Armenia Plans to Make Driving Schools Mandatory for License Applicants

Armenia's Ministry of Internal Affairs is considering a major policy shift that would require citizens to complete a formal driving school course before taking their driving exams. Officials have already met with industry experts to outline potential licensing standards and weigh the broader impacts of the reform on both the state and the public.

Raising Standards and Certifying Instructors

Artashes Stepanyan, founder of a local driving school, believes the new regulations will help eliminate unscrupulous operators from the market, ultimately improving driver preparedness. He notes that the proposed changes would require formal qualifications not just for the schools themselves, but also for individual instructors. In fact, an institution's ability to secure a license could directly depend on the professional caliber of its staff, though specific criteria are still being finalized.

Corruption Risks and Oversight Concerns

However, the initiative has sparked some skepticism. Civil activist Artak Gaboyan warns that the new system could open the door to state favoritism and corruption. He points to Armenia's mandatory vehicle inspection system as a cautionary tale, arguing that current oversight mechanisms for such requirements remain deeply flawed. To mitigate these risks, Gaboyan stresses the urgent need to ensure a fair, competitive market and implement strict public monitoring of the licensing process.

International Practices

The European Union lacks a unified model for driving school operations, with each state regulating the sector independently:

• In Germany and Austria, attending a recognized driving school is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining a license.
• Switzerland requires specialized training combined with a period of supervised driving for beginners.
• France offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to prepare for their exams without attending formal driving classes under certain conditions.