily.
- Is it possible to integrate driving education into the school curriculum?
- We have already done this. Starting this September, a course on traffic rules will be introduced in schools. Our children will learn the traffic rules and responsibilities while still in school. From next year, graduates will be able to take the exam without additional training and, if successful, obtain a license. The new state driving schools will train those older than school age.
I want to appeal to all citizens: do not succumb to the provocations of those who want to create unrest for their own interests. Soon everything will stabilize and be on the right path. This will take time.
