The Chief of Staff of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kanibek Tumanbaev, noted in his recent comments that the reform of the driver training and licensing system in the country is not aimed against private driving schools, but rather at increasing road safety and reducing the number of accidents. This statement followed protests from representatives of private driving schools.
Tumanbaev also pointed out a long-standing issue where some private driving schools were effectively allowed to sell driver's licenses. According to him, this contributed to an increase in the number of traffic accidents.
“Every accident is not just a statistic. Behind them are broken lives, tragedies, and orphaned children. A comparison of traffic accident data for 2025 and 2024 shows an increase in both the number of accidents and casualties. This is not a coincidence, but the result of long-term neglect of the problem,” he emphasized.
He explained that the owners of private driving schools were informed in advance about the upcoming changes. Tumanbaev mentioned that a meeting with the heads of driving schools took place at “Yntymak Ordo,” where all stages of the reform were explained in detail.
“Therefore, claims that no one was notified are unfounded,” he added.
Kanibek Tumanbaev also highlighted the low level of knowledge of traffic rules among many drivers, which is confirmed by mass failures in theoretical exams.
“Driving a car is not just a skill. It is a huge responsibility. When getting behind the wheel, a person must consider not only their own life but also the lives of other road users,” he noted.
At the same time, Tumanbaev emphasized that the reform does not aim to discredit all private driving schools.
“There are qualified teachers and specialists in this field. The reform is aimed at improving the system, and the best personnel will be integrated into state training to enhance the safety of citizens,” he added.
According to information, the reform will initiate a complete modernization of the vehicle registration and driver's license issuance system. The main innovation will be the requirement for trainees to receive education only in driving schools under state control.
Starting in mid-February 2026, applications for training under a new curriculum, which will be approved in accordance with updated state standards, will be accepted.
“These measures are not against business, but for the preservation of human lives. Although difficulties may arise at first, order will be restored. The state will consistently eliminate corrupt elements and complete the reform,” concluded Kanibek Tumanbaev.
