Considering the introduction of a mandatory 10-month course for category B drivers in Kyrgyzstan, the editorial team of Kaktus.media decided to study international experiences in driver training and investigate how the duration of training affects road safety.
Global Practices
USA and UK (exams are more important than formal training): In the United States, there is no single federal requirement for training – each state sets its own rules. Typically, adult candidates can obtain a license simply by passing a written test and a practical exam, without the need to attend a driving school. The training time is not strictly regulated: young drivers are required to have a learner's permit and a certain number of practice hours with a mentor, while adults can often manage without courses. The situation is similar in the UK: the law does not require taking lessons from an instructor; it is only important to pass the exams. In practice, however, most beginners still train with instructors, and on average, about 45 hours of theory and 20 hours of practice are required for successful completion. However, there is no minimum number of hours – the main thing is to pass the exams.Germany and other European countries (mandatory training in driving schools): Many European countries have strict training requirements. In Germany, candidates must complete a course at a certified driving school, including 14 theoretical classes of 90 minutes each and a minimum of 12 practical lessons (including five trips on rural roads and three at night). This process usually lasts from 3 to 5 months before candidates are allowed to take the exams. Similar requirements apply in France, Spain, and other EU countries: without a certificate of completion from a driving school, one cannot take the exams. In Denmark, for example, one must complete 28 hours of theory and practice on special sites before the exam, making formal training mandatory in many European countries.
Japan and South Korea (strict multi-stage exams): In Japan, obtaining a driver's license is known for its difficulty. The minimum age is 18, and candidates face very strict practical tests: even the slightest mistake can lead to failure. The success rate on the first attempt is only 35%. Formally, training at a driving school is not strictly mandatory, but most Japanese drivers take courses at accredited schools to successfully pass the exam. There are also driving schools whose graduates are exempt from the state exam, needing only to pass an internal test and theory. Completing the course takes 2-3 months, but there is an option to take an intensive program in a few weeks. South Korea also uses a multi-stage system: candidates first take a road safety course, then pass a written exam, perform practical tasks on a closed site, and, after obtaining a temporary license, take the final exam in real conditions. Although there are no strict hour requirements in Korean driving schools, it is extremely difficult to pass all stages without preparation, making the training process longer.
CIS Countries (mandatory courses): In many post-Soviet countries, mandatory training in driving schools with a set duration is provided. In Russia, for example, a candidate must complete about 130 hours of theory and 56 hours of practical driving with an instructor. Typically, the course lasts 3-4 months and ends with an internal exam, after which the student is allowed to take state tests at the traffic police. The exams are also divided into theory and two practical parts: first, exercises on a driving range, then driving in urban conditions. A similar system operates in Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other CIS countries.
Comparative analysis of training duration and accident rates
We present a comparative table for various countries showing the principles of training, minimum training periods, and accident statistics (fatalities per 100,000 residents per year):
| USA | Exams; formal training not required (mandatory for teenagers) | From a few weeks to 2 months depending on the state, but the internship lasts about a year | 14.2 |
| UK | Exams; formal training not mandatory (on average, beginners take ~45 hours) | 1-2 months | 2.6 |
| Germany | Mandatory training in driving schools (14×90 min theory, minimum 12 practical lessons); allowed to take exams | 3-5 months | 3.3 |
| Japan | Strict exam (multi-stage); formal training not mandatory, but most undergo training | 2-3 months (intensive ~2 weeks) | 2.1 |
| South Korea | Multi-stage exams; training not mandatory, but difficult to pass all tests without preparation | 2-3 months (intensive ~1 month) | 4.9 |
| Russia | Mandatory training in driving schools (over 130 hours of theory and 56 hours of practice); state exam in three stages | 3-4 months | 10.6 |
| Kazakhstan | Mandatory training in driving schools (~100+ hours); state exam in several stages | about 3 months | 12.7 |
Collapse
How does the duration of training affect safety?
Examining global practices, it is evident that countries with stricter driver training systems, such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea, show low road mortality rates. In contrast, in the USA, where obtaining a license is quicker and less regulated, the accident rate is significantly higher (about 14 per 100,000 residents). This may indicate that quality driver training contributes to increased safety.However, the relationship is not always straightforward. The UK, where there is no mandatory number of training hours, demonstrates a low accident rate (2.6), which can be explained by other factors: strict exams, a culture of compliance with traffic rules, and effective enforcement. At the same time, in Russia and several CIS countries, despite lengthy training, the accident rate remains high. This indicates the influence of many factors, including the quality of road infrastructure and adherence to rules.
Scientific studies on the impact of long training programs have yielded mixed results. In Europe, two-phase training systems have been implemented, but their impact on reducing accidents has proven to be unclear. For example, in Norway, the introduction of an extended course in the 1980s led to a 17% increase in accidents among young drivers, which was associated with overconfidence after training in extreme driving. As a result, Norway abandoned the mandatory second stage of training.
Thus, the duration of training does not guarantee a reduction in accident rates. Key factors include the quality of training, the realism of exams, and a comprehensive approach: creating conditions for gradual training of beginners and strict enforcement of violations in the first years of driving. For example, a combination of moderately long training (2-3 months) with supervised practice and a probationary period has shown greater effectiveness than simply increasing the number of training hours.
